Job Description

General Summary

The Sr. Director, Real Estate leads global enterprise real estate growth and store portfolio (+700 stores), strategic roadmap, and execution including DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse retail stores located in the US and Canada and Shoe Company stores located in Canada. Responsibility includes all other real estate and leasing needs including warehouse and office space locations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead real estate strategy to achieve LRP goals and ensure maximum return and profitability.
• Develop and execute annual new store development strategy to support market development and company growth goals.
• Develop plans for existing stores network optimization, in fill opportunities, and new market expansion of DBI real estate.
• Advise and oversee site selection, leasing space and other functions relating the retail store and office portfolios.
• Ensure the development of pipeline locations to support development across the strategic planning horizon.
• Maintain excellent communication with real estate brokers, owners, landlords, and real estate representatives of other retail tenants.
• Lead partnership with cross functional business partners, including Store Operations, Construction, Finance, and Legal on new location selection, existing store refresh and renewal strategies.
• Negotiate all aspects of real estate transactions including financial terms, site specific issues, construction allowances, rental abatements, co-tenancy rights, lease kickouts, delivery timeframes, etc. for new store locations, relocations, downsizes, remodels, renewals and closures.
• Monitor existing real estate value, assess expansion patterns of competitors and evaluate potential sites based on demographics, property cost, and market potential.
• Provide executive leadership to third-party broker network for market analysis, site selection, transaction, and approvals.
• Create and implement management policies for a portfolio of real estate assets, which may include retail and/or commercial retail properties.
• Manage and monitor progress of Company portfolio and makes assessments on renewals, extensions, and terminations.
• Gather and analyze market data to determine appropriate markets and locations.
• Collaborate with company leadership to provide insights, market analysis, and recommendations.
• Lead collaboration with Legal to ensure all critical dates and other aspect of lease management are adhered to for locations in area of responsibility.
• Support the store development process post approval, including working collaboratively with Legal and Construction to ensure all deadlines are met in a timely manner.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated success as a trusted advisor, advancing senior executives’ business strategies and driving outcomes
• Ability to gain deep understanding of the business and connect solutions to business needs
• Executive presence that can connect across levels, functions, and regions; strong ability to influence
• Proven negotiations skills
• Advanced analytical skills
• Understanding of retail business real estate needs
• Highly collaborative approach with clear and thoughtful communications and engagement
• Comfortable with ambiguity and ability to lead through the unknown
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills at the senior executive level

Competencies

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP – Deliberately communicates overall business strategy and connects it to the work of the functional team. Anticipates future trends and implications accurately. Leverages market knowledge to anticipate, capitalize on and drive change. Articulate credible pictures and visions of possibilities that will create sustainable value. Creates competitive and breakthrough strategies that show a clear connection between vision and action. Is willing to champion an idea or position despite dissent or political risk. Tackles tough issues, sharing sensitive messages or unpopular points of view effectively. Influences inside and outside of functional area for positive impact on business performance. Owns the development of successors and individuals who have potential for further development.

LEADING & MOTIVATING – Serves as a champion and driver of Designer Brands values and culture. Attracts and selects the best talent to meet current and future business needs. Motivates and inspires others through rewards, authentic connections and meaningful recognition. Fosters diversity and an inclusive workplace where individual differences are valued and leveraged. Seeks new ways to evolve and challenge self. Develops team through delegation, challenges outside of the comfort zone and effective coaching and feedback. Shares ideas in a compelling manner that gains commitment. Champions change for positive impact on business results.

MANAGING FOR RESULTS – Establishes models and enforces accountability. Gets the most out of available resources and secures rare resources others cannot get. Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple stakeholders. Persists in accomplishing objectives. Pushes the team to elevate goals as results are achieved. Transforms functional area to achieve maximum results. Seizes opportunities and connects business insights to increase profit and revenue.

Experience:

• 12+ years experience in commercial retail real estate
• 8+ years of experience and mastery of relationship management/business partnership with senior executives

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required. Degrees in business, MBAs and/or legal degrees preferred