Sr Director, Real Estate

sweetgreen•New York, NY

About The Position

Sweetgreen is in a high-growth phase, expanding into new markets while strengthening compliance frameworks across our 280+ restaurant footprint. We’re seeking an experienced Senior Director of Real Estate who will be a key member of the Store Development Corporate Real Estate team and will be responsible for managing the company's NROs (New Restaurant Openings), Relocation, and real estate development activities for the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic regions with counterparts in Strategy, Real Estate, and Design. This position will report directly to the sweetgreen Chief Development Officer (CDO) and will lead Real Estate acquisition activities to meet corporate 3-year plan objectives while negotiating the most favorable business terms for sweetgreen. Typical deal structures are 10-year lease terms, and the Real Estate Team works in conjunction with sweetgreen's external real estate vendors along with both inside and outside legal departments to accomplish expedited deal timing and appropriate terms. This person must have an extensive real estate background regarding market knowledge and differing deal types and transaction methods. Comprehensive market strategy, acquisition, and deal management experience is required to assist field operations with business development and real estate needs. This is a high-visibility role that requires an expert deal-maker with a proven track record of successful site selection and lease negotiation. Location: This role is based on the East Coast, ideally New York.

Requirements

A Bachelor's Degree is required; Master's Degree (MBA) preferred
A minimum of 10+ years of progressive corporate real estate experience, with at least 5 years in multi-unit restaurant, retail, or hospitality development
Proven track record of successful deal-making, site selection, and lease negotiation
Wide-ranging multi-state real estate experience and market knowledge required, with East Coast and Mid-Atlantic expertise strongly preferred
Business management experience including financial, operational, and compliance responsibilities
Strong understanding of market analytics, demographic tools, and financial modeling
Ability to analyze the market and the competition, develop competitive strategies and recommend action plans
Strategic ability to think through and partner with operations to deliver capital-optimized real estate solutions
Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills with strong executive presence
Experience with Real Estate project management/tracking systems (e.g. Accruent, CoStar RE Manager)
Ability to travel frequently (up to 50-75% of work schedule)

Nice To Haves

3-5 years as a tenant broker representative or portfolio manager preferred; development experience a plus
Real Estate Broker's License (Active and in good standing) preferred

Responsibilities

Real Estate Strategy & Market Planning
Develop and execute a multi-year real estate growth strategy aligned with company goals and 3-year plan objectives
Conduct market research, trade-area analysis, and competitive assessments to identify high-potential markets across the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic
Build and maintain a robust pipeline of new restaurant opportunities across priority regions
Analyze and make business recommendations on real estate trends and portfolio conditions
Site Selection & Development
Manage internal and external real estate partnerships including leading site approval, coordinating lease execution process, and managing cycle time efficiencies
Lead the end-to-end site selection process, including field tours, feasibility studies, and financial modeling
Partner with Operations, Finance, Construction, and Design teams to evaluate site viability
Present site recommendations to executive leadership and secure approvals through the real estate committee process
Ensure that all areas of the store development process undergo appropriate review
Deal Negotiation & Portfolio Management
Negotiate LOIs, leases, renewals, relocations, and terminations to optimize occupancy costs and secure the most favorable business terms
Manage relationships with landlords, brokers, developers, and external partners
Oversee the existing real estate portfolio to ensure performance and compliance
Work with real estate vendors, developers and landlords in processes focused on ideal outcomes
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting
Collaborate with Construction and Design teams to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery
Work closely with Operations to accomplish goals, objectives, and strategic plans
Oversee the preparation of reports to executive levels of the organization including sweetgreen C-Suite and monthly metrics
Ensure that appropriate steps are taken to anticipate and correct any unsatisfactory operating results and vendor relationships
Provide real estate insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership

Benefits

Highly competitive pay + bonus plan
Three different medical plans to suit your and your family's needs
Dental and Vision insurance
Flexible PTO plan
401k program
Employee HSA and FSA
Complimentary greens
An opportunity to make a real impact on the people around you, both by growing them and by connecting them to real food
To live the sweetlife and celebrate your passion + purpose
A collaborative team of people who live our core values and have your back
A clear career path with opportunities for development, both personally and professionally
Free sweetgreen swag