Director of Real Estate

Thrive Restaurant Group is a family-owned restaurant company with nearly 200 locations, 5 brands, and over 8,000 team members across 15 states. We’ve been in business for 50 years, and we’re still growing - with purpose.

We’re looking for a Director of Real Estate to take the lead on managing our corporate real estate portfolio. This is a key role in how we grow, how we invest, and how we steward one of the company’s most strategic assets: our properties.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct in-depth financial analysis of P&L statements and leases, perform market research, and collaborate with operators to gather key insights. You will then synthesize this information to formulate a strategic recommendation before leading the subsequent negotiation.

• Negotiate leases, amendments, and property transactions that support Thrive’s long-term strategy

• Manage critical dates, lease clauses, renewals, and data across our entire portfolio

• Collaborate with construction, finance, accounting, and facilities to align real estate decisions with operational needs

• Guide buy/sell decisions and support development strategy with market insight and analysis

• Serve as the primary liaison with brokers, landlords, attorneys, and developers

What You’ll Bring

• A sharp mind for both numbers and negotiation

• Strong financial acumen, including the ability to:

  • Analyze a restaurant P&L

  • Build and interpret deal models

  • Assess investment returns

  • Advise on the impact of real estate decisions to the broader P&L and balance sheet

• Experience participating in and/or leading complex negotiations with landlords, developers, and key partners

• The ability to create win-win solutions—while protecting Thrive’s long-term financial and strategic interests

• Clear, confident communication across stakeholders and situations

• Comfort leading through ambiguity and balancing many details at once

Must-Haves

• 7+ years of progressive experience in corporate real estate, preferably in multi‑unit retail or restaurants

• Demonstrated success in lease negotiations and portfolio management

• Ability to work independently and think strategically

• Experience leading or collaborating with external partners (brokers, counsel, consultants)

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance, or a related field (MBA a plus)

• Willingness to travel when necessary for site visits, negotiations, and portfolio oversight

Why Thrive

We believe work should be meaningful—and people should matter more than profit. You’ll be joining a team that’s not just growing restaurants, but also growing people. We offer competitive salary and benefits, including:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) profit‑sharing plan

• Paid time off and professional development

• Food discounts at all Thrive‑owned restaurant brands

• A casual, collaborative work environment based in Wichita, KS

If you’re ready to bring your real estate experience to a company that values clarity, purpose, and people—this might be your next move.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit for extended periods and occasionally bend to access under desk storage or low filing drawers.

• Occasional lifting of office equipment and/or lifting up to 25 pounds.

• Continuous use of office equipment, e.g., such as computers, keyboard, copy machine printers, and calculators.

• Ability to perceive sound at normal speaking levels and visual acuity for tasks such as analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer, and extensive reading.

• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required, with some overnight travel.

Thrive Restaurant Group is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture.

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Director, Real Estate

Location: Wichita, KS

Department: Real Estate & Finance

Salary Range: $130,000 - $170,000 / year

Reports to: SVP, Finance & Strategic Development