Director of Real Estate Development

Director of Real Estate Development

Be a Part of the Fiesta... Come Join The Pollo Nation!

Under the direction of the VP of Real Estate, the Director of Real Estate Development will assist in executing Pollo Tropical's strategic investment and new unit development plans, which are expanding to capitalize on Pollo Tropical's strong operational and financial performance. This position will be responsible for the management of the company's real estate portfolio of 100+ restaurants, including oversight of relocations, acquisitions, dispositions, lease renewals and extensions, as well as lease related expenses including but not limited to the management of recurring and non-recurring expenses, real estate tax appeals and CAM audits which meet the Company's development and portfolio optimization goals. This position requires the exercise of discretion and independent judgment in the performance of various leasing activities and real estate duties. This position is based in Miami, Florida at Pollo Tropical's corporate headquarters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with VP of Real Estate for new site approval process and ensure all stakeholders are informed and involved. Obtain and analyze pertinent market and trade area data. Evaluate existing and new restaurant performance. Maintain communications with both internal and external stakeholders (i.e. Finance, Legal, Marketing, Construction, Facilities, Operations, Brokers and Landlords/Developers). Prepare reports and presentations for Chief Development Officer and Real Estate Committee.
• Maintain strong, strategic alliances with external business partners, including landlords/developers, brokers, vendors, lease administration, franchisees, local governmental authorities, and other related real estate individuals. Interface with construction, restaurant operations, and other internal departments to effectively assist in tracking projects, delivery dates and managing schedules to ensure the timely delivery of new restaurants.
• Manage all real estate related matters including but not limited to LOIs, leases, estoppels, SNDAs, amendments, notices, real estate tax appeals, recurring and non-recurring lease related expenses needed to support the restaurant portfolio and expansion strategy through strong communication and interaction with legal, finance and accounting departments.
• Travel to required market areas to visually inspect and evaluate proposed sites, existing restaurants and competitors within trade areas.

Professional and Educational Requirements:

• 5-8 years of retail real estate transaction or management experience, preferably in the restaurant space.
• Direct experience in Florida real estate markets, with South Florida experience highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Business, Real Estate or Finance.

Skills:

• Successful experience navigating the landlord/tenant relationship.
• Proven track record of executing either Landlord or Tenant real estate strategies, pipeline development, preferably Tenant.
• Follows through with all tasks, assignments and job duties in a timely manner with an ability to multitask in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, listening skills; outstanding interpersonal skills with an emphasis on building partnerships, managing conflict and negotiating.
• Exhibits high level of professionalism, honesty, integrity, courtesy and respect both inside and outside the corporation, in all dealings with fellow associates, guests, vendors, or others with whom the corporation conducts business.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, communication and management skills
• Proficient in Excel and ability to calculate mathematical percentages
• Understanding of architectural and construction materials and processes; able to read architectural plans and understand Landlord work letters; familiar with lease contracts and key business related provisions; understanding of a P&L statement.
• Strong collaborative partner and ability to be effective in fast paced, complex business environment Lease/Contract negotiation, review and drafting experience Regularly interacts with high level Retail Landlord representatives
• Interest in F&B operations and real estate development.
• Fluent in both English and Spanish

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.