Head of Real Estate - North America

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Lush Cosmetics seeks a Head of Real Estate for North America to lead the North America portfolio across retail and manufacturing sites, directing leasing, construction and design while building a cross functional team and turning strategy into actions that boost sales. The role requires a seasoned leader with 10+ years in retail or commercial real estate, 5+ years in people management, landlord negotiation skills with US and Canadian partners, and a bachelor’s degree; you must be based in the US or Canada and able to travel frequently. To apply, highlight measurable outcomes like on time openings, budget adherence and cost savings, showcase cross functional collaboration, lease management and capex experience, and align with Lush values.

Lush North America supports 252 retail stores in Canada and the USA, a business based in Canada, and manufacturing centers in Vancouver and Toronto. Lush is known worldwide for our unique bath and beauty products. We pride ourselves on amazing skin and hair care, personalized customer service, environmental activism and a vibrant store atmosphere. We believe it's our responsibility to advocate for the environment, animals and people in need. We're passionate about giving back to organizations locally and around the world.

The Head of Real Estate- North America plays an essential role in the leadership and direction of Lush's North American real estate portfolio. As a growing business, Lush needs people that can adapt and evolve to the needs of our business, analyse and interpret metrics and translate strategy into behaviours which drive sales and improve profit. The role is part of the North American leadership team supporting the business focusing on all the Lush related Property Management. This person is passionate about providing unique customer experience that elevates the brand and excels at interpersonal relationships.

You hold sacred our Lush culture and values through fearless leadership and owning the experience of every relationship that represents the Lush brand. You’ll work on a collaborative, and cross departmental team that goes above and beyond to support our customers and staff.. You grow talent by motivating, encouraging and coaching your fellow employees to their highest potential; you know how to be curious about their opportunities and career ambitions and how to be real with feedback and support. As a growing business, Lush needs people that can adapt and evolve to the needs of our business, analyze and interpret metrics and translate strategy into behaviors which drive sales and improve profit. Our Lush employees live with purpose, finding their personal value connection with the values of our business, bringing their work and life paths into one holistic journey. #mylushlife

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Portfolio & Team Leadership:

• Lead and manage the North American Property Portfolio, encompassing Retail, Manufacturing, and Support locations.
• Direct a team of Managers and Leads across key functional areas: leasing, construction, design and repairs & maintenance.
• Mentor and develop team members in strategic decision-making, deal-making, brand awareness,  people/business process management and relationship building.
• Own the complete North America Real Estate portfolio process, encompassing leasing, construction, and design. This includes milestone management, meeting deadlines, facilitating communication, internal/external business relationships and conducting evaluations to safeguard Lush's business interests

 Real Estate Operations and Management

• Oversee all U.S. & Canada real estate operations, including lease negotiations, capital projects, and pipeline management.
• Oversee all leasing activities, including negotiating new agreements, managing renewals, conducting rent reviews, and ensuring compliance with all lease terms.
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of construction and design projects for new and existing retail locations, from design and conception through budgeting, scheduling, quality control, and completion.
• Oversee the management of day-to-day operations and maintenance of the existing retail portfolio, ensuring all facilities are functional, safe, and well-maintained (Property and Facilities Management).
• Serve as the lead for all North American leasing initiatives and projects 
• Manage and oversee all aspects of real estate transactions, including leases, renewals, refits, site locations, rent reductions, and kickouts.
• Collaborate with landlords to negotiate the best possible economic terms and cultivate a well-rounded retail portfolio.
• Work closely with legal counsel on all lease documentation.
• Oversee all information on potential sites, analyze market data and provide site recommendations to leadership for retail, manufacturing and support spaces.
• Evaluate proposed rent packages to determine whether deals should be concluded.

Financial Management & Project Delivery:

• Oversee the management of the Budget and Capital Expenditure (Capex) for all construction or furniture fit-out projects, implementing value engineering as necessary.
• Support retail finance in determining sales estimates and profitability for new shops in collaboration.
• Project manage the construction, finance, and retail support teams to ensure new shop openings are on time, on budget, and free of deficiencies.
• Provide guidance, support and leadership to Finance and Retail Operations regarding lease renewals and store relocations.

Operations & Strategy:

• Plan and implement strategic real estate initiatives.
• Review all real estate processes, simplifying and changing where necessary to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Manage overall portfolio sites and landlord relationships.
• Problem-solve ways to service customers in-person through brick & mortar stores and other avenues like pop-ups, kiosks, and storage.
• Implement and manage external vendors and consultants, including sourcing, aligning on scope, contract negotiation, and relationship management.
• Collaboratively work with other departments, suppliers, and contractors to ensure the delivery of environmentally responsible spaces, considering all aspects of fit-out, technology systems, and materials.
• Collaborate with the Global Group to ensure brand alignment and transfer global best practices and requirements to North America.
• Coordinate schedules with other departments and develop schedule databases.
• Analyze data for existing shops (size, sales, etc.).
• Solve problems and communicate lease language to internal departments (payroll, P&C, construction, retail support).

You bring the following QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• 10+ years previous experience in retail/commercial real estate
• Outstanding leadership attributes, both with building internal teams and leading cross-functional projects 
• 5+ years of people and team management 
• Proven project management and time management skills with ability to plan and prioritise business needs effectively
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and problem solving skills
• Proficient in Google Suite products and software 
• Strong ability to work towards solutions, supporting Lush values and understanding how to craft/establish landlord deals
• Proven experience leading construction, design and project management teams
• Proven experience working with both US and Canadian Landlords/brokers
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in the area of Retail Real Estate,  Business Administration, Legal, or Retail Finance.
• Must be based in Canada or the United States with the ability to travel domestically and internationally (must hold a valid passport) 

Preferred:

• Experience working for a retail tenant in the area of real estate
• Experience working with both US and Canadian Landlords/brokers
• Experience working with Lease Management Software

Thriving with a diverse company culture, celebrating the uniqueness of our staff and committed to inclusion. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We thank all interested applicants; however, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time Permanent role. 

Job Location: Open to candidates located within Canada or United States

Travel Requirement: Remote role, with frequent travel required (1-2 trips per month) around North America, potentially globally based on business needs.

Base Salary Ranges:

• Canada: $200,000 - $240,000 CAD
• US (Nat Avg): $200,000 - $226,000 USD

This salary range is based on an assessment of the local market and may vary depending on the successful candidate's location. This range is based on base salary and does not include additional bonus program and total rewards eligibility.

Recruitment Process Overview:

This salary range is based on an assessment of the local market and may vary depending on the successful candidate's location. This range is based on base salary and does not include additional bonus program and total rewards eligibility.

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Lush Cosmetics North America respectfully recognizes that our business operates on Indigenous territory across Turtle Island. As a business headquartered in Canada, our largest facilities are located on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh, as well as here on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishnabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee and Wendat, and now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Our commitment to reconciliation and decolonization is guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action #92. We recognize that our facilities, along with our settler and newcomer staff are guests on this land and as we act to repair past harm, we do it together in ally ship with Indigenous People everywhere, including staff, customers and with leadership from organizations and communities we work with.