Real Estate Development Retail Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About Banneker

Banneker Ventures is a dynamic and fast-growing real estate development, construction, advisory, and property management firm dedicated to building vibrant, sustainable communities throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. With a reputation for excellence, Banneker recently expanded its operations to include a Property Management division. The role we are seeking to fill offers the unique opportunity to lead and shape this new division, directly impacting the long-term growth and success of the firm.

Its real estate development division prides itself on helping to solve the affordable and workforce housing problem in the Washington Metropolitan region. It is currently working on $1.5 billion in projects, and 2 million square feet of housing, retail, office, and entertainment space throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and New York City. Its mission is to ensure that every family has a safe, quality, and affordable place to live while creating opportunities for those who have historically not had the opportunity to work on and be part of large-scale development and construction projects.

Job Overview

The Real Estate Development Retail Manager plays a pivotal role in driving the strategic growth and expansion of retail operations across the United States. This position is responsible for identifying new retail opportunities, managing site selection, and overseeing the development process from concept through to store opening. The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams including marketing, operations, real estate, and finance to ensure alignment with company goals and brand standards. The Retail Development Manager will also analyze market trends and customer insights to optimize retail footprint and enhance overall customer experience. Ultimately, this role aims to increase market share and profitability by delivering successful retail development projects on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential retail tenants/concepts through market research and site visits to support eretail lease up for portfolio projects
• Lead due diligence on potential retail tenants in consideration for our developmet projects
• Lead negotiations of leases,purchase agreements and others legal documents for retail tenants in collaboration with legal and real estate teams.
• Lead design for retail spaces during the predevelopment phase of portfolio projects to ensure that appropriate elements are captured to attract world-class retailers
• Coordinate with internal departments and external vendors to manage TI buildout including store design, construction, and merchandising setup.
• Develop and maintain project timelines, budgets, and status reports to ensure timely and cost-effective store openings.
• Monitor competitive landscape and consumer trends to recommend adjustments in retail development plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, local authorities, and community stakeholders to facilitate smooth project execution.
• Provide leadership and guidance to junior team members and collaborate with development managers to support operational readiness.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in retail development, real estate, or a related industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing retail site selection and store openings.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing lease agreements and vendor contracts.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience working within a national retail chain or franchise environment.
• Familiarity with construction management and retail store design principles.
• Knowledge of local zoning laws, permitting processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency with project management software and geographic information systems (GIS).

Skills

• Utilizes analytical skills daily to assess market data and identify optimal retail locations that align with strategic growth objectives.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential for securing favorable lease terms and building partnerships with landlords and vendors.
• Project management expertise is applied to coordinate cross-functional teams, ensuring that store development projects meet deadlines and budget constraints.
• Leadership and interpersonal skills facilitate collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive successful store openings.
• Additionally, adaptability and problem-solving skills are critical to navigating challenges related to site acquisition, construction, and regulatory compliance.

Education

• BS in Finance, Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate, or related field.
• MBA (with real estate focus) or Master's in Real Estate preferred but not required.