Director, Real Estate

Director, Real Estate

The Director, Real Estate will be responsible for leading, developing, directing, and coordinating their team and cross-functional partners in executing Panera's Real Estate initiatives and strategies for the expansion of bakery-cafes in their respective territory in accordance with Panera's guiding principles. The position will manage all aspects of new caf development to support the Company's rapid and profitable growth and lead a team of Real Estate Managers. They will assist in the overall market strategy for both company and franchise expansion and be accountable for Franchise and Retail Operations relationships. The successful candidate will have a keen and up to date understanding of real estate trends and activities in their markets. They must have an executive presence, make fact-based decisions, and have the confidence to articulate them.

Location : Field Based / Remote

Duties & Responsibilities

Develop and execute short-term and long-term Real Estate plans that support corporate goals and help drive sales while strengthening the Company's brand positioning and upholding Panera's brand integrity. Have responsibility for Real Estate decisions within the Region; present and defend them to the executive committee, company operations and franchisees with confidence and a professional and financially sound fact-based approach. Develop, negotiate, and structure Real Estate agreements using appropriate tools to model, analyze, and track expansion potential that are in the best long-term financial interest of Panera. Partner with the Design, Construction, Finance, Franchising, and Operations teams to fully integrate a cost model with the stated brand direction and message. Partner with Real Estate Strategy and Portfolio Management to maximize the performance and value of the Company's and Franchisee's portfolio of Real Estate assets in the Region through acquisitions, dispositions, and relocations. Support and lead continuous market planning to formulate, adjust, and implement a long-range Real Estate growth and portfolio management strategy. Deliver sites on time and on budget that will, in addition to delivering high ROIs, reinforce the Company's brand positioning and increase the market share. Manage the current Real Estate department and through hiring, coaching, and retaining the best Real Estate talent, create a solid best of class team. Oversee the development of broker relationships, negotiations, and real estate agreements that are in the best long-term financial interest of the Company and the Company's brand. Evaluate existing Real Estate sites to ensure they are meeting or exceeding the financial goals established, and if not, find effective solutions to get numbers back on track in a timely manner. Make changes and strategic decisions regarding real estate as necessary to keep the Region on plan and positioned for continued growth. Serve as a strong, strategic leader, effectively optimizing and executing process while developing and motivating his / her team to take a proactive approach to their functions. Review current and emerging trends in the retail real estate market to ensure the Company takes advantage of real estate market conditions wherever possible and maintains a leadership position. Develop and maintain relationships with landowners, developers, states, counties, and cities that will impact or influence the Company's growth strategy. Have full understanding and experience in ground-up development process. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations to ensure organizational compliance and strategically leverage applicable laws to advance the Company's interests. Ensure clear communication of Real Estate goals to all channels of business. Participate in the development of Panera's design and concept to meet company objectives of appearance, quality, quantity, and costs. Participate in site selection, oversight of design, construction, and turnover of new cafes.

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

A bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree in business administration is desired. Have a minimum of 10+ years in a senior real estate function within a best in class, small box retailer, preferably a fast casual restaurant concept with drive thru. Be a highly promotable executive who will play a key role in the organization. Have experience balancing analytical process to site selection with architectural and design considerations. Possess executive presence with finely developed communication skills enabling coherent and cogent presentations to the Company's senior leadership, franchise partners, external partners, and reports. Have broad and deep knowledge of all key areas of retail real estate including real estate development, site layout, site selection, project management, construction, facilities management, capital budgeting, acquisitions, and disposals. Be a strong and effective leader that has a proven history of invigorating Real Estate teams as well as the ability to win over and build consensus with executives. Exhibit an executive presence with finely developed communication skills enabling coherent and cogent presentations across all spectrums, within and outside the Company. Be able to provide leadership, build consensus, and make time sensitive, fact-based decisions that are quickly implemented. Possess significant knowledge of new cafe project management, including estimates, contract negotiations, permitting and review board hearings, build-out, and lease negotiation. Possess knowledge of construction costs and related market trends.

Personal Qualifications

The successful candidate will : Be an innovative and strategic thinker that is detail and relationship oriented. Be a high-energy, creative, flexible, purposeful, self-starting leader who is capable of quickly taking control of the department. Be a great communicator who will quickly develop credibility and rapport with the team and cross-functional partners. Utilize FACT-BASED COMMUNICATION skills with an ability to present complex data and problems in a concise, simplified, and effective manner to large audiences (internal and external). Provider of CLARITY via excellent written and verbal communication skills. Take ownership and pride in growing the retail business. Be a leader, mentor, and trainer to his / her organization; a collaborator who is eager to contribute to all functional areas of the company. Be ambitious, initiative-taking, and willing to do whatever it takes to contribute to the Company's continued success. Work tirelessly to foster a collaborative work environment, keep the team focused on the strategy, and able to manage and resolve conflicts effectively. Have excellent planning and organizational skills and demonstrate strong presentation skills. Customer service approach with ability to be HIGHLY RESPONSIVE to sensitive issues, complex inquiries, and concerns from both Field-Based and Corporate-Based associates and leadership. Strong BIAS TOWARDS ACTION through effective project and process management.

Working Conditions : 40% travel

Physical Requirements : While performing this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, & use hands and fingers to operate keyboards.

Direct Reports : This position will lead a team.

Equal Opportunity Employer : Disabled / Veterans

Additional Description : Competitive Pay : $188,838-$290,812