Leasing & Network Manager

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 centres
• 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 licences and permits
• Oversee public security approvals, video surveillance permits and administrative requirements
• Optimise 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 organisations 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

What we offer

A competitive total rewards package:

• Competitive salary: between €55,000 and €64,000 gross per year, depending on previous experience and skills.
• Benefits: €11.50 meal vouchers, annual performance bonus, and access to our welfare programme, which includes benefits such as vouchers for marriage, birth, adoption and graduation milestones; an extra day of annual leave for your birthday; discounts on Pandora products; a wide range of partner offers and much more.