Sr Director - Retail Leasing - Western US

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Location: Remote (West Coast, CO or TX preferred)

Reports To: Vice President of Real Estate

Brands: American Eagle, Aerie, and OFFLINE by Aerie

Territory: Western US (CA, TX, WA, OR, AZ, CO, NV, UT, NM, ID, MT, WY)

Position Overview:

The Senior Director of Retail Leasing is a key architect of AEO’s Western US footprint, responsible for executing the regional real estate strategy across American Eagle, Aerie, and OFFLINE. This role focuses on driving high-impact growth for the Aerie and OFFLINE brands while strategically optimizing the American Eagle portfolio to ensure long-term profitability. You will lead high-stakes negotiations and market development to secure best-in-class positioning across a multi-state territory.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Drive Brand Expansion: Execute the accelerated rollout of Aerie and OFFLINE locations; Identify, negotiate, and secure prime sites in lifestyle centers, street fronts and high-growth suburban hubs to meet enterprise expansion targets
  • Portfolio Optimization: Lead the strategic right-sizing of the American Eagle fleet; Execute new store voids, renewals, relocations and remodels that improve 4-wall EBITDA and align the brand with evolving trade area dynamics
  • Executive-Level Negotiation: Direct all lease negotiations and restructures with a high degree of autonomy; Leverage established relationships with national landlords, developers and REITs to optimize occupancy costs and secure favorable deal terms
  • Financial & Strategic Validation: Build and validate comprehensive deal proformas in partnership with Finance; Ensure all regional capital investments meet AEO’s rigorous ROI thresholds and strategic priorities before presentation to the Executive Committee
  • Market Accountability: Shop the market through frequent field tours (25%–40% travel); Provide expert analysis on co-tenancy trends, competitor movement and emerging development opportunities across the Western US
    • Cross-Functional Leadership: Serve as the primary regional lead between Store Operations, Finance, Legal and Design to move deals from LOI through to construction hand-off and store opening

Western US Strategic Priorities:

  • Aerie & OFFLINE: Focus on rapid market penetration in under-stored, high-growth corridors

  • American Eagle: Focus on fleet modernization and maximizing productivity in Tier 1 centers

Qualifications:

  • Experience: 10 years of retail leasing experience for a national brand, with deep expertise in Western US markets (specifically California and Texas)
  • Technical Skills: Advanced lease negotiation experience and proficiency in financial modeling/proforma analysis
  • Executive Presence: Proven ability to influence senior leadership through data-driven recommendations and sophisticated presentation skills
    • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, or a related field

Pay/Benefits Information:

  • Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
  • Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
    • Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service.
  • AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.

#LI-MD1


Get to Know AEO
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.
Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last. In addition to a robust e-commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.
At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our Better Together culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates. Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access at AEO
We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Please see more about our initiatives here .
AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.
Applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.

Job Identification 23675
Job Category Real Estate & Construction
Posting Date 2026-03-02
Job Schedule Full time
Locations Los Angeles, CA, United States
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