Head of Real Estate & Construction

About Us

Who we are:

Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate, and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. The brand is sold globally in over 75 countries with approximately 2,000 points of sale.

Job Description

This position will oversee the planning and execution of real estate and construction strategies for the North America business in close partnership with executive leadership team, Retail leadership and Finance. Position scope covers retail, outlet, travel retail and corporate office facilities. This is a hybrid role; we work on site 4 days and remotely 1 day weekly.

• Develop and execute real estate strategies including new stores, relocations, renewals, and remodels.
• Manage the end-to-end real estate process, from fleet reviews and site selection to store construction and handover to operations.
• Negotiate Letters of Intent (LOIs) and leases, including lease documentation and administration.
• Manage and oversee day-to-day financial, operational and legal management of Tumi’s leasehold interests including the tracking of all key events, verification of all occupancy payments, document coordination, desktop audits and lease abstractions.
• Lead construction activities in partnership with the Senior Director of Construction, including estimating, vendor selection and management, and oversee construction execution from planning and approvals to handover to operations.
• Prepare and present deals for approval to the real estate committee, including deal financials, sales projections, P&L and proforma estimates, market analysis, lease plans, site plans, etc.
• Provide activity and status updates to senior management.
• Support financial planning of capital expenditure (CapEx) and expense budgets related to real estate activities.
• Contribute to strategic and tactical initiatives affecting the company's real estate portfolio through special project assignments (e.g., landlord portfolio reviews, geographic information systems development, IT integration, etc.)
• Source and manage outside brokers and consultants as needed.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of retail real estate experience with a national retailer or broker, including site selection, deal negotiation, and lease documentation expertise.
• A college degree in a related or finance field (design and/or construction expertise is a plus) and ICSC membership.
• Strong analytical, financial, and project management skills, including P&L management, feasibility proformas, and ROI analysis.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration.
• Knowledge of construction processes, vendor management, and permitting regulations.
• Industry expertise, strategic vision, and relationship-building skills to align real estate strategies with business goals and maintain key partnerships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Lease administration software Lucernix is a plus.

Associate Benefits

• Career pathing
• Work-life balance
• Training
• Paid time off
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discount
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance with partial employer contributions, vision insurance, company-paid basic life insurance, Accidental Death & Disability Insurance, Supplemental Life insurance, 401(k) with a company match, and commuter benefits.
• This role may have the opportunity to earn an annual target bonus based on several factors including Company and individual performance, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s bonus plan in effect from time to time. Details regarding the plan are outlined in each employee’s plan agreement.

About The Team

Why you'll love working here:

At TUMI, you’ll find a dynamic working environment, joining a community where each team member is empowered with an entrepreneurial spirit. Associates are respected as a vital part of the organization and recognized for their contributions. We believe in a workplace that gives every individual the opportunity to make an impact, and our ongoing commitment is to provide all the tools you need to succeed— guidance towards individual career growth, professional training and development initiatives, and a motivating, exciting environment— along with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits programs.

What We Value

• INNOVATIVE BY NATURE. SUSTAINABLE BY CHOICE. TUMI protects the things that matter most, the things you own and the planet you travel to see. Our planet is an astonishing place and we believe it’s our responsibility to preserve it for travelers of the future. By putting excellence and quality first, we ensure that every TUMI product has lifelong purpose, supported by our rigorous testing standards, exploration of recycled materials, and global repair network.
• PARTNERS WE BELIEVE IN. Staying true to our values by helping take care of the most vulnerable among us aligns with our mission and is a core element of what we do. We focus on three main areas: promoting wellbeing; empowering vulnerable communities; and protecting the earth’s beautiful places. Each year we extend our philanthropic efforts to partners that help better the world. From supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital fight to cure childhood cancer to Waves for Water who provides clean water to communities in need, we proudly stand by the profound changes they enact.
• CULTURE & INCLUSION. As an organization, we are committed to a diverse and vibrant culture, welcoming people from all walks of life. Our long-standing commitment to culture and inclusion empowers each of us to bring our authentic selves and unique differences to work every day.

The actual rate of pay offered depends on various factors, including qualifications for the position and relevant experience; as well as other legitimate, non-discriminatory business factors specific to the position or location.

Tumi is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting and maintaining a work environment in which all applicants, associates, customers, and other individuals are treated with dignity and respect free from unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.