Retail Expansion Lead

Who We Are:
Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:
The Retail Expansion Lead, will play a key role in delivering New Balance's Retail Real estate strategy across EMEA, through establishing a Regional Retail Real Estate governance entity that delivers vision, strategic direction, and operational guidance across all real estate functions globally (transaction management, portfolio management, road-map planning, financial analysis, approval process etc.).

New Balance is looking for a highly motivated and dedicated Leader who displays high levels of integrity, teamwork, interpersonal skills, communication skills and who can think strategically, to elevate its Retail presence.

This is a 12-month fixed term contract position.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Understand New Balance DTC Retail strategic Vision and USP within Service and Experience to develop a curated Store portfolio that allows Retail to be one of the main consumer acquisition and revenue growth channels.
• Help identify and prioritise key markets through gathering and evaluating demographical data, digital demand insights/patterns and target consumer data.
• Support transaction management activities and site selection.
• Govern internal approval process and approval. Prepare store approval packages for EMEA leadership reviews.
• Leverage EMEA New Balance business scale, broker relationships and landlord/developer relationships to deliver presence in top locations, cost synergies, occupancy reductions and to identify portfolio improvement opportunities.

BUSINESS

• Build roadmap of Retail presence for all retail channels (Flagship, Inline, Factory Outlet, 3rd party Retail) across EMEA.
• Effective project management of a variety of business solutions initiatives to elevate capabilities and drive efficiencies across Real Estate – Lease Management tools, GIS mapping tools, Portfolio Management, etc.

RELATIONSHIPS

• Liaise directly with Global and Regional legal teams and external legal teams to negotiate LOIs, HOT and lease contracts.
• Work in partnership with Retail/DTC leads in designing expansion roadmaps, managing store portfolio, assisting with transaction management, approval rounds and providing expert advice on all day-to-day Real estate matters.
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders (Finance, Retail Ops, Store Design, Visual Merchandising, Merchandising, IT) on defining the Retail vision and portfolio/store attributes to deliver industry leading Retail presence across Marketplaces.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Proven experience within Real Estate/Commercial brokerage in the Retail industry.
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) preferably in Real estate, Business, Finance or other relevant area of study required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint).
• Exceptionally skilled at gathering, analysing, organising, presenting Store Business cases to leadership.
• Thorough understanding of real estate financial, accounting concepts and respective analysis, budget planning and business case development.
• Strong leader capable of creating trust, collaboration, teamwork, always displaying a strong sense of ethics and integrity.
• Demonstrated experience delivering Regional Real estate strategies across fast paced, fast growing Retail brands/environments.
• Highly influential, engaging and persuasive in communications. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work as part of a team in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to develop tactical and strategical action plans to accomplish objectives.
• Project management expertise, ideally with experience rolling out Real Estate tools/solutions.
• Ability to travel frequently.

BENEFITS:

• Discount on the health insurance
• 8% holiday allowance
• Flexible Working Hours
• Pension Scheme
• 25 days Annual Leave per year
• Up to €250 travel allowance each month
• Hybrid working
• On-site Gym
• Employee Discount
• Work from-home allowance
• Home working equipment
• Sports subscription services
• Flexibility to Work from Anywhere for up to 20 days per year
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)

Equal Opportunity Employer:
New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.