Director of Real Estate

Truss Vet•Cary, NC

About The Position

Truss Vet is a fast-growing veterinary startup setting the standard in veterinary urgent care, a novel and relatively undefined category in veterinary medicine. Our mission is to bridge gaps in veterinary care and strengthen our community by reimagining the way animal hospitals serve pets and people. We’re launching new clinics across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, and we’re focused on becoming the premier provider of veterinary urgent care in the industry. As the Site Development Manager, you will play a critical role in Truss Vet's expansion strategy by leading site selection, leasing, construction, and facility management initiatives for our growing network of veterinary urgent care clinics. This position is ideal for a seasoned real estate professional with healthcare or retail industry experience who is passionate about overseeing the development of high-quality facilities while ensuring efficient operational management across our existing clinics. You will have the opportunity to shape our physical footprint, negotiate advantageous leasing terms, and ensure clinics are maintained to the highest standards. This role reports directly to senior leadership and collaborates closely with operations, finance, and our clinical teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in real estate, site development, and facility management, preferably within healthcare or a multi-location retail-based industry.
Proven track record of successful site selection, leasing negotiations, and construction project management.
Willingness to travel regularly (at least two weeks per month, days per month TBD)
Based in the Southeast, ideally North Carolina
Negotiation & Relationship Management: Strong ability to negotiate lease terms and manage relationships with real estate brokers, landlords, and contractors.
Project Management: Exceptional project management skills, with experience in overseeing complex construction projects on time and within budget.
Analytical Skills: Ability to conduct site feasibility studies, evaluate market trends, and analyze financial impacts.
Communication & Leadership: Clear and effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and vendor management.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with state and local zoning regulations, healthcare facility standards, and permitting processes.

Responsibilities

Site Selection & Development (40% of role) Identify and evaluate prospective clinic locations that align with Truss Vet’s growth goals and community needs. Conduct market analyses to assess site potential, demographics, accessibility, and financial feasibility. Collaborate with commercial real estate agents, developers, and brokers to secure suitable clinic sites.
Leasing & Contract Negotiation (20% of role) Lead lease negotiations to secure favorable terms that align with Truss Vet’s operational and financial objectives. Review and manage lease agreements, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
Project Management & Construction Oversight (30% of role) Oversee all aspects of clinic construction, from initial planning and permitting to final buildout and occupancy. Coordinate with architects, contractors, and vendors to ensure project timelines and budgets are met. Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction progress and address any issues promptly. Ensure timely satisfaction and submission of all TIA criteria
Facility Maintenance & Operations (5% of role) Develop and implement a comprehensive maintenance plan for all clinic facilities to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Manage relationships with facility maintenance vendors and contractors, ensuring timely and high-quality service. Establish protocols for regular inspections, repairs, and improvements to maintain optimal clinic conditions.
Budgeting & Reporting (5% of role) Prepare and manage budgets for real estate and facility management, monitoring expenses against budgetary goals. Generate regular reports on site development, leasing status, project progress, and facility maintenance.