Real Estate Manager

About the role

Lead strategic real estate decisions and transactions across Fielmann USA banners. Identify, evaluate, negotiate and secure locations for new stores, relocations, and expansions, from market strategy and site selection through LOI, lease execution and development handoff. Serve as a primary business negotiator with brokers and landlords and partner closely with legal counsel, Store Planning, Construction, and Finance to ensure approved locations support financial, operational, and opening‑date objectives.

Responsibilities

• Market strategy and site selection: Develop comprehensive strategic real estate development plans aligned with company growth priorities; research designated markets to assess fit with market criteria and identify viable locations for new stores, relocations and expansions; conduct market and site analysis using SiteSeer and other analytics; coordinate due‑diligence and site visits; build and maintain brokerage and landlord relationships.
• Transaction execution & lease negotiation: Initiate and complete real estate transactions for new stores, relocations, expansions, and lease term amendments; lead negotiations with brokers and landlords on rent, business terms and delivery timing; negotiate LOIs, leases, renewals, amendments in partnership with legal counsel; coordinate transaction issues through execution and align business terms, lease documentation, and development requirements.
• Site approval & financial evaluation: Prepare high‑quality real estate approval packages using PowerPoint, SiteSeer and supporting data; develop and present retail and competitive information for Real Estate Committee review, including aerials, community profiles, major employers, unemployment data, demographics, and sales projections; assist with sales projections and financial pro forma analysis; coordinate market and site visits for senior leadership review and approval.
• Development handoff & cross‑functional delivery: Work closely with Store Planning and Construction on store layouts, landlord delivery conditions, and location‑specific development requirements; partner with Store Planning, Design, and Construction to support timely governmental approvals, opening delivery dates, and landlord coordination; meet with local government officials regarding zoning, permits, and public hearings; support analysis of real estate considerations related to potential merger and acquisition targets.
• External representation & partnerships: Represent Fielmann USA in discussions and negotiations with brokers, landlords, government officials, and other external real estate partners; represent the company at relevant meetings, conferences, and conventions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant business field or equivalent work experience; MBA preferred.
• 3–5 years’ experience in commercial real estate with acquisitions and negotiations.
• 1–3 years’ supervisory/management experience.
• Experience with new store roll‑out strategies and SiteSeer analytics tool desired.
• Strong experience in detailed market/site analysis and financial analysis of real estate investments.
• Understanding of Midwest markets a plus.
• Demonstrated comprehension of real estate deal financials, pro forma models for new stores, and analytical frameworks for decision‑making.
• Corporate office real estate transactional experience a plus.
• Familiarity with store design, construction and engineering documents and processes.
• Knowledge of state, federal and local government rules and regulations related to commercial real estate.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Strong planning, organizational, verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Essential Functions & Work Requirements

• Effective written and two‑way verbal communication at all organizational levels.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Operate standard office equipment (computer, telephone, fax, copier, etc.).
• Read and write at a high‑school graduate level.
• Lift 10–20 pounds.
• Work normal and/or extended hours (evenings, nights, weekends) to meet deadlines.
• Travel independently to support company objectives and personal development; extensive travel (auto, airline, overnight) may be required.