Lease Manager - UK&ie

H&M; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the fashion industry is seeking a Lease Manager to oversee the store portfolio strategy in London. This role involves negotiating lease contracts, collaborating with multiple teams, and ensuring long-term growth. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in leasing within the retail market and possess strong negotiation and planning skills. Join a vibrant team committed to sustainable fashion and enjoy attractive benefits, including a staff discount and development opportunities.

Benefits

Staff discount card

Participation in H&M Incentive Program

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in leasing or real estate.
• Strong planning and execution skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the store portfolio and negotiate lease contracts.
• Coordinate with various functions before finalizing negotiations.
• Optimize the existing portfolio for competitiveness.

Skills

Negotiation

Planning

Communication

Leadership

Organizational Skills

Job description

Job Description

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As a Lease Manager, you will be responsible for planning and executing the portfolio strategy in your assigned region, undertaking negotiations, and setting a foundation for collaboration and alignment across expansion functions on strategy and projects. You will work within the Expansion function, very closely with the Expansion Manager, managing the store portfolio which includes both new stores and lease actions for existing stores.

Your role is key in enabling long-term growth, presenting H&M in a positive and inspiring way, in accordance with our values, to current and potential business partners.

Key responsibilities will include:

1. Manage the store portfolio in a specific geographic region by obtaining the best possible deals, negotiating lease contracts with property owners, and enabling long-term growth.
2. Recommend business cases in terms of market strategy, location requirements, commercial ideas, configuration of space, economic and legal terms, and present ready-negotiated business cases for approval by country management.
3. Coordinate in a positive and collaborative way with other functions before finalizing negotiations (construction, store design, accounting, HR, marketing, merchandising, visual, security, etc.).
4. Support the legal and construction processes to facilitate the best deal, considering local requirements and dependencies.
5. Optimize and improve the existing portfolio to ensure it remains commercially competitive in the geographic area.
6. Negotiate lease actions for existing stores (breaks, terminations, lease extensions, rent reductions).
7. Ensure cross-collaboration and involve all necessary stakeholders, securing their input in the project timeline and service scope delivery.

Who You’ll Work With

In this role, you will collaborate with multiple teams including Legal, Construction and Facilities, and Accounts, providing key insights and recommendations.

Who You Are

We are looking for candidates with:

• At least 3 years of experience in leasing, real estate, or a similar role within the UK&IE retail market.
• A good understanding of retail customers, lease contracts, legal requirements, and business drivers.
• Alignment with our H&M values and company culture.
• Strong planning and execution skills, with a self-motivating work ethic.
• An entrepreneurial spirit with strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to drive short- and long-term goals.
• Clear and inspirational communication skills.
• Open-mindedness, flexibility, and adaptability to change.
• An omni customer service mindset.
• Attention to detail, with strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven leadership skills.

Who We Are

H&M Group is a global company of strong fashion brands and ventures. Our goal is to prove that there is no compromise between exceptional design, affordable prices, and sustainable solutions. We aim to liberate fashion for the many, with our customers at the heart of every decision.

We are made up of thousands of passionate and talented colleagues united by our shared culture and values. Together, we use our power, scale, and knowledge to push the fashion industry towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE

At H&M Group, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and welcoming company. We offer attractive benefits and extensive development opportunities worldwide.

All employees receive a staff discount card valid across all H&M Group brands in stores and online, including H&M (Beauty and Move), COS, Weekday, Monki, H&M HOME, & Other Stories, ARKET, and Afound. Additionally, employees participate in our H&M Incentive Program – HIP. More details can be found on our website.

JOIN US

Our uniqueness stems from our inclusive culture, strong values, and growth opportunities. Most importantly, it’s our people who make us who we are.

If your experience, skills, and ambitions align with this role, apply via our career site by May 18, 2025, and discuss your application with your current manager.

This is a permanent position based in our Support Office in London, reporting to the Expansion Manager.

Take the next step in your career with us. The journey starts here.

We are committed to a fair and competency-based recruitment process. Please do not attach a cover letter to your application.