Manager, Retail Leasing

GENERAL SUMMARY

To deliver expertise and recommendations to VF China’s range of brands based on the strategic direction and management of the retail real estate portfolio.

To facilitate all retail real estate leasing related activities including site selection, lease negotiation and landlord relationship management, and to leverage VF’s growth and footprint to optimize locations and negotiations to ensure profitability.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Supporting the Retail Leasing Director in the creation and execution of a VF China strategic retail real estate portfolio plan to optimize the value of the Company's portfolio of assets and meet financial objectives.
• Secure profitable retail and outlet store locations, based on brand and commercial criteria, negotiating the most favourable terms possible.
• Work with the brand and finance teams to produce the capital expense requests (WEAs) required to open new stores, extend leases.
• Partner on business plans to proactively manage market planning process and all aspects of market development including, but not limited to: exploring new markets for opportunities, touring existing markets to anticipate renewals or better strategic site identification to meet pipeline store openings and expansions.
• Review lease expirations and develop plans with each brand for renewals, relocations, closures and guides analyses on impact of any of these.
• Prepare and analyze lease evaluation packages and leasing decisions, ensuring that leases are renewed in a timely manner with optimum profitability.
• With the key stakeholders in the brands, develop relationships with real estate brokers and lease management companies and manage broker performance and selection.
• Maintain active relationships with regional, local and national landlords.
• Set KPI measurement to maximize investment priorities in line with market mapping development.
• Together with the Brand Store Operations teams, use the analysis of under-performing stores and provide guidance on possible solutions.
• Partner with VF legal department, prepare letters of intent or renewal agreements and resolve legal, lease, and renewal issues.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and /or abilities required for the individual to be successful in this position:

• The ideal candidate will be an accomplished commercial real estate executive who is well known in the industry and possesses deep and congenial relationships with key retail real estate developers and landlords.
• He/ she will have extensive experience and proven credentials as a top real estate executive in a multi-national retail organization or from an established developer focused on retail.
• The candidate must have thorough knowledge of market planning and advanced negotiation strategy and techniques. He/ she will possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships and influence business partners at all levels.
• Extensive full China real estate experience would be desirable with a key focus on Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
• The ability to think conceptually and strategically regarding business challenges combined with a bias for action and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Ability to recognize opportunities to collaborate and integrate where possible to minimise costs and maximize relationships.
• Strong evidence of Real Estate Return of Investment focus. Experience in financial planning and analysis preferred.

• Education: University Degree or a Masters’ degree would be desirable

• Experience: A minimum of 5 years’ experience in retail real estate and lease negotiations with a reputable retailer or developer.
• Language skills: Fluent English and Chinese

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills; Expert in the use of Excel
• Other:
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to details
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking abilities
• High knowledge of core processing
• Strong ability of problem solving
• Willing to travel