We are looking for a Leasing & Network Manager to oversee and drive the development of our retail network in Italy, supporting growth, optimizing commercial conditions and maximizing the value of our real estate portfolio.
Your Role as Leasing & Network Manager:
Accountable for the end-to-end management of leasing operations across the Italian retail portfolio, the Leasing & Network Manager plays a key role in supporting network expansion and improving the overall profitability of our store network.
As a strategic partner to the Property team and cross-functional stakeholders, the role leads negotiations for new leases and renewals, ensuring alignment with the brand’s commercial objectives and long-term growth strategy.
The Leasing & Network Manager also acts as a key point of contact for WHL partners, contributing to network optimization and development, while ensuring efficient management of all authorization processes required to operate stores in the Italian market.
Key Accountabilities
- Leasing & Real Estate Management
Oversee the full leasing lifecycle, including sourcing, negotiating and renewing lease agreements
Maintain and develop a strong pipeline of prospective store locations across Italy
Identify high-potential locations through market analysis and relationships with developers
Travel across the country to evaluate retail areas, high streets and shopping centers
Present finalized business cases for new locations to the Property Director
- Network Development & Strategy
Drive the expansion and optimization of the Italian store network
Contribute to the development of the WHL network (openings, closures, refits and substitutions)
Define and maintain the real estate roadmap, mapping full potential and competitive landscape
Support M&A activities including acquisitions and takeovers
- Commercial Negotiation & Financial Evaluation
Lead negotiations for new leases and renewals for all O&O stores
Ensure alignment with financial targets and commercial objectives
Prepare investment cases and evaluate opportunities through ROI, payback and store P&L analysis
Optimize occupancy costs and maximize return on real estate investments
- Authorizations & Compliance
Manage all authorization processes related to store operations
Ensure timely acquisition and renewal of trade licenses and permits
Oversee public security approvals, video surveillance permits and administrative requirements
Optimize lead time, costs and operational efficiency in licensing processes
- Cross-functional Collaboration & Execution
Collaborate closely with Retail, Finance, Legal, Store Design & Construction teams
Support store openings by coordinating timelines and key stakeholders
Enhance store visibility and traffic by negotiating marketing and advertising opportunities with landlords
Ensure consistency in store design and brand experience
- Operations, Reporting & Governance
Ensure accuracy and completeness of lease data and store databases
Monitor payment processes and administrative activities in partnership with Finance
Track key performance metrics and maintain the annual real estate calendar
Drive continuous improvement in leasing processes and governance
Desired Skill & Experience
- 5–10 years of experience in retail leasing or real estate management
- Strong commercial negotiation skills and business acumen
- Solid understanding of commercial lease agreements and contract negotiation
- Proven financial analysis capabilities (ROI, payback, store P&L)
- In-depth knowledge of the Italian retail real estate market
- Experience working in complex, matrix organizations with international exposure
- Strong stakeholder management and networking skills
- High level of ownership, accountability and results orientation
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Background in Real Estate, Business Administration, Legal or Architecture is a plus
