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. ----- Director, Real Estate Location: Wichita, KS Department: Real Estate & Finance Salary Range: $130,000 - $170,000 / year Reports to: SVP, Finance & Strategic Development #J-18808-Ljbffr Thrive Restaurant Group