Director of Leasing & Portfolio (Chesapeake)

The Director of Leasing is responsible for managing the growth and relocation strategy for a specified regions real estate portfolio. Responsibilities include lease negotiations, dispositions, and the contractual side of lease renewal transactions to ensure maximum cost savings to the Company while satisfying the functional real estate requirements of the business units.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities -

• Train and manage a team of Real Estate Managers to strategically locate stores, site selection criteria and related processes.
• Ensure real estate transactions meet the financial and operating objectives of the Company.
• Oversee the site-specific real estate process
• Responsible for all document flow related to real estate development projects
• Responsible for site selection of new stores
• Approve negotiated deals
• Negotiate relocations and expansions of existing stores for Real Estate Committee approval
• Negotiate lease renewal modifications for existing stores where applicable
• Manage the monitoring of lease notification dates through use of real estate database.
• Oversee the accuracy of data, by all system users, within the real estate database.
• Manage the renewal process in seeking continuous improvement through revised processes and procedures.
• Analyze leases for cost saving opportunities.
• Work with Leasing team to leverage new deals and relo/expansions with key dates
• Meet with landlords to review portfolio and address lease/rent issues
• Build relationships with landlords and other retailers to determine Best Practices
• Help REMs prioritize and focus their time w/respect to key dates.
• Work with Property Mgmt. to address issues at renewal time (bad HVAC, roof leaks, etc)
• Renegotiate rent and track savings related to rent reductions.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• BA or BS degree required
• Extensive travel
• Must be able to immediately handle a significant workload and effectively prioritize projects
• Proven communication skills both written and verbal
• Good time management skills and excellent attention to detail
• A proven track record of successfully managing multiple real estate projects in a fast paced work environment.
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Minimum 8-10 years experience in retail real estate with experience in both portfolio and new site acquisitions
• Customer service oriented
• Able to work independently and highly organized
• Extensive computer experience to include MS Office Suite
• Solid Landlord and Retailer relationships
• Knowledge of real estate markets, industry analysis and best practices.

Desired Qualifications - Desired but not required.

• Prior Management Experience