Vice President Real Estate

Job Description

VP, Real Estate Strategy & Store Development

Chicago, IL | Full-Time

Reports to: COO / Ownership

A rapidly growing specialty fashion retailer is seeking a VP, Real Estate Strategy & Store Development to lead its national real estate and store development strategy.

This is a highly visible leadership role overseeing the full lifecycle of the retail portfolio — real estate, lease negotiations, construction, new store openings, remodels, facilities, and procurement.

Key Responsibilities

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• Lead national real estate strategy, market selection, and portfolio planning
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• Manage new store site selection, lease negotiations, renewals, and relocations
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• Oversee new store development from LOI through opening
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• Build and manage relationships with national GCs, architects, brokers, and vendors
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• Lead remodel strategy, capital planning, and execution
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• Oversee facilities, maintenance, energy, and store-related procurement
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• Lead and develop the internal construction team
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• Present strategic recommendations and capital plans to ownership
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Ideal Candidate

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• 10+ years of retail real estate, construction, or store development experience
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• Experience with a 50–200+ store specialty retail organization
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• Proven national experience across multiple U.S. markets
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• Strong enclosed mall and major landlord/REIT experience
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• Track record of opening 15+ stores annually
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• Experience managing $25M+ annual capital budgets
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• Strong lease negotiation and financial modeling expertise
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• Established relationships with national general contractors
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• Experience managing concurrent new-store and remodel programs
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• Willingness to travel extensively throughout the U.S.
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• Entrepreneurial, hands-on leadership style with an owner's mindset
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Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a growing national retail footprint and have a direct impact on where the company grows, how quickly stores open, how capital is invested, and how the portfolio performs.

Competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401(k), medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, disability and life insurance, commuter benefits, and employee discounts.