Director, Real Estate- Midwest
Skechers, Chicago, IL, United States
Headquartered in Southern California, Skechers—the Comfort Technology Company®—has spent over 30 years helping men, women, and kids everywhere look and feel good. Comfort innovation is at the core of everything we do, driving the development of stylish, high-quality products at a great value. From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers is a complete lifestyle brand.
ABOUT THE ROLE Negotiate real estate deals for the Midwest USA and Western Canada territory for Skechers Retail stores, including Concept stores (mall and high street), Outlet stores, Big Box stores, Temporary stores, and other retail formats. This includes new stores, remodels, expansions, relocations, short-term extensions and early terminations. This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Construction.
This is a Midwest-based role, with a preference for candidates in the greater Chicago area.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Analysis and understanding of the company's strategic retail plan and market expansion goals
Site identification and market research for optimal retail locations
Gathering and preparation of comprehensive due diligence materials (proformas, site maps, photographs, demographic analysis, traffic counts, comparable sales data, market research, etc.)
Preparation of letters of intent and lease proposals
Negotiate lease economics for new locations and lease renewals, optimizing terms and costs
Coordinate and collaborate with legal counsel on lease agreement negotiations and execution
Work closely with design, construction, merchandising, and operations teams to ensure projects open on schedule
Manage lease portfolio including expirations, renewals, and early terminations
Negotiate deals and prepare detailed proformas for Real Estate Committee review
Ensure all leases are fully executed prior to commencement of construction activities
Continuously evaluate and improve lease language and terms when negotiating deals
Monitor lease compliance and implement risk mitigation strategies
Maintain and cultivate relationships with brokers, landlords, developers, etc.
Perform additional real estate and leasing duties as assigned
Work from home with occasional visits to the home office.
Travel to retail sites (approx. 50% of the time).
Performance Target: Deliver 20+ net new stores annually while optimizing lease terms and costs
Monthly Real Estate Committee meetings to present store opportunities to the management team. These are typically held on
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
Proven experience in retail real estate, preferably in soft goods, footwear, or fashion retail
Strong analytical skills and advanced negotiation capabilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and PeopleSoft
Experience with real estate software platforms (CoStar, Argus, or similar) preferred
Data analytics and market research capabilities
Excellent communication skills with ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
Demonstrate ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
Strong project management skills: meets deadlines, prioritizes effectively, adapts to change, maintains composure under pressure
Understanding of retail construction principles, store planning, and design processes
Results-oriented with proactive problem-solving approach
Knowledge of Midwest USA and Western Canada retail markets preferred
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree required
10+ years of progressive experience in commercial real estate site selection, analysis, and lease negotiation
Must be based in the Midwest, ideally the Chicago area
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ABOUT THE ROLE Negotiate real estate deals for the Midwest USA and Western Canada territory for Skechers Retail stores, including Concept stores (mall and high street), Outlet stores, Big Box stores, Temporary stores, and other retail formats. This includes new stores, remodels, expansions, relocations, short-term extensions and early terminations. This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Construction.
This is a Midwest-based role, with a preference for candidates in the greater Chicago area.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Analysis and understanding of the company's strategic retail plan and market expansion goals
Site identification and market research for optimal retail locations
Gathering and preparation of comprehensive due diligence materials (proformas, site maps, photographs, demographic analysis, traffic counts, comparable sales data, market research, etc.)
Preparation of letters of intent and lease proposals
Negotiate lease economics for new locations and lease renewals, optimizing terms and costs
Coordinate and collaborate with legal counsel on lease agreement negotiations and execution
Work closely with design, construction, merchandising, and operations teams to ensure projects open on schedule
Manage lease portfolio including expirations, renewals, and early terminations
Negotiate deals and prepare detailed proformas for Real Estate Committee review
Ensure all leases are fully executed prior to commencement of construction activities
Continuously evaluate and improve lease language and terms when negotiating deals
Monitor lease compliance and implement risk mitigation strategies
Maintain and cultivate relationships with brokers, landlords, developers, etc.
Perform additional real estate and leasing duties as assigned
Work from home with occasional visits to the home office.
Travel to retail sites (approx. 50% of the time).
Performance Target: Deliver 20+ net new stores annually while optimizing lease terms and costs
Monthly Real Estate Committee meetings to present store opportunities to the management team. These are typically held on
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
Proven experience in retail real estate, preferably in soft goods, footwear, or fashion retail
Strong analytical skills and advanced negotiation capabilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and PeopleSoft
Experience with real estate software platforms (CoStar, Argus, or similar) preferred
Data analytics and market research capabilities
Excellent communication skills with ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
Demonstrate ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
Strong project management skills: meets deadlines, prioritizes effectively, adapts to change, maintains composure under pressure
Understanding of retail construction principles, store planning, and design processes
Results-oriented with proactive problem-solving approach
Knowledge of Midwest USA and Western Canada retail markets preferred
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree required
10+ years of progressive experience in commercial real estate site selection, analysis, and lease negotiation
Must be based in the Midwest, ideally the Chicago area
#J-18808-Ljbffr