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Studs is a category-defining ear piercing and earring brand named one of “the 10 most innovative companies in retail for 2023” by Fast Company. Studs connects ear piercing with aftercare and earring shopping to create an end-to-end Earscaping® experience. We offer a better retail and digital experience that prioritizes safety and expertise in a cool, fun and welcoming environment, along with a wide earring assortment—all at an accessible price point.
The Senior Manager, Real Estate plays a critical role in executing Studs’ national retail expansion plan. This role is responsible for market diligence, site selection, lease negotiation, and portfolio administration across multiple markets, translating strategic direction into disciplined deal execution.
Operating as a hands-on deal lead, this individual partners closely with Finance, Legal, Store Development, and Retail Operations to evaluate opportunities, negotiate leases, and manage an active pipeline. This is an execution-focused role for a commercially sharp real estate professional who can flex upward with direction while also building and maintaining the infrastructure required for consistent, scalable growth.
The role also helps strengthen Studs’ presence within the retail real estate community by building trusted relationships with landlords, developers, and brokers across key U.S. markets.
Salary Range: $125,000–$155,000
Key Responsibilities:
Market Execution & Site Pipeline Management
- Maintain portfolio visibility through Occupier, ensuring accurate documentation, critical date tracking, and deal pipeline management across active markets.
- Conduct trade area, demographic, traffic, and financial diligence to evaluate potential locations
- Maintain and actively manage a deal pipeline across assigned markets using Occupier
- Prepare business cases, site evaluation memos, and financial summaries for internal review
- Conduct site tours and support due diligence processes with cross-functional partners
Deal Negotiation & Lease Administration
- Negotiate new leases, renewals, and amendments in partnership with Legal and Finance
- Prepare deal term sheets, LOIs, and financial summaries to support internal approvals
- Maintain portfolio visibility through Occupier, ensuring accurate documentation, critical date tracking, and deal pipeline management across active markets.
- Coordinate internal review and approval workflows to ensure timely execution
- Contribute to refinement of Studs’ real estate playbook and documentation standards
Cross-Functional Partnership & Project Handoff
- Partner with Store Development to ensure seamless transition from signed lease to construction kickoff
- Collaborate with Retail Operations to align timelines and performance expectations
- Work with Finance to validate deal economics and support budget-to-actual tracking
- Maintain clear communication of pipeline status, risks, and dependencies to leadership
Broker & Landlord Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, and brokers to ensure early access to high-quality opportunities and emerging retail developments.
- Build and maintain strong broker relationships to ensure quality deal flow
- Monitor broker performance and ensure alignment to Studs’ standards and timelines
- Represent Studs with professionalism and commercial discipline in all external interactions
Requirements:
- 5–7 years of experience in retail, hospitality, or service-driven real estate
- Demonstrated experience negotiating leases and managing multi-market pipelines
- Existing relationships with national retail landlords, developers, or brokerage firms strongly preferred.
- Strong financial acumen and ability to interpret deal economics
- Experience using Occupier or something similar (lease administration and pipeline management required)
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple concurrent deals
- Skilled communicator able to work cross-functionally and externally with confidence
- Operates with ownership, sound judgment, and execution discipline in a fast-paced growth environment
- Willingness to travel as required
Benefits & Perks
- Flexible Work Environment (3 days in office, 2 days work from home)
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (including a plan option with $0 in-network mental health visits)
- Access to Mental Health and Work/Life Resources including Online Therapy, Gender Affirmation Support Services, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Health and Commuter Tax-Advantaged Accounts
- Stock Options in connection with the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off, Paid Safe & Sick Leave, and Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Sabbatical After 4 Years of Service
- Exclusive Employee Discounts on Piercings and Jewelry (we’ve got your friends and family covered too!)
- Access to PerkSpot and additional benefits such as pet insurance, discounted tickets, personal finance coaching, healthy rewards, and more!
Studs is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a work environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, or any other legally protected status. Studs considers qualified applicants with criminal histories. We comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which we operate. If you require an accommodation for the application process, please fill out this form.
Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Click here for the Studs Privacy Notice for California Applicants.
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