Position SummaryThe Real Estate Manager is responsible for managing and optimizing a portfolio of convenience retail and fuel assets across Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Florida. This role supports the company's growth and profitability objectives through acquisition, disposition, lease negotiations, portfolio optimization, landlord relations, and strategic asset management activities. The Real Estate Manager serves as a key liaison between Operations, Finance, Legal, Engineering, Environmental, and external stakeholders to ensure real estate decisions align with business objectives. The role is responsible for identifying opportunities to improve portfolio performance, reduce occupancy costs, mitigate risks, and support new store development and acquisition initiatives.
Portfolio Management & Optimization- Manage an assigned portfolio of owned and leased properties to maximize financial performance and support operational objectives.
- Conduct portfolio reviews to identify opportunities for acquisition, disposition, redevelopment, relocation, renegotiation, or closure.
- Evaluate site performance, occupancy costs, lease obligations, and market conditions to recommend strategic actions.
- Develop business cases and financial analyses supporting portfolio decisions.
- Monitor critical lease dates, contractual obligations, and asset performance metrics.
Acquisitions & Development Support- Identify and evaluate acquisition and development opportunities consistent with company growth objectives.
- Coordinate site selection activities, market analysis, and preliminary due diligence efforts.
- Support negotiations of purchase agreements, leases, easements, and related contracts.
- Manage third-party brokers, developers, consultants, surveyors, and title companies.
- Assist with environmental, permitting, zoning, and entitlement activities.
Lease Negotiation & Transaction Management- Lead lease renewals, amendments, rent reductions, extensions, relocations, and other transactions.
- Evaluate landlord proposals and prepare financial analyses supporting negotiation strategies.
- Manage option exercises, termination rights, and purchase options.
- Coordinate transaction execution with Legal, Finance, and Operations.
- Ensure all transactions are documented and maintained within company systems.
Financial Analysis & Asset Performance- Assist in the preparation of financial models supporting acquisitions, restructuring, renewals, dispositions, and capital investments.
- Analyze rent structures, occupancy costs, ROI, and long-term portfolio impacts.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning.
- Track savings generated through negotiations, buyouts, and optimization initiatives.
- Monitor market trends and transaction activity.
Stakeholder Management- Maintain productive relationships with landlords, brokers, developers, municipalities, and consultants.
- Partner closely with Operations to understand site-level opportunities and challenges.
- Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Engineering, Construction, Environmental, and Procurement teams.
- Represent the company in external negotiations and discussions.
Risk Management & Compliance- Ensure compliance with lease obligations, deed restrictions, and regulatory requirements.
- Support environmental due diligence and remediation efforts.
- Identify and proactively address transaction and ownership risks.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance, Economics, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in commercial real estate, acquisitions, lease negotiations, asset management, or related disciplines.
- Strong financial analysis and modeling skills.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience in convenience retail, fuel retail, quick-service restaurant, or multi-site operations.
- Experience evaluating acquisitions, lease buyouts, and portfolio optimization opportunities.
- Familiarity with environmental due diligence processes.
- Experience with Tango, Lease Harbor, TRIRIGA, MRI ProLease or equivalent.
Core CompetenciesPortfolio Management, Lease Negotiation, Real Estate Transactions, Financial Analysis & Modeling, Site Selection, Acquisitions & Dispositions, Strategic Thinking, Relationship Management, Project Management, Risk Management, Business Acumen, Cross-Functional Collaboration.
Success Measures- Achievement of portfolio optimization and cost-reduction targets.
- Successful completion of acquisitions, dispositions, and lease negotiations.
- Rent reductions and value creation generated through negotiations.
- Improved portfolio performance metrics and occupancy costs.
- Timely execution of contractual obligations and transaction milestones.
