Job Description 

We are looking for a Real Estate Manager to drive the evolution and expansion of our omni-enabled retail fleet for all Abercrombie & Fitch Co. brands across EMEA, with a focus on Germany, Austria and Netherlands. This real estate expert will rigorously manage and negotiate the commercial terms and lease provisions to deliver the openings, closings, refits, and rightsizing to deliver our commercial business objectives.  

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced dynamic organization, excels at connecting with people, and drives business results with an entrepreneurial spirit. 

This role is based in Düsseldorf and will report to the Real Estate Director of EMEA. 

What Will You Be Doing? 

• Contribute to the execution of the EMEA real estate strategy for the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. brands.  
• Develop strong relationships and collaborate across the cross functional leadership team to execute big picture strategies and goals 
• Conduct site reviews and work directly with landlords and brokers to ensure opportunities meet space needs and brand requirements.  
• Prepare and present Site Evaluation and Site Approval packages to Leadership for Global Real Estate Committee approvals. 
• Evaluate, negotiate and drive new store opportunities end-to-end process, inclusive of proformas, demographics, analytics, letters of intent, OI’s, LOD’s, design criteria, area and market maps, sales forecasts, etc. to determine store financial feasibility. 
• Accountable for lease actions that drive profitability targets, including sales (omnichannel view), EBITDA, and occupancy costs.
• Partner with both Head of Retail, MD, Finance and global Real Estate teams to create and utilize tools, systems, and process for market evaluation, pipeline development, and business strategies.  
• Interface with attorneys to review, negotiate risk-protections, and finalise leases. 
• Partner with design and construction to ensure a seamless process from store proposal-to-open.  
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure stores are open on time; help ensure time-based information is secured for timely openings, including permitting obstacles, zoning compliance, specialty approvals, permitting timelines, tenant and sign criteria, impact fees, Real Estate taxes, etc. 
• Develop and maintain the critical real estate and retailing industry relationships, including developers, brokers, and retailers, to stay informed of business and industry trends. 

What Do You Need To Bring? 

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree (finance, real estate, or strategy a plus) 
• 6+ years of relevant work experience in European (UK, Germany, Austria, etc.) real estate 
• A love for real estate, fashion, and brands 
• Strong negotiation skills with an ability to interpret both quantitative and qualitative datasets  
• Passion and intellectual curiosity to find and capture business value 
• Confident, and concise communication and presentation skills, verbal and written 
• Experience in working cross-functionally and dealing with ambiguity  
• Demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines 
• Strong time management skills and experience managing multiple projects/deadlines simultaneously 
• Excels under pressure; ability to work both independently and cooperatively in a fast-paced environment 
• Ability to travel internationally from 25%, up to 50%, of the time  

Our Company 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global retailer of iconic, omnichannel lifestyle brands catering to the kid through millennial customer: Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks. At A&F Co., we’re here for our associates, customers and communities on the journey to being and becoming who they are – and because no journey is the same, we strive to create an inclusive culture, where everyone is free to share ideas.  

Our Values 

We lead with purpose and always put our people first, which is evidenced by our Great Place to Work™ Certification, as well as being a 2021 recipient of Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Retail, and named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign for 16 consecutive years. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.  

What You'll Get

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F is committed to providing simple, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that align with our Company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

• Incentive Bonus Program  
• Paid Time Off and Work From Anywhere Flexibility    
• Paid Volunteer Day per Year, allowing you to give back to your community 
• Merchandise Discount 
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Available 
• Life and Disability Insurance 
• Associate Assistance Program 
• Paid Parental and Adoption Leave 
• Access to Carrot to support your unique parenthood journey 
• Access to Headspace dedicated to creating healthier, happier lives from the inside out 
• Opportunities for Career Advancement, we believe in promoting from within 
• A Global Team of People Who'll Celebrate you for Being YOU 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER