The Real Estate Manager’s primary purpose is to support the growth of Alex Lee through the development and execution of long-range real estate growth plans for new retail grocery stores and strategic asset management of an existing real estate portfolio within assigned geographies. Alex Lee, Inc., is one of the largest grocery retail and wholesale distribution companies in the southeastern United States. It is the parent company of wholesale distributors Merchants Distributors (MDI), Souto Foods, W. Lee Flowers, and Import Mex, as well as grocery banners Lowes Foods and Kj’s Market.
1. Perform store site analysis to determine potential success for future grocery locations. Manage the full cycle development process including land use, site selection, analysis, negotiation, and internal approvals necessary to develop new location(s) in assigned geographies.
2. Negotiate LOI’s, Leases and Purchase Contracts with Landlords/Developers with the support of internal and external legal resources
3. Manage brokers, developers, and other consultants as necessary in assigned geographies. Become thoroughly familiar with applicable markets and competitive activity as applicable.
4. Participate in Monthly Real Estate Committee (REC) meetings including presenting new locations and communicating to senior leadership analysis and recommendations related to the management of an existing asset portfolio.
5. Partner with Sr. Director and Lease Administrator to review lease expiration report and develop/implement renewal and renegotiation strategies.
6. Support the Sr. Director on special projects related to supporting internal wholesale (MDI, Souto Foods, Import Mex) or other strategic organizational needs.
7. Manage 3rd Party Property management, brokerage, and legal support in the Leasing and/or sale of owned real estate. Support the Lease Administrator in monitoring real estate income/expenditure as applicable
8. Support the assessment and ultimate disposal/redeployment of vacant, owned and excess property
9. Performs other duties as assigned
• Bachelor's degree with emphasis in real estate, finance, legal, business administration, or relevant study
• A minimum of five years' experience in retail real estate; big box and/or grocery related experience strongly preferred
• Extensive experience in negotiating real estate legal agreements (LOI’s, Leases, Declarations) and managing/evaluating property transactions including purchases and sales of real property
• Strong ability to analyze financial and demographic data
• Proven ability to manage relationships with national, regional, and local developers and landlords
• Experience in managing payments, negotiating contracts, and determining rental rates.
• Proficiency in real estate management software.
• General knowledge of real estate law, taxes, and financial statements. Ability to understand financial underwriting principles
• Excellent leadership and communication skills. Strong problem solving, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills required to interface effectively with internal and external customers
Location:Within driving distance to Alex Lee offices (Winston Salem & Hickory, NC)
Travel: 25% - Required as necessary to targeted markets and Alex Lee offices (Hickory/Winston-Salem).
Company vehicle provided as needed for business travel.