Real Estate Development Manager

POSITION SUMMARY The Real Estate Development Manager is responsible for driving Les Schwab Tire Centers' growth through the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and development of new store locations. This position leads the full real estate development lifecycle, including market planning, site selection, financial analysis, transaction negotiation, due diligence, entitlements, permitting, and project coordination through store opening. The role works closely with Operations, Construction, Finance, Legal, and Executive Leadership to deliver high-quality development opportunities that support the Company's long-term strategic growth objectives. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS 25% - Market Planning & Growth Strategy: Develop and execute market development strategies that support company growth objectives. Conduct market research, demographic analysis, trade area evaluations, traffic studies, and competitive assessments to identify expansion opportunities. Develop and maintain market plans and a pipeline of prospective development projects. Prepare and present site recommendations, financial analyses, and development opportunities to leadership and the Real Estate Committee. 30% - Site Selection, Acquisition & Transaction Management: Identify, evaluate, and secure sites for new store development, relocations, and redevelopment projects. Negotiate Letters of Intent, Purchase and Sale Agreements, Ground Leases, Easements, Access Agreements, and other real estate-related contracts. Coordinate with brokers, developers, landowners, attorneys, and title companies to structure and execute transactions that align with Company objectives and maximize long-term portfolio value. Manage transactions from initial pursuit through closing. 25% - Due Diligence, Entitlements & Development: Lead all due diligence activities, including environmental reviews, geotechnical investigations, title and survey review, utility assessments, traffic studies, and site feasibility analyses. Coordinate zoning, land use, entitlement, and permitting efforts with consultants and local jurisdictions. Represent the Company at public hearings, planning commission meetings, and other development-related proceedings. Identify and mitigate development risks that could impact project schedules, budgets, or feasibility. 15% - Project & Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of active development projects across multiple markets and states. Track project schedules, budgets, forecasts, critical milestones, and key performance indicators. Coordinate closely with Construction, Operations, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure successful project execution and timely store openings. Develop and maintain project reporting tools, dashboards, and pipeline forecasts to support decision-making and resource planning. 5% - Relationship Management & Industry Engagement: Develop and maintain strong relationships with commercial brokers, developers, consultants, municipalities, and community stakeholders. Represent Les Schwab at industry conferences, networking events, and professional organizations. Maintain awareness of real estate market trends and emerging development opportunities that support the Company's growth strategy. MINIMUM EDUCATION & SKILLS REQUIRED Educational/Experience Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, Construction Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Five (5) or more years of experience in commercial real estate, site selection, acquisitions, retail development, brokerage, or a related field, with demonstrated success managing projects from market planning and site selection through transaction closing and development. Strong knowledge of commercial real estate transactions, due diligence, entitlements, financial analysis, and project management is required. Required Technical Skills/Knowledge: Knowledge of commercial real estate principles, practices, and transaction management. Knowledge of market analysis, trade area evaluation, demographic analysis, and site selection methodologies. Understanding of commercial real estate contracts, including Letters of Intent (LOIs), Purchase and Sale Agreements, Ground Leases, Easements, and Access Agreements. Knowledge of due diligence processes, including environmental assessments, geotechnical investigations, title review, ALTA surveys, and site feasibility analysis. Understanding of zoning, land use regulations, entitlements, permitting, and development approval processes. Ability to perform financial analysis and evaluate development opportunities using financial and operational data. Ability to read and interpret site plans, surveys, title reports, legal descriptions, engineering plans, and development-related documents. Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, schedules, budgets, and priorities simultaneously. Strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Strong verbal, written, presentation, and relationship management skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments, consultants, brokers, developers, contractors, attorneys, and government agencies. Ability to prepare and present recommendations, project updates, and business cases to leadership and approval committees. General Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of commercial real estate development, site selection, acquisitions, and market planning principles. Knowledge of retail growth strategies and the factors that drive successful site performance. Ability to analyze information, identify opportunities and risks, and make sound business recommendations. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and adapting to changing priorities. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, brokers, developers, consultants, property owners, and public agencies. Ability to negotiate effectively and achieve favorable outcomes while maintaining positive business relationships. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing. Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to leadership, committees, and external stakeholders. Ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions within established guidelines. Ability to solve complex problems and develop practical, business-focused solutions. Ability to read, interpret, and understand technical, legal, and financial documents. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive business information. Ability to travel regularly and represent the Company in a professional manner. Ability to adapt to changing business needs, market conditions, and organizational priorities. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and follow-through. Physical Requirements Ability to travel frequently by automobile and commercial airline to support site selection, project development, and market planning activities. Ability to visit developed and undeveloped properties, including construction sites, throughout various stages of development. Ability to walk properties and construction sites over uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions. Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb stairs, and navigate active construction environments. Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer and attending meetings. Ability to visually inspect properties, site plans, maps, surveys, construction documents, and related materials. Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual meeting platforms. Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Work Environment Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment with regular use of a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment. Frequent travel is required to evaluate potential development sites, attend meetings, participate in public hearings, and support project activities across assigned markets. Regular interaction with internal departments, including Operations, Construction, Finance, Legal, and Executive Leadership, as well as external stakeholders such as brokers, developers, consultants, contractors, property owners, and government agencies. Work may be conducted in a variety of settings, including office locations, undeveloped land sites, active construction sites, municipal offices, and public meeting venues. Occasional evening or early morning meetings may be required to attend planning commission hearings, city council meetings, industry conferences, or stakeholder meetings. Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment. Travel Regular travel is required to support market planning, site selection, site approval, due diligence, entitlement activities, project meetings, and store development initiatives. Travel may include day and overnight trips by automobile and commercial airline throughout assigned markets and the Company's operating footprint. Frequent visits to prospective development sites, active construction projects, municipal offices, and industry events are required. Ability to maintain a valid driver's license and meet Company driving requirements. Estimated travel requirement: 10% to 30% of work time, depending on project volume, market assignments, and business needs. Company Culture & Benefits Our founder, Les Schwab, built his business from one store to hundreds of locations across the western states, a massive supply chain hub, and a state‑of‑the‑art headquarters, making Les Schwab one of the largest independent tire businesses in the United States. Les believed in treating customers like family. Although he passed away in 2007, his vision remains at the core of the company’s culture: give people more for their money, reward employees for their expertise and hard work, earn people’s trust, and everyone benefits. Today, the 8,000+ employees of Les Schwab Tire Centers are proud to carry on this legacy. Competitive compensation Profit sharing bonus Retirement plan funded by Les Schwab Company paid training Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Vacation & holiday pay Life Insurance Short & long-term disability Employment remains “AT WILL” at all times. Equal Opportunity Les Schwab is an equal‑opportunity employer. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete this application, please contact the manager at the location where you are applying. Additional Information Privacy Policy Terms of Use Transparency in Supply Chains Act Accessibility #J-18808-Ljbffr