Real Estate Manager | Property Analysis & Strategic Growth

America's Thrift Stores•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Real Estate Manager supports America's Thrift's growth and expansion by identifying, evaluating, and helping secure locations for retail stores and donation collection sites. The role researches potential markets and commercial properties, develops relationships with property owners and real estate professionals, and coordinates acquisition opportunities in support of the company's long-term growth strategy. It works closely with Growth, Operations, and Real Estate leadership to ensure proposed locations align with company objectives, market potential, operational requirements, and expansion strategies. The position involves frequent travel—approximately 50%—throughout assigned markets to scout properties and assess locations. The manager evaluates sites, prepares research and recommendations, maintains a pipeline and records of opportunities, and assists with negotiations and acquisition activities. The role also monitors real estate trends and reports progress and potential challenges to leadership. Occasional overnight travel may be required. America's Thrift Stores is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and has more than 36 stores throughout the Southeast. The company partners with charities and supports reuse and recycling efforts. The position requires regular property visits and the ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying conditions.

Requirements

Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
Excellent research, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to identify and evaluate commercial real estate opportunities against retail objectives, donation collection needs, and operational requirements.
Understanding of factors that contribute to successful retail locations, including demographics, customer traffic, visibility, accessibility, competition, and surrounding businesses.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple prospective locations, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
Self-motivated and resourceful, with the ability to work independently in the field.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with property owners, brokers, developers, vendors, and internal business partners.
Detail-oriented, with ability to maintain accurate records, evaluate property information, and communicate findings effectively.
Ability to adapt to changing market conditions, expansion priorities, and business needs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, online mapping tools, property research platforms, and related technology.
Ability to evaluate properties for retail operations, donation collection activities, and associated logistical requirements.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout assigned markets, including occasional overnight travel.
Successful completion of a background check, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Property Management, or a related field preferred.
Experience in commercial real estate, retail site selection, property acquisition, business development, outside sales, or a related field preferred.
Experience identifying retail or commercial properties, working with landlords, negotiating lease terms, or developing new business locations preferred.
Experience with shopping centers, retail leasing, commercial property development, or multi-location business expansion preferred.
Understanding of commercial leasing, property evaluation, zoning, permitting, and site development processes preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify and pursue potential retail storefronts, shopping center spaces, freestanding buildings, vacant properties, and other locations for retail stores and donation collection sites.
Research markets using demographics, population growth, household income, traffic patterns, accessibility, competition, shopping habits, and donation opportunities.
Travel throughout assigned markets to scout locations, evaluate commercial properties, and identify expansion opportunities.
Prepare property summaries, market research, site comparisons, and recommendations for leadership.
Evaluate properties for visibility, accessibility, parking, building size and layout, loading and unloading capabilities, condition, operational needs, and business potential.
Identify retail sites with strong customer traffic, convenient access, appropriate surrounding businesses, and favorable market conditions.
Identify donation collection sites that offer convenient donor access, donation potential, and efficient collection and transportation.
Conduct property inspections and preliminary assessments to identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, renovation requirements, and development challenges.
Build and maintain relationships with property owners, landlords, commercial real estate brokers, developers, shopping center representatives, and community partners.
Gather and evaluate property availability, rental rates, lease terms, square footage, estimated expenses, and other financial information.
Assist with lease negotiations, agreements, letters of intent, and property acquisition activities with leadership and internal departments.
Coordinate site visits, property evaluations, and discussions with internal stakeholders, vendors, contractors, brokers, and business partners.
Collaborate with Growth, Operations, and Real Estate leadership on site acquisition strategies aligned with growth and retail expansion objectives.
Assess opportunities considering market conditions, regulations, operational needs, financial constraints, and long-term business potential.
Research existing markets and trade areas for new store development, relocation, and market expansion opportunities.
Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective locations, tracking property details, outreach, negotiations, and acquisition progress.
Maintain accurate records of prospective properties, contacts, lease information, agreements, research, and related documentation.
Monitor commercial real estate trends, retail development activity, market conditions, and relevant regulations.
Provide leadership with updates and reports on prospective locations, acquisition opportunities, challenges, and progress toward growth goals.
Support business development initiatives, retail expansion projects, special assignments, and other duties as assigned.