Lease Manager - UK&IE

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global fashion company is seeking a Lease Manager in London to manage store portfolios and negotiate lease contracts. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in leasing within the UK retail market and strong negotiation skills. This role offers a vibrant work environment with attractive benefits and growth opportunities.

Benefits

Staff Discount

H&M Incentive Program

Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in leasing or real estate within the UK & Ireland retail market.
• Strong understanding of lease contracts and business drivers.

Responsibilities

• Managing the store portfolio by negotiating lease contracts with property owners.
• Recommending business cases for market strategy and location needs.
• Coordinating with various functions before finalizing negotiations.

Skills

Negotiation

Planning

Communication

Organizational Skills

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Job description

As a Lease Manager, you will be responsible for planning and executing the portfolio strategy in your assigned region, undertaking negotiations, and establishing collaboration across expansion functions on strategy and projects. You will work closely with the Expansion Manager and team to manage the store portfolio, including new stores and lease actions for existing stores.

Your role is key in enabling long-term growth, representing H&M positively and inspiringly, in alignment with our values, to current and potential business partners.

Key responsibilities will include:

1. Managing the store portfolio in a specific geographic region by negotiating lease contracts with property owners to secure the best deals and support long-term growth.
2. Recommending business cases concerning market strategy, location needs, commercial ideas, space configuration, and legal and economic terms, then presenting these for approval by country management.
3. Coordinating positively and collaboratively with other functions (construction, store design, accounting, HR, marketing, merchandising, visual, security, etc.) before finalizing negotiations.
4. Facilitating the best deal through legal and construction processes, considering local requirements and dependencies.
5. Optimizing and improving the existing portfolio to ensure it remains commercially competitive within the geographic area.
6. Negotiating lease actions for existing stores, including breaks, terminations, extensions, and rent reductions.
7. Ensuring cross-collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, securing their input on project timelines and service scope delivery.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

You will collaborate with multiple teams, including Legal, Construction, Facilities, and Accounts, to ensure successful expansion and provide key insights and recommendations.

WHO YOU ARE

We are looking for people with…

• At least 3 years of experience in leasing, real estate, or a similar role within the UK & Ireland retail market.
• A good understanding of retail customers, lease contracts, legal requirements, and business drivers.
• Alignment with our H&M values and culture.
• Strong planning and execution skills, with a self-motivated approach.
• An entrepreneurial spirit and strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to drive both short- and long-term goals.
• Clear and inspiring communication skills.
• Open-minded, flexible, and adaptable to change.
• An omni customer service mindset.
• Attention to detail, with strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.

WHO WE ARE

The H&M Group is a global fashion company committed to combining exceptional design, affordability, and sustainability. Our goal is to democratize fashion, with our customers at the core of every decision.

Our team of passionate, talented colleagues shares a culture rooted in our values. Together, we aim to leverage our power, scale, and knowledge to foster a more inclusive and sustainable fashion industry.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE

We are proud to offer a vibrant, welcoming environment with attractive benefits and extensive development opportunities worldwide. All employees receive a staff discount applicable across all H&M Group brands, including H&M, COS, Weekday, Monki, H&M HOME, & Other Stories, ARKET, and Afound. Additionally, employees participate in our H&M Incentive Program (HIP). More details are available on our site.

JOIN US

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

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 role based at 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, equitable recruitment process based on competency. Please do not attach a cover letter to your application.