Manager, Real Estate (1224)

Core Accountabilities

• Spearhead Watches of Switzerland Group’s real estate and business development strategy across North America, driving brand growth through evaluation and management of high-impact site acquisitions, relocations, and key market entries.
• Organize and facilitate the end-to-end retail expansion lifecycle including: opportunity assessment, site selection, contract structuring, financial viability, and internal alignment with Legal, Retail, Store Development, Business Development and Finance.
• Cultivate and manage strong relationships with premier mall operators, landlords, brokers, and department store partners.
• Prepare and deliver strategic real estate updates to US and UK Trading Board executives on a regular basis, and present detailed business cases monthly.
• Oversee and actively manage lease portfolio: renewals, rent benchmarks, performance KPIs, and renegotiations.
• Lead/create executive-level real estate decks (PowerPoint), incorporating engineering feasibility, P&L impact assessments and long-term sustainability.
• All other projects and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Experience + Attributes

• Experience growing and managing a retail property portfolio for a national or global brand, ideally with a luxury retail brand.
• Comfortable using market data, performance results, and customer insights to guide decisions and shape long-term portfolio plans.
• Skilled in navigating lease discussions and securing terms that support both financial goals and brand needs.
• Solid understanding of retail markets across North America, including trends, consumer patterns, and key regions.
• Genuine interest in helping create memorable retail environments that reflect the brand.
• Knowledge of tools used in real estate or market planning (e.g., mapping, location analytics, or lease management software).
• Willingness to travel for site visits, meetings, and project needs.
• Experience working within luxury or premium retail, where showroom presentation, service, and brand storytelling are central to the client experience.
• Familiarity with major North American shopping districts, and key landlord groups.
• Experience supporting new market entries, flagship openings, or large-scale relocations.
• Experience partnering closely with construction or store development teams during site handovers and build-outs.
• Comfort presenting recommendations to senior leaders and supporting business cases for new projects.
• Interest in emerging retail trends, client behaviors, and how physical locations support brand growth.