Director of Real Estate

Job Title: Director, Real EstateRole Summary The Director of Real Estate is responsible for leading and executing the company's enterprise-wide real estate strategy across retail, production, and corporate facilities within a highly regulated environment. This role oversees the full lifecycle of the real estate portfolio from market analysis and site selection through lease negotiation, development, regulatory approvals, and store openings while ensuring alignment with corporate growth objectives, compliance requirements, and operational timelines. The Director will serve as a key cross-functional partner to Compliance, Construction, Legal, Finance, and Operations.RESPONSIBILITIESProvide strategic and operational leadership for the company's commercial real estate portfolio, supporting expansion, optimization, and long-term growth initiatives.Lead site identification and market analysis efforts, including evaluation of zoning, local ordinances, competitive landscape, and financial feasibility.Direct and negotiate commercial leases and amendments in partnership with Legal, ensuring favorable terms, risk mitigation, and compliance with specific regulatory requirements.Oversee real estate project execution, including entitlement, permitting, construction coordination, and store openings, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.Partner closely with Compliance and Government Affairs to navigate zoning, licensing, and regulatory approvals at the local and state level.Maintain ownership of real estate documentation, ensuring accurate, organized, and audit-ready electronic records across the lease portfolio.Develop and implement standardized processes, templates, and controls to improve efficiency, scalability, and consistency across real estate operations.Serve as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and external partners, including landlords, brokers, attorneys, municipalities, and consultants.Support executive leadership with portfolio reporting, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations related to real estate investments and market expansion.Provide leadership and guidance in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment, modeling accountability, urgency, and operational excellence.QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.7+ years of progressive commercial real estate experience, including leadership responsibility over multi-site retail or regulated portfolios; retail, or highly regulated industry experience strongly preferred.Demonstrated success leading end-to-end real estate strategy, including site selection, market analysis, lease negotiation, development, and portfolio optimization.Advanced expertise in commercial lease negotiations, amendments, renewals, and landlord relationship management, with a strong track record of driving favorable business terms.Proven ability to navigate complex zoning, land use, and permitting processes at the municipal and state level.Experience operating within highly regulated environments, with a strong understanding of compliance, risk management, and audit readiness.Strategic mindset with the ability to translate growth objectives into executable real estate plans and timelines.Strong cross-functional leadership skills, with experience partnering with Legal, Compliance, Construction, Finance, Operations, and executive leadership.Exceptional executive-level communication skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders, present recommendations, and provide clear portfolio reporting.Highly organized, detail-oriented leader capable of managing multiple concurrent projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic document management systems; experience developing scalable processes and standards preferred.