Director, Real Estate Counsel- Corporate Headquarters, NJ (Secaucus)

Job Description:

This position will be responsible for executing the legal function of the real estate department (known internally as Store Development).

Key Accountabilities:

• Serve as primary counsel for all matters related to the Companys real estate portfolio.
• Negotiate, draft, and review retail leases (with a focus on retail store leases in U.S. and Canada), lease amendments, lease restructurings, store relocation agreements, termination agreements, construction exhibits and other real estate contracts, lease action documentation and related real estate documentation (e.g., estoppels, SNDAs, letters of intent, default letters and other Landlord/Tenant correspondences).
• Provide ad-hoc legal counsel on all real estate related matters, including interpreting and analyzing existing agreements, and advising on disputes and strategy.
• Manage a high volume of leases, and in a highly organized and professional manner; able to work well in a collegial but fast-paced environment and to collaborate with intra-departmental and cross-departmental business partners as well as outside brokers, consultants and attorneys.
• Manage and act as liaison with outside counsel for more complex real estate issues and negotiations.
• Manage real estate related litigation matters and disputes, including overseeing outside counsel.

Education and Experience:

• Strong academic credentials, including a J.D. degree from an accredited law school and membership in good standing in at least one state bar.
• 6-12 years of relevant leasing and commercial real estate legal experience in a law firm and/or in a corporate in-house legal role (retail experience a plus); compensation to be commensurate with experience level.

Skills and Behaviors:

• Proven ability to independently, and on a first-chair basis, structure, draft, negotiate, manage and close sophisticated leasing transactions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong negotiation ability, with an eye toward pragmatic, mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal and client management skills, with an ability to inspire confidence and trust with a variety of clients and business partners.
• Proven ability to handle stressful situations, a high-volume workload, and provide client service in a calm and professional manner.
• Flexibility and strong analytic and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• A dedication and commitment to practicing law in a fast-paced, team-focused environment.
• Knowledge of cost-effective management of outside legal resources.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work towards multiple deadlines with shifting priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.