Director, Real Estate

ABOUT THE JOB Willscot is seeking a Director of Real Estate who will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the organization’s portfolio of owned and leased properties within the assigned territory. This role is responsible for developing and leading the company’s multi‑year real‑estate strategy and execution across new development, renewals, relocations, and portfolio optimization, in alignment with corporate financial and operational objectives. The position requires an analytical, strategic, and proactive candidate who can balance long‑term real‑estate planning with practical, cost‑effective solutions. WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING Partner with cross‑functional teams to forecast space needs based on business projections and market opportunities. Develop and execute comprehensive corporate real‑estate strategies aligned with operational requirements and financial objectives. Source opportunities, analyze existing and potential new locations, determine market requirements, build business models with financial sensitivities, provide feasibility options and business justifications, identify risks, and recommend the best options that align with the overall organizational strategy. Proactively manage the real‑estate portfolio by tracking and reporting on upcoming lease events, critical project milestone dates, and other initiatives that require real‑estate involvement to deliver. Continuously evaluate market conditions, operational performance, and portfolio trends to revise strategy and provide data‑driven recommendations to senior leadership. Oversee all real‑estate transactions within the assigned territory including lease negotiations, acquisitions, renewals, dispositions and M&A due diligence. Serve as a senior escalation point for deal, landlord, operations and execution challenges, providing guidance and decision‑making support to the team. Negotiate favorable lease agreements, amendments, purchase contracts, and other real‑estate documentation. Ensure compliance with zoning laws, regulatory requirements, and environmental considerations. Lead the entire real‑estate life cycle of the portfolio including site identification, layout design, entitlements, capital expense budgeting, lease execution, landlord delivery, tenant improvements, lease administration and surrendering the premises at end of term. Demonstrate strong financial aptitude in evaluating real‑estate opportunities and portfolio decisions, partnering with finance to evaluate ROIs, new facility justifications, and lease vs. own analyses. Ensure real‑estate strategies and projects are fully integrated and compliant with zoning laws, regulatory requirements, environmental considerations and enterprise objectives. Support field leadership with market insights, portfolio updates, and strategic recommendations. Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and development plans for direct reports and extended team members, ensuring a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in relevant area of study (business, real estate, finance, economics); MBA preferred. 10+ years of experience in real‑estate transactions (corporate real‑estate experience preferred) with a solid understanding of design, development, and construction processes for tenant build‑out. Strong track record of successful real‑estate transactions including site selection, lease and purchase/sale negotiations, property administration, and property management. Extensive expertise in negotiations, reviewing legal contracts, financial modeling, project management, lease optimization, issue resolution, planning, and reporting. Strong computer skills with experience managing large amounts of data, analyzing complex datasets, and working with data in GIS systems. Exceptional problem‑solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex problems and information, then summarize recommendations to senior leaders in a clear and digestible format. Strong financial acumen, including budget management, financial analysis, P&L understanding, and ROI evaluation. High attention to detail with strong analytical and organizational capabilities. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to work across departments and with external stakeholders. Ability to create presentations and communicate effectively with senior level executives. Prior experience managing a team and empowering associates to achieve goals and objectives. Real‑estate project management experience, including managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. Strategic and critical thinking with strong business judgment and decision‑making capabilities. Collaborative mindset and team‑oriented approach to problem‑solving. Adaptable and effective in dynamic, fast‑paced business environments. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Ability to travel up to 30% required. BENEFITS All regular Willscot positions offer a generous benefits package to help our employees and their families be well. The package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, paid time off (including company holidays), tuition reimbursement, a retirement savings plan with company match, and more. Many positions also have variable pay opportunities including commission, bonus, performance rewards, or other incentive programs. DISCLAIMER Disclaimer: This posting describes the general nature and level of work performed and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, skills, or physical abilities required. Team members may be required to perform duties outside normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. This posting is for a(n) Existing Position. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr