Director of Real Estate

Smoothie King•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Director of Real Estate serves as the market owner for an assigned territory and is accountable for regional development strategy, growth objectives, franchisee progress, and real estate execution. Working closely with Franchise Sales and Development leadership, the Director develops market-level growth plans, identifies opportunities to expand the brand, and advances qualified sites through approval and lease execution. The role combines substantial travel and relationship development with territory planning, administrative oversight, pipeline reporting, and cross-functional coordination to achieve organizational growth targets. The Director owns site selection and transaction activity across the territory, from identifying opportunities through LOI, REC approval, lease negotiations, and execution. The position evaluates site and market factors, manages broker and franchisee relationships, prepares approval recommendations, and coordinates with Legal, Construction, Operations, Franchise Sales, and Development. The role requires 50%–75% travel throughout assigned markets, along with time for administrative and strategic responsibilities.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant retail, restaurant, QSR, or franchise real estate experience, with demonstrated lease execution results.
Experience managing retail site selection, franchisee or multi-unit operator relationships, and commercial lease transactions.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.
Working knowledge of commercial construction, utilities, site delivery, and retail development requirements.
Proficiency in Excel, CRM/pipeline platforms, mapping tools, and real estate analytics.
Demonstrated territory ownership, regional growth planning, site selection, deal sourcing, broker management, and commercial lease negotiation capabilities.
Ability to partner effectively with Franchise Sales, drive franchisee engagement, manage competing territory priorities, and deliver measurable regional growth results.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization.
Strong analytical, problem-identification, and problem-solving skills.
Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
Positive, collaborative attitude in high-pressure situations.
High attention to detail while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work cross-functionally and coordinate communication across diverse teams.
Ability to travel throughout assigned markets 50%–75%, including in-state and/or out-of-state travel.
Ability to travel by air and drive a vehicle for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with AI-enabled tools, Sitewise or comparable site selection platforms, and FranConnect or similar franchise management systems.
Personal passion for health and fitness.

Responsibilities

Own the assigned territory as its real estate market leader; develop and execute regional market plans, prioritize growth opportunities, and manage progress against store development and lease execution goals.
Partner with Franchise Sales to align territory availability, candidate demand, franchisee readiness, target intersections, and regional growth objectives; support market expansion and strategic development planning.
Serve as the primary real estate contact for assigned franchisees; establish site-search milestones, maintain engagement, and address stalled development activity.
Identify, recruit, assign, and manage local real estate brokers; set expectations for market coverage, site submissions, tours, follow-up, and transaction progression.
Manage a high-volume pipeline from site identification through LOI, REC approval, lease negotiations, and execution; maintain realistic forecasts and proactively remove roadblocks.
Evaluate demographics, traffic, access, visibility, competition, cannibalization, projected sales, occupancy costs, and franchisee investment economics to recommend viable sites and formats.
Lead LOI and commercial lease-term negotiations, including rent, tenant improvements, delivery, signage, exclusives, and other material business terms within delegated authority.
Partner with Legal on lease drafting and revisions; coordinate with Construction, Operations, Franchise Sales, and Development to resolve site and transaction issues.
Prepare complete, accurate REC recommendations and supporting site packages, clearly identifying economics, opportunities, risks, and approval requirements.
Maintain territory business plans, market priorities, deal records, broker activity, milestone dates, documents, and forecasts in company systems; provide regular growth and pipeline reporting.
Meet assigned regional growth and performance objectives for executed leases, REC activity, franchisee progression, deal conversion, cycle time, and forecast accuracy.
Balance field-based market visits, broker and franchisee meetings, and proactive deal sourcing with remote administrative work, strategic planning, internal meetings, and timely follow-through.
Promote the culture, values, and mission of Smoothie King.