VP, Real Estate

Date: May 8, 2025

Location:

Phoenix, AZ, US, 85008

Company: WillScot

Req ID: 53640

At WillScot (NASDAQ WSC), our 4000+ people are at the heart of everything we do. In addition to providing industry-leading pay and benefits, we provide opportunities for development and upward mobility, while investing in the communities we serve. We are the undisputed leader in providing innovative ﬂexible workspace and portable storage solutions, serving an incredible range of customers across all industries from 240+ locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Our values are our foundation. We constantly strive to diversify our teams to ensure we have the best and brightest talent. We’re deeply committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where each person can contribute while being their authentic self. For more about WillScot and who we are, click here. Build your future with us!

ABOUT THE JOB:

The VP, Real Estate at WillScot will be responsible for optimizing the company’s real estate footprint across North America, shifting the function from transactional management to a strategic business enabler. This role will oversee a portfolio of 400 operating properties across 3,000 acres and lead strategic decision-making in lease administration, market analysis, and portfolio management.

The ideal candidate will have deep corporate real estate experience, a strong ability to collaborate across stakeholders, and expertise in network operations, supply chain optimization, and infrastructure planning. This leader will drive efficiency, cost control, and long-term real estate planning while ensuring alignment with business growth and operational needs by driving a 30% acreage reduction. This role will include 20-30% travel and will be based in our Phoenix, Arizona HQ.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

Portfolio Strategy & Optimization

Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for real estate footprint optimization, balancing leased vs. owned properties.
Drive National Real estate footprint towards a 30% reduction in acreage through portfolio management and fleet management to reduce real estate cost and exposure.
Optimize Fleet (product) quantity required to successfully fulfill each markets requirements commercially while minimizing overall real estate footprint requirements
Partner with internal stakeholders to align real estate strategy with broader business and financial objectives.

Space Utilization Planning

Align real estate decisions with distribution networks, and operational efficiency.
Provide regional and local field leaders with flexible, cost-effective real estate solutions to meet business objectives.
Implement data-driven space utilization strategies that enhance productivity and reduce unnecessary costs.
Prioritize shifting to strategic real estate portfolio size by managing fleet size to support a reduction in overall acreage in the business by up to 30%.

Market & Location Analysis

Analyze market trends, customer proximity, and operational needs to inform expansion, consolidation, and relocation decisions.
Conduct in-depth market research to assess economic, demographic, and operational factors for site selection.
Evaluate current site performance and make data-driven recommendations for optimization.
Assess real estate trends and emerging opportunities to maintain a competitive and efficient portfolio.

Financial Planning & Cost Control

Develop and manage real estate budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditures.
Identify opportunities to reduce lease costs and improve overall financial efficiency of the portfolio.
Track and report key financial metrics, including occupancy costs, lease commitments, and cost per square foot

Lease Administration & Negotiation

Lead lease negotiations and renewals, ensuring favorable terms and minimizing financial and operational risks.
Oversee lease expiration management to prevent disruptions and enable proactive decision-making.
Implement best practices in property control mechanisms, including leasing and purchasing strategies.
Collaborate with brokers, landlords, and legal teams to manage contracts and mitigate risks

Mergers and Acquisitions

Provide operating footprint synergy recommendations
Provide risk assessment for operations footprint assessments through M&A to mitigate company exposure to long term real estate environmental or regulatory risks to the enterprise.
Demonstrated M&A synergy obtainment through real estate consolidation.

Sustainability & ESG Considerations

Integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into long-term real estate planning.
Assess opportunities to improve energy efficiency, sustainability, and compliance across locations.
Work with cross-functional teams to align real estate strategy with corporate sustainability goals.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

15+ years of corporate real estate experience, including portfolio management, leasing, and transaction oversight.
People leader experience
Expertise in network operations, supply chain optimization, logistics, and infrastructure planning.
Track record of executing strategic real estate initiatives that drive cost savings and efficiency.
Strong financial acumen, with experience managing multi-million-dollar real estate budgets.
Skilled in lease negotiations, market analysis, and contract management.
Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Experience Includes:

Experience in Supply Chain management, operations footprint optimization, distribution network design, or similar
Institutional real estate fund experience.
Corporate experience with real estate processes and metrics.
Background in construction management (willing to invest in this area).

Disclaimer: This posting describes the general nature and level of work performed and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Collaboration and teamwork drive our success. Team members may be required to perform duties outside normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

All regular WillScot Holdings Corp. positions offer generous benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, paid time off, Company holidays, tuition reimbursement, and 401(k) with match. Most positions also have variable pay opportunities including commission or bonus, performance rewards, or incentive programs. More information about benefits may be found here.

WillScot provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

WillScot embraces diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of employment, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We are focused on building teams that include a variety of backgrounds, lived experiences, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we will be!