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Director of Real Estate

Location: Remote (Preferred CT/ET time zone; flexible to MT/PT)

Reports to: Chief Growth and Strategy Officer

Compensation: $150,000–$200,000 base + performance-based bonus

Team: Potential for 1 direct report; dotted-line oversight of Lease Administrator

About the Role

The company is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial Director of Real Estate to lead our national site selection and lease negotiation efforts as we expand aggressively through both de novo and M&A growth. This role is critical in professionalizing the real estate function, building scalable processes, and shaping our expansion roadmap across key markets.

You will serve as the internal expert on all things related to site strategy and leasing—partnering closely with our external analytics firm, internal finance and construction teams, and executive leadership to evaluate market opportunities, secure lease agreements, and drive long-term value for the business.

• Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the strategy and selection process for 25-30 new locations annually, collaborating with external real estate advisors and internal teams.

  • Assess site opportunities using a combination of data insights and on-the-ground evaluations, ensuring alignment with brand goals and performance objectives.

  • Oversee the entire lease negotiation process, including new leases, renewals, and renegotiations, with a focus on optimizing terms and driving cost efficiency.

  • Create and implement scalable systems, processes, and reporting tools to track the real estate pipeline and performance.

  • Work closely with cross-functional teams (construction, finance, and operations) to ensure alignment on project timelines, budgets, and market priorities.

  • Provide real-time insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership on key real estate decisions and expansion efforts.

  • Support due diligence and integration for 25-30 M&A-related site additions each year.

  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with landlords and brokers, ensuring ongoing market access and flexibility.

  What We’re Looking For

  • A strategic thinker and proactive self-starter who thrives in creating and executing plans, rather than simply following instructions.

  • Proven experience in leading or developing a real estate function in a fast-paced, multi-location retail or services setting.

  • Strong negotiation abilities with a history of securing favorable lease terms and renewals.

  • Ability to operate effectively in environments with minimal infrastructure, with a focus on scalability.

  • A solid understanding of construction cost components and the ability to collaborate with construction leads on budgets and timelines.

  • Financial literacy preferred—experience evaluating lease economics, ROI modeling, and presenting well-supported recommendations.

  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with both internal and external stakeholders.

  Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; an MBA or other advanced degree is a plus.

  • 7+ years of experience in commercial real estate, ideally in retail, wellness, healthcare, or multi-unit services.

  • Deep knowledge of lease terms, negotiations, and landlord relationships.

  • Familiarity with real estate planning tools, CRMs, and/or analytics platforms.

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