Manager, Real Estate Portfolio Management

POSITION SUMMARY The Mgr-R/E Portfolio Management is responsible for performing all deal-making functions relating to the management of the company's real estate assets, including leased and fee-owned restaurant properties, both company-operated and franchised, and corporate and regional office properties. This position is also responsible for preserving and enhancing the value of the company's real estate assets to improve the company's position and protect future cash flows. This includes evaluating the real estate characteristics of a property and/or a market, determining property valuations, performing financial analysis, reviewing leases and related documents to assess renewal terms, negotiating or re-negotiating lease and purchase transactions and documentation in support of lease renewals, extensions, terminations, rent restructuring, property expansions and remodels, and disposition of under-performing and excess properties. The Mgr-R/E Portfolio Management also provides the company's franchisees with support concerning their leasing and operation of restaurant properties. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS May perform any or all of the following duties: * Evaluates long-term potential of assigned restaurant properties based upon quality of real estate, market placement, sales performance, and cash flow trends * Identifies leases coming up for renewal, lease expirations, and at-risk locations; tracks all critical dates to ensure deadlines are met * Leads portfolio review for assigned restaurant properties with key stakeholders to ensure strategy alignment; facilitates ongoing communication and progress updates * Conducts analysis and makes recommendations to leaders on lease renewals and extensions, as well as remodels, rebuilds, relocations, or lease terminations * Negotiates with landlords/property owners, franchisees, and other parties to achieve desired outcomes * Prepares analysis and Real Estate Committee submittals for approval, negotiates as necessary, and coordinates documentation to see through to completion * Collaborate regularly with the Legal Department, outside counsel, and other business units with respect to a variety of matters and transactions * Provide financial analysis, site evaluation, and Real Estate Committee recommendation on all lease-related right of first refusal/right of first offer proposals and purchase options, unsolicited purchase offers, lease buy-out offers, and franchised portfolio acquisitions, and any other transaction pertaining to the sale or purchase of real estate or assets, including Committee approval submission and bringing approved transactions to completion * Support Design and Construction as needed with respect to property remodels, rebuilds, property expansions, and acquisitions * Support Facilities and Operations teams to assist in maintaining best-in-class facilities * Analyzes, evaluates, and manages property strategy for stores impacted by natural disasters, making recommendations to the Real Estate Committee, and partnering with Risk Management, Construction Team, Franchisees, and coordinating/negotiating as needed with Landlords * Supports Finance and Accounting Departments with financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, and other special projects as needed * Support team members with store closure activities and related negotiations, building repair and maintenance matters, and coordination of closed restaurants and surplus property dispositions, all on an as-needed basis POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/CORE COMPETENCIES * Approximately seven (7)+ years of progressive experience in lease analysis and commercial real estate transactions, with strong negotiations and deal-making skills, and knowledge of real estate/legal contracts and asset management practices * BA/BS degree required, preferably in a relevant discipline such as legal or real estate * Restaurant industry experience is highly preferred * Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines * Strong written and oral interpersonal communication skills with an ability to lead across multiple company disciplines and influence others * Must display strong analytical, conceptual, and organizational skills, well-developed problem- solving skills, and have the ability to identify and implement process improvement strategies with positive business results * Ability to identify issues, think strategically, and act decisively to resolve issues * Must have a strong work ethic and a high level of confidentiality to ensure proper handling of sensitive information * Self-motivated; ability to work proactively and independently WORK ENVIRONMENT * Fast-paced corporate setting with a high volume of activity and a deadline-driven environment PHYSICAL DEMANDS * Sitting for extended periods of time, using the telephone, typing, and/or operating a computer and/or mouse * Travels as needed: approximately zero (0)% THE COMPANY RETAINS THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR ASSIGN OTHER DUTIES TO THIS POSITION AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE.