Real Estate Market Manager

About the role

Executes the company’s real estate strategy for an assigned region/business unit, partnering with internal stakeholders and broker networks to source, evaluate, negotiate, and execute new stores, relocations, expansions, and renewals. Leverages analytics and market insights to optimize capital deployment and mitigate risk. Typically supports 25–30 capital projects and 80–120 lease renewals annually, driving timely execution and strong financial outcomes.

Responsibilities

Portfolio Management

• Build and execute market strategies with Real Estate Analysts (closures, relocations, and new store opportunities).

• Partner with in-market brokers to execute approved plans and prioritize high-return sites with limited cannibalization.

• Prepare and present transaction recommendations (new, relocate, close) to the Real Estate Committee.

• Evaluate renew/relocate/exit scenarios with Asset Management and Finance (occupancy cost, capex, timing).

Market Strategy

• Use forecasting, customer/demographic (e.g., GIS), and market planning tools to model scenarios and build financial cases.

• Develop multi-year market plans to optimize the store network using customer and performance data.

• Conduct market tours with brokers and internal partners to evaluate trade areas and validate strategy.

Deal Making & Lease Renewals

• Negotiate LOIs and leases for new/relocation deals (economics, TI, incentives, and downside protections).

• Negotiate renewals and present recommendations well ahead of lease expirations.

• Represent the company at ICSC and industry events to build relationships and advance market plans.

Pipeline Management

• Align lease expirations with relocation/opening timelines to minimize overlap rent.

• Manage deals through legal to execute documents on time and maintain development schedules.

• Join weekly status calls with Project Management and Legal to remove blockers and meet dates.

Administrative and Due Diligence

• Underwrite renewals using sales trends, lease terms, market rents, competition, and long-term strategy; size/test alternatives as needed.

• Use retail/landlord relationships to gather performance intel and rent comps that inform strategy and negotiations.

• Document final terms, assemble deal packages, and secure Real Estate Committee approvals.

• Bachelor’s degree (Finance, Real Estate, or related).
• 5–7 years of experience in retail real estate.
• LOI/lease negotiation experience (economics, key provisions, risk mitigation).
• Strong analytics (forecasting platforms and demographic data).
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent transactions in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Excel; proficient in PowerPoint, Outlook, and related tools.
• Travel as needed to evaluate markets, sites, and trade areas.

• Analytical, structured problem-solver.
• Self-directed; effective in structured and ambiguous environments.
• Clear written/verbal communicator; strong executive presence.
• Collaborative; builds strong cross-functional relationships.
• High professionalism and discretion; handles confidential information.
• Leads through influence; mentors others as needed.

The work environment generally involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, retail stores, and residences or commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, and occasionally requires carrying, moving and setting up of computers, for example desktops, monitors, printers, and other small hardware in the testing lab.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and outstanding benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, p