founding leader

GRIT Search Singapore Pte Ltd.; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global retail brand is seeking a Real Estate Director to lead the property's strategy, site selection, and lease negotiations as it expands into the United States. This pivotal role involves developing a comprehensive real estate strategy while overseeing site selection and securing favorable lease terms. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of real estate experience in retail or F&B, a strong network of landlords and brokers, and expertise in market analytics and property investments.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in retail, F&B, or multi-unit expansion.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. retail property markets.
• Proven track record in site selection and lease negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive real estate strategy.
• Identify and evaluate prime retail and F&B locations.
• Lead site selection and lease negotiations to secure optimal terms.

Skills

Real estate experience

Site selection

Lease negotiations

Market analytics

Negotiation skills

Job description

• Be a founding leader in the U.S. expansion of a highly successful, global brand.
• Shape and define a best-in-class real estate strategy from the ground up.
• Work alongside a visionary executive team

About the Company:

Join a globally recognized, market-leading retail brand that has reshaped the industry across Asia. As we expand into the United States, we are assembling a powerhouse team to drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the founding U.S. team, shaping the property strategy for a company that is redefining retail and F&B experiences.

The Role:

We are seeking a Real Estate Director to lead our property strategy, site selection, and lease negotiations as we aggressively expand our footprint in the U.S. market. This pivotal role will be responsible for identifying high-potential locations, securing favorable lease terms, and ensuring our real estate strategy aligns with business growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive real estate strategy to support the company’s rapid U.S. expansion.
• Identify and evaluate prime retail and F&B locations, leveraging market research, demographic analysis, and competitor insights.
• Lead site selection, acquisition, and lease negotiations to secure optimal terms with landlords and developers.
• Establish strong landlord and broker relationships to ensure access to premium retail spaces.
• Oversee lease management, renewals, and portfolio optimization to maximize ROI and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (operations, finance, legal, and design & construction) to ensure smooth site openings.
• Lead due diligence and feasibility studies for potential locations, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Monitor real estate trends, competitor expansions, and market dynamics to inform strategic decisions.
• Drive cost efficiencies and risk mitigation in property investments and lease structures.
• Manage and build a high-performing real estate team, scaling operations as expansion progresses.

What We’re Looking For:

• 10+ years of real estate experience in retail, F&B, or multi-unit expansion businesses.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. retail property markets, particularly in major metropolitan areas.
• Proven track record in site selection, lease negotiations, and expansion strategy.
• Strong network of landlords, brokers, and developers within the industry.
• Expertise in market analytics, financial modeling, and real estate investment assessments.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, balancing strategy and execution.
• Exceptional negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Strong business acumen and ability to align real estate decisions with broader commercial objectives.
• A data-driven mindset, with the ability to analyze market conditions and optimize location strategies.