US Director of Real Estate and Leasing

The client is seeking a hands-on US Director of Real Estate and Leasing to accelerate retail growth through the identification, negotiation, and securing of prime mall-based locations across key U.S. markets. This role supports an ambitious national expansion strategy and focuses on delivering high-quality, high-traffic sites for a brand-forward store rollout, partnering directly with developers and landlords to execute leasing priorities. The Director will lead the leasing strategy for store expansion, including site identification, evaluation, and securing new locations aligned with brand growth targets. Responsibilities include end-to-end lease negotiations covering new sites, renewals, relocations, and rent negotiations; building and maintaining direct relationships with landlords, mall operators, developers, and legal counterparts; and conducting market research and location analysis supported by personal site visits to assess visibility, access, and customer flow. Qualifications include significant in-house retail leasing experience from the brand side (not brokerage or acquisition), with a demonstrated track record negotiating and signing retail leases in mall environments. The ideal candidate has strong familiarity with U.S. mall lease structures and landlord expectations, is comfortable balancing strategic planning with on-the-ground evaluations, and can manage and mentor a small real estate team to support national growth goals. The role is expected to involve frequent travel for site selection and landlord meetings and may require proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with additional lease tracking and project management tools being a plus.