Company Description

Job Description 

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Real Estate Director to lead the evolution and expansion of our omni-enabled retail fleet across the APAC region for all Abercrombie & Fitch Co. brands. This role is critical in delivering the company’s growth strategy through disciplined real estate planning, negotiation, and execution. 

The ideal candidate will be an entrepreneurial self-starter with strong commercial acumen, excellent relationship management skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-cultural organization. This leader will play a vital role in aligning real estate initiatives with brand strategy and financial goals by working seamlessly with internal teams and external partners. 

Location: Shanghai, China 
Reports To: Managing Director, APAC 
Functional Line: Global Head of Real Estate 

 

What Will You Be Doing? 

Strategic Market Development 

Lead and execute the APAC real estate strategy across owned and franchise markets, including whitespace mapping, business model expansion (e.g., franchise, wholesale), and long-term market prioritization. Partner with the Global Real Estate and APAC Retail teams to ensure alignment of global strategies with regional execution. 

Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration 

Actively team up with both the China regional leadership team and the Global Home Office to drive integrated decision-making and cross-market synergy. Partner closely with key functions including Retail, Finance, Legal, Construction, Design, and Store Operations to deliver commercially viable and brand-right real estate solutions. Present site and strategic packages to the Global Real Estate Committee for approvals. 

Franchise Partner Leadership 

Serve as the primary real estate contact for our franchise partners in Taiwan, India, and Southeast Asia, leading lease strategy, site development, and lease approval processes. Support partners in identifying new sites, preparing proposals, and negotiating commercial lease terms to meet A&F Co. standards. Collaborate closely with franchise teams to ensure brand integrity, consistency, and strategic alignment across all real estate actions. 

Site Selection & Deal Execution 

Conduct in-depth site reviews, analyze proformas and market data, and assess alignment with brand goals. Negotiate letters of intent, deal terms, and lease provisions to ensure favorable financial and legal outcomes. Oversee end-to-end deal execution, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned from site identification to store opening. 

Project Delivery & Operational Execution 

Work closely with design, construction, and legal teams to ensure new stores open on time and within budget. Resolve permitting, compliance, and development issues that could delay openings, and ensure timely flow of information and approvals. 

Industry Engagement & Intelligence 

Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, developers, landlords, and industry professionals to stay informed of market trends and opportunities. Leverage these insights to shape proactive real estate strategies and inform executive-level decision-making. 

 

What Do You Need To Bring? 

Relevant Bachelor’s degree (finance, real estate, or strategy a plus) 10+ years of relevant work experience in APAC 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. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com.

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. 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. 

Benefits & Perks

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 Co. is committed to providing 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 programAnnual companywide review processMedical insuranceLife and disability insuranceAssociate assistance programPaid parental leaveAccess to fertility and adoption benefits through CarrotAccess to mental health and wellness app, HeadspacePaid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your communityWork from anywhere (Thursdays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles and five work from anywhere weeks per year, not fixed policies but will be based on business needs)Seven associate wellness half days per yearMerchandise discount on all of our brandsOpportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from withinAccess to multiple Associate Resource GroupsGlobal team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU!

 

Additional Information

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER