Manager, Real Estate

Job Objectives

This role oversees the real estate strategy and development initiatives across North America to support Watches of Switzerland Group's retail growth and overall portfolio performance. It directs market expansion, relocations, and portfolio optimization while serving as the primary liaison between Legal, Retail, Store Development, Business Development, and Finance to ensure strategic alignment and commercial success. The position is responsible for identifying growth opportunities, managing lease negotiations, and driving long‑term value across the full real estate portfolio.

Brands: Watches of Switzerland, Mayors, Betteridge, Deutsch & Deutsch, Roberto Coin Scope: North America (US & Canada)

Core Accountabilities

• Spearhead Watches of Switzerland Group's real estate and business development strategy across North America, driving brand growth through evaluation and management of high-impact site acquisitions, relocations, and key market entries.
• Organize and facilitate the end-to-end retail expansion lifecycle including:
• Opportunity assessment
• Site selection
• Contract structuring
• Financial viability
• Internal alignment with Legal, Retail, Store Development, Business Development, and Finance
• Cultivate and manage strong relationships with premier mall operators, landlords, brokers, and department store partners.
• Prepare and deliver strategic real estate updates to US and UK Trading Board executives on a regular basis, and present detailed business cases monthly.
• Oversee and actively manage lease portfolio: renewals, rent benchmarks, performance KPIs, and renegotiations.
• Lead/create executive-level real estate decks (PowerPoint), incorporating engineering feasibility, P&L impact assessments, and long-term sustainability.
• Business travel required.

All other projects and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Experience and Attributes

• Experience growing and managing a retail property portfolio for a national or global brand, ideally with a luxury retail brand.
• Comfortable using market data, performance results, and customer insights to guide decisions and shape long‑term portfolio plans.
• Skilled in navigating lease discussions and securing terms that support both financial goals and brand needs.
• Able to build strong working relationships across departments and third-parties.
• Solid understanding of retail markets across North America, including trends, consumer patterns, and key regions.
• Genuine interest in helping create memorable retail environments that reflect the brand.
• Knowledge of tools used in real estate or market planning (e.g., mapping, location analytics, or lease management software).
• Willingness to travel for site visits, meetings, and project needs.
• Experience working within luxury or premium retail, where showroom presentation, service, and brand storytelling are central to the client experience.
• Familiarity with major North American shopping districts, and key landlord groups.
• Background supporting new market entries, flagship openings, or large‑scale relocations.
• Experience partnering closely with construction or store development teams during site handovers and build‑outs.
• Comfort presenting recommendations to senior leaders and supporting business cases for new projects.
• Interest in emerging retail trends, client behaviors, and how physical locations support brand growth.