Real Estate Development Manager

We are seeking a driven, highly organized, and strategic Real Estate Development Manager to lead new store growth initiatives across assigned markets. This role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and executing retail real estate opportunities from site selection through store opening.The ideal candidate is both a hunter and an operator - someone who can source quality opportunities, build strong broker and landlord relationships, coordinate cross-functional consensus, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and navigate a fast-paced approval/opening environment with discipline and urgency.Identify and secure high-quality retail locations that align with company growth objectives and market strategy.Manage the full development lifecycle from initial site identification through store openingConduct market analysis, trade area evaluation, competitor mapping, and demographic review to prioritize opportunitiesDevelop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, landlords, developers, municipalities, and key stakeholdersNegotiate letters of intent, purchase agreements, leases, renewals, easements, and related real estate documentsCoordinate cross-functionally with Research, Construction, Legal, Finance, Operations, and Leadership teams throughout the approval and development processPrepare and present real estate opportunities to various approval committees and executive leadership Manage project timelines, entitlement coordination, permitting, and overall deal progression to ensure timely executionMaintain accurate pipeline reporting, site tracking, and forecasting within internal systemsTravel regularly throughout assigned territory to tour sites, evaluate markets, meet stakeholders, and oversee active projectsExercise strong judgment and financial discipline when evaluating opportunities, ensuring quality growth over volume-driven decisionsConsistently generate pipeline activity while balancing strategic market planning and executionBachelor’s degree preferred in Real Estate, Business, Finance, Urban Planning, or related field3–10+ years of experience in retail real estate, commercial brokerage, development, site selection, or related fieldProven experience negotiating retail leases and/or purchase agreementsStrong understanding of trade area analysis, demographics, traffic patterns, and retail site fundamentalsAbility to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a high-volume environmentStrong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skillsSelf-motivated with a high level of accountability, urgency, and professionalismProficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPointWillingness to travel extensively within assigned territoryWhat Success Looks LikeConsistently builds and maintains a healthy pipeline of viable sitesDemonstrates strong market knowledge and strategic territory planningDrives deals forward proactively while maintaining quality standardsCommunicates effectively across departments and leadership levelsBalances aggressive growth goals with disciplined site selectionOperates with ownership mentality and strong follow-throughPreferred TraitsCompetitive and results-orientedStrong negotiator and relationship builderComfortable operating independently in the fieldHighly organized with excellent follow-up habitsStrategic thinker with strong real-world business judgment