VP of Real Estate

Why join us? 

Our purpose is design for the good of humankind. It’s the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of MillerKnoll means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows MillerKnoll to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

About the Role

The Vice President of Global Real Estate leads the development and execution of MillerKnoll’s global real estate strategy and portfolio management across all brands. This role is responsible for driving growth, financial performance, and long‑term market expansion through a comprehensive, data‑driven global real estate approach.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Global Real Estate, Architecture, Design, and Development, you will join the Places Leadership Team to oversee global market planning, site selection, fleet optimization, expansion, relocations, lease renewals, and overall performance across retail, office, showroom, and operations facilities. You will lead global real estate teams and manage key external partners across the world. 

You will collaborate closely with global business leaders to align priorities, strengthen operational efficiency, and deliver meaningful P&L impact.

What You’ll Do

Global Real Estate Strategy & Portfolio Leadership

• Develop and execute an integrated global real estate strategy aligned with financial, operational, and brand objectives.
• Oversee the global real estate portfolio, including site selection, lease negotiations, market expansion, relocations, renewals, and lease lifecycle management.
• Lead market evaluation efforts across regions, representing the brand in domestic and international markets (approximately 40% travel).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, brokers, and strategic partners.

Team Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Lead and develop global real estate teams across multiple regions, ensuring strong alignment and high performance.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, Operations, IT, Design, and other functions to ensure real estate decisions support global business priorities.
• Manage key external partners and oversee execution across North America, EMEA, APAC, and Latin America.
• Contribute to the Global Real Estate Leadership Team through strategic planning, insights, and portfolio performance management.

Operations, Governance & Portfolio Optimization

• Oversee portfolio management tools, databases, reporting systems, and executive‑level presentations.
• Optimize fleet and location strategy to support growth, operational efficiency, and long‑term market positioning.
• Ensure consistent evaluation of performance, risk, lease terms, and total cost across the global footprint.

About You

Qualifications

• 15+ years of real estate experience, ideally with global or multinational scope and a strong retail focus.
• 5+ years of senior leadership or people‑management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience managing portfolios for a large‑scale, multi‑billion‑dollar organization.
• Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior leaders across regions.

Key Capabilities

• Strategic Expertise: Deep understanding of retail real estate, market planning, global expansion, and portfolio optimization.
• Financial Acumen: Strong analytical and modeling skills with the ability to drive P&L impact across markets.
• Global Market Insight: Experience navigating diverse regulatory environments, deal structures, and market dynamics worldwide.
• Negotiation & Relationship Management: Proven success building and maintaining key partnerships with landlords, developers, and brokers.
• Team Leadership: Able to lead, coach, and inspire high‑performing teams across geographies and in matrixed environments.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Skilled at driving outcomes in partnership with Finance, Legal, Operations, and Design.
• Operational Agility: Comfortable balancing strategic oversight with in‑market, hands‑on leadership.
• Communication Excellence: Strong communicator capable of simplifying complex strategies for diverse global audiences.
• Detail Orientation: Deep understanding of portfolio specifics—including costs, terms, conditions, and lease expirations.

Who We Hire?

Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a