Your job

As a Real Estate Director your role is to lead the real estate team, oversee and maximize the performance and value of Decathlon's real estate portfolio, improving overall quality and efficiency leading to profitable and sustainable growth for Decathlon in a given area.

Responsibilities of a Real Estate Director

Lead the real Estate Team

• Provides leadership and builds an inclusive culture that drives continuous improvement while developing the talent and happiness of team members 

Secures the real estate operation

• Manages contractual obligations of Decathlon's real estate portfolio including offices, warehouses, stores and other physical touchpoints, reviews critical dates, evaluates contract options and determines strategic direction

• Monitors regularly zoning permits, property rights, obligations and third party activities and based takes suitable actions

• Supports and engages in all relevant property legal, tax, finance, land lease, Land Use Right and governmental topics

• Monitors asset performance metrics and assists in identifying and prioritizing necessary maintenance work

• Represents Decathlon in tenant' / owners' associations to safeguard Decathlons interest

• Builds and maintains sustainable relationships with local authorities, landlords, neighbors, property managers, external subtenants etc.

Optimizes the real estate portfolio

• Develops real estate portfolio management strategies in line with business strategy and objectives for a dedicated area

• Defines the country real estate policy incl. asset ownership criteria and governance, store characteristics, rent policy and divestment and downsizing policy

• Measures and reviews performances of the real estate portfolio potentially leading to monetization of non-essential properties, sale and lease back, downsizing, extension and/or subleasing

• Renews asset management projects by negotiating contract renewals, extensions and/or operating expense optimizations of common areas

• Sources, structures and negotiates real estate deals with potential investors for monetization including selling assets and sale-and-leaseback of non-core asset and defines and analyzes the risk of each project and its feasibility

• Initiates any green certification processes and actions to make Decathlon’s asset more sustainable

• Drives internal advice and decision-making processes, manages external permit and approval procedures and leads and oversees all other aspects of the execution of real estate transactions and real estate optimization processes

What we offer

At Decathlon we not only believe in sports as a lifestyle, but also in creating a stimulating working environment where colleagues with a passion for sports can enjoy exercising together. Job satisfaction is our priority and we ppromote a great sports culture in which you can be yourself and share your passion for sports. In addition, we offer:

• An annual salary range of approximately 70K-90K, 8% holiday allowance, 24 wonderful holidays and a lease car

• 20% discount on our own brands. Whether it concerns sportswear, shoes or equipment, you benefit from great discounts on the products that support your sporting adventures.

• We understand that personal growth and development are crucial to a successful career. That is why we offer the unique opportunity to participate in training through our Decathlon Academy.

• Decathlon shareholding plan: We believe in sharing success with our employees and offer you the opportunity to become a co-owner of our successful company

• Decathlon encourages a healthy mind in a healthy body. That's why we offer access to the 'Open Up' platform, where you can find professional support for mental and physical challenges in both your work and private life.

• We organize great events such as an annual event where all your colleagues from the Netherlands come together for a day full of sports, fun, food & drinks and a dance! An annual ski trip is also organized for which you can register. 

What we expect from you

• A passion for sport

• Experienced in team Leadership, management and collaboration with the ability to lead team members effectively and maintain positive working relationships with in and external stakeholders

• Local real estate knowledge in the field of asset, maintenance & construction

• Experience in Commercial Real Estate portfolio management

• Experience in Real Estate transaction practices (incl asset divestment & acquisition)

• Strategic mindset

• Project Management skills

• Strong negotiation skills

• Knowledge of SD policies for real estate

About Decathlon

Decathlon is much more than just a sports retailer. We are an international sports community with a mission to 'move the people through the wonders of sport' regardless of age, background or experience. As the market leader in sports retail, we are constantly evolving and continuing to grow.

Read more about our commitment to sustainability

At Decathlon we are committed to improve our way of working and take responsibility for our activities. We invest in multiple initiatives that help us reduce waste and extend the life cycle of our products such as selling second hand products, renting sports equipment, buying back used products and repairing and maintaining sports products.