VP, Real Estate Strategy & Store Development Chicago, IL | Full-Time
Reports to: COO / Ownership
A rapidly growing specialty fashion retailer is seeking a VP, Real Estate Strategy & Store Development to lead its national real estate and store development strategy. This is a highly visible leadership role overseeing the full lifecycle of the retail portfolio — real estate, lease negotiations, construction, new store openings, remodels, facilities, and procurement.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead national real estate strategy, market selection, and portfolio planning
- Manage new store site selection, lease negotiations, renewals, and relocations
- Oversee new store development from LOI through opening
- Build and manage relationships with national GCs, architects, brokers, and vendors
- Lead remodel strategy, capital planning, and execution
- Oversee facilities, maintenance, energy, and store-related procurement
- Lead and develop the internal construction team
- Present strategic recommendations and capital plans to ownership
Ideal Candidate:- 10+ years of retail real estate, construction, or store development experience
- Experience with a 50–200+ store specialty retail organization
- Proven national experience across multiple U.S. markets
- Strong enclosed mall and major landlord/REIT experience
- Track record of opening 15+ stores annually
- Experience managing $25M+ annual capital budgets
- Strong lease negotiation and financial modeling expertise
- Established relationships with national general contractors
- Experience managing concurrent new-store and remodel programs
- Willingness to travel extensively throughout the U.S.Entrepreneurial, hands-on leadership style with an owner's mindset
- Why This Role?
- This is an opportunity to take ownership of a growing national retail footprint and have a direct impact on where the company grows, how quickly stores open, how capital is invested, and how the portfolio performs.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401(k), medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, disability and life insurance, commuter benefits, and employee discounts.
