Sr. Director Real Estate

Designer Brands Inc.•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Sr. Director, Real Estate leads global enterprise real estate growth and store portfolio (+700 stores), strategic roadmap, and execution including DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse retail stores located in the US and Canada and Shoe Company stores located in Canada. Responsibility includes all other real estate and leasing needs including warehouse and office space locations.

Requirements

Demonstrated success as a trusted advisor, advancing senior executives’ business strategies and driving outcomes
Ability to gain deep understanding of the business and connect solutions to business needs
Executive presence that can connect across levels, functions, and regions; strong ability to influence
Proven negotiations skills
Advanced analytical skills
Understanding of retail business real estate needs
Highly collaborative approach with clear and thoughtful communications and engagement
Comfortable with ambiguity and ability to lead through the unknown
Excellent verbal and written communication skills at the senior executive level
12+ years experience in commercial retail real estate
8+ years of experience and mastery of relationship management/business partnership with senior executives

Responsibilities

Lead real estate strategy to achieve LRP goals and ensure maximum return and profitability.
Develop and execute annual new store development strategy to support market development and company growth goals.
Develop plans for existing stores network optimization, in fill opportunities, and new market expansion of DBI real estate.
Advise and oversee site selection, leasing space and other functions relating the retail store and office portfolios.
Ensure the development of pipeline locations to support development across the strategic planning horizon.
Maintain excellent communication with real estate brokers, owners, landlords, and real estate representatives of other retail tenants.
Lead partnership with cross functional business partners, including Store Operations, Construction, Finance, and Legal on new location selection, existing store refresh and renewal strategies.
Negotiate all aspects of real estate transactions including financial terms, site specific issues, construction allowances, rental abatements, co-tenancy rights, lease kickouts, delivery timeframes, etc. for new store locations, relocations, downsizes, remodels, renewals and closures.
Monitor existing real estate value, assess expansion patterns of competitors and evaluate potential sites based on demographics, property cost, and market potential.
Provide executive leadership to third-party broker network for market analysis, site selection, transaction, and approvals.
Create and implement management policies for a portfolio of real estate assets, which may include retail and/or commercial retail properties.
Manage and monitor progress of Company portfolio and makes assessments on renewals, extensions, and terminations.
Gather and analyze market data to determine appropriate markets and locations.
Collaborate with company leadership to provide insights, market analysis, and recommendations.
Lead collaboration with Legal to ensure all critical dates and other aspect of lease management are adhered to for locations in area of responsibility.
Support the store development process post approval, including working collaboratively with Legal and Construction to ensure all deadlines are met in a timely manner.