Leasing Manager

Job Title: Leasing Manager Location: Houchens Food Group Reports to: Real Estate/Store Development Management Overview The Leasing Manager supports Houchens Food Group growth by negotiating leases for new store locations, coordinating lease renewals, managing broker relationships, and supporting acquisitions, purchases, and development opportunities. This position helps move real estate opportunities from site identification through letter of intent, legal documentation, due diligence, and execution while partnering with operations, finance, construction, legal counsel, landlords, developers, sellers, and brokerage firms. Any other team‑related tasks as assigned by supervisor. Key Responsibilities New Store Leasing and Site Negotiation Negotiate leases for new store locations including rent, term, options, exclusives, use rights, delivery obligations, tenant improvement allowances, assignment rights, maintenance obligations, and landlord work. Evaluate site opportunities with attention to visibility, access, traffic, competition, demographics, operational fit, development constraints, and store economics. Prepare deal summaries and present key terms, risks, timelines, and recommendations to leadership. Letters of Intent and Transaction Documentation Draft, review, and negotiate letters of intent for new leases, lease renewals, acquisitions, and purchase opportunities. Coordinate with legal counsel to translate approved business terms into leases, amendments, purchase agreements, and related documents. Review legal comments and document revisions to confirm business objectives and negotiated terms are accurately reflected. Lease Renewals and Portfolio Support Negotiate lease renewals, extensions, amendments, relocations, expansions, terminations, and other lease‑related matters as assigned. Track and communicate critical dates, option deadlines, notice periods, rent commencement dates, landlord delivery obligations, and renewal requirements. Work with operations and leadership to evaluate performance, occupancy costs, market rent, and long‑term store needs when considering renewals. Acquisitions, Purchases, and Due Diligence Support real estate portions of acquisitions, store purchases, property purchases, and portfolio growth opportunities. Review or coordinate lease abstracts, due diligence materials, surveys, title matters, zoning information, environmental reports, estoppels, and other transaction documents. Identify and communicate real estate risks, deal requirements, deadlines, and opportunities to internal stakeholders. Broker, Landlord, Developer, and Seller Relationships Manage relationships with brokerage firms, developers, landlords, property owners, sellers, and other real estate partners. Communicate site criteria, market priorities, transaction expectations, and deal requirements to external partners. Review broker‑submitted opportunities and provide timely, clear feedback on fit, next steps, and open questions. Store Development, Construction, and Internal Coordination Coordinate with construction, design, facilities, operations, finance, and other teams to understand project timing, turnover conditions, utilities, permitting, site work, landlord work, and tenant build‑out requirements. Maintain working knowledge of construction and new store development practices that affect deal structure, lease obligations, purchase timing, and store opening schedules. Support internal approvals, project tracking, market tours, site visits, and other real estate development activities. Qualifications Accountability – Ability to accept responsibility and account for actions, timelines, communications, and transaction follow‑through. Negotiation – Ability to advocate for favorable business terms while maintaining professional relationships. Business Judgment – Ability to evaluate real estate opportunities, lease economics, risk, and long‑term operational impact. Communication, Verbal and Written – Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with leadership, brokers, landlords, developers, legal counsel, and internal teams. Detail Oriented – Ability to review lease terms, letters of intent, due diligence materials, deadlines, and transaction documentation thoroughly. Relationship Management – Ability to build effective working relationships with brokers, landlords, sellers, developers, municipalities, attorneys, and internal stakeholders. Problem Solving – Ability to identify real estate issues and work collaboratively toward practical solutions. Organization and Time Management – Ability to manage multiple transactions, active deadlines, approvals, and follow‑up items at the same time. Professional Judgment – Ability to handle confidential transaction information and represent the company in a professional manner. Teamwork – Ability to coordinate effectively with operations, finance, construction, facilities, legal counsel, and leadership. Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, finance, construction management, law, or related field preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered. Experience in commercial real estate, retail leasing, brokerage, store development, acquisitions, property management, or related field preferred. Grocery, convenience store, restaurant, retail, or multi‑unit real estate development experience preferred. Exposure to acquisitions, purchase agreements, sale‑leaseback transactions, or portfolio transactions preferred. Ability to read and interpret leases, lease amendments, letters of intent, site plans, surveys, title materials, due diligence documents, and purchase‑related documents. Working knowledge of lease economics, occupancy costs, rent structures, renewal options, use clauses, exclusives, assignment rights, maintenance obligations, landlord delivery requirements, and tenant improvement allowances. Ability to engage with legal counsel and coordinate document review from business‑term approval through execution. Ability to use MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and real estate or deal tracking tools. Ability to travel for site reviews, market tours, broker meetings, due diligence, and development meetings as needed. Houchens Industries is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr