Real Estate Manager

Cotti Foods is a multi-brand restaurant franchisee operating more than 200 restaurant locations across six states. Our portfolio includes nationally recognized brands such as Taco Bell, Wendy's, and 7 Brew. As our organization continues to grow, we are looking for a Real Estate Manager to support the management of our existing portfolio while contributing to new store development, remodels, relocations, acquisitions, and other strategic real estate initiatives.

Position Summary

The Real Estate Manager is responsible for supporting the management, optimization, and strategic planning of the Company's existing restaurant real estate portfolio while also contributing to new store development, remodels, relocations, and acquisitions.

This position works closely with the Director of Real Estate and cross-functional partners, including Operations, Construction, Finance, Legal, and other departments, to execute real estate initiatives that support the Company's operational and growth objectives. The Real Estate Manager will also assist in developing and improving processes, systems, reporting, and tools as the Real Estate function continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage lease renewals, amendments, relocations, extensions, and other real estate activities related to the Company's existing restaurant portfolio.
• Monitor and evaluate portfolio performance and provide recommendations regarding store closures, relocations, remodels, reinvestment opportunities, and other portfolio optimization strategies.
• Monitor occupancy costs and identify opportunities to improve lease economics and overall portfolio performance.
• Support the real estate components of restaurant remodels and relocations by coordinating with Operations, Construction, landlords, consultants, and other stakeholders.
• Support due diligence and integration activities associated with acquired restaurant portfolios.
• Support new store development activities, including site evaluation, letters of intent (LOIs), lease negotiations, market analysis, and coordination with brokers and consultants.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with landlords, brokers, developers, and other external business partners.
• Manage external brokerage relationships and help ensure market activity and site identification efforts align with the Company's growth objectives.
• Coordinate third-party consultants and real estate professionals, including attorneys, architects, engineers, environmental consultants, brokers, and other service providers.
• Partner with the Director of Real Estate in developing long-term market and portfolio strategies that support the Company's growth objectives.
• Maintain accurate and current real estate records, project trackers, lease information, transaction status reports, and other department reporting.
• Assist with the development and continuous improvement of Real Estate department processes, systems, procedures, and technology tools.
• Prepare financial analyses, business cases, reports, and presentations for management and executive leadership.
• Track critical transaction dates, lease milestones, renewal options, and other time-sensitive real estate obligations.
• Coordinate effectively with internal stakeholders to ensure real estate projects remain aligned with operational requirements, timelines, and business objectives.
• Assume increasing responsibility for transactions, negotiations, and strategic projects based on experience, business needs, and demonstrated performance.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Four (4) to seven (7) years of commercial real estate experience, preferably supporting restaurant, retail, franchise or multi-unit environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: lease negotiations, lease renewals, site selection, portfolio management, acquisitions, relocations, or new store development.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of commercial lease terms and the ability to analyze financial and operational considerations associated with real estate decisions.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple transactions, projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications; experience with real estate technology, lease administration systems, mapping tools, and/or data platforms preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with landlords, brokers, consultants, vendors, and internal business partners.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and effectively collaborate across departments.

Work Location & Travel Requirements

• This is an in-office position based in Rancho Santa Margarita (RSM), California.
• This position requires occasional travel to restaurant locations, potential sites, meetings, and other business-related locations, generally within approximately 200 miles of Rancho Santa Margarita.
• Occasional travel, estimated at approximately 10% of the time, is required based on business needs.
• A valid driver's license and ability to travel as required by the position are required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.