Director of Real Estate & Development

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Lead real estate strategy for relocations, expansions, de novos, and facility optimization initiatives across the hospital network.

Evaluate market opportunities, demographic trends, and site feasibility to support growth and operational objectives.

Partner with Operations and Executive Leadership to identify facilities requiring expansion, relocation, or redevelopment.

Lead site selection, broker relationships, and end-to-end lease execution including LOIs, lease reviews, and landlord negotiations in partnership with legal counsel and executive leadership.

Negotiate lease terms, including tenant improvement allowances, lease economics, renewals, and extensions, to optimize financial performance and long-term portfolio strategy.

Oversee all phases of development and construction, managing service providers and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with operational requirements.

Develop and evaluate financial models, ROI analyses, and project economics including revenue potential, EBITDA impact, and return on invested capital.

Monitor and optimize real estate portfolio performance, including occupancy costs, lease terms, and space utilization across the network.

Cook up facility maintenance priorities and long term capital planning in partnership with Operations, Clinical Leadership, and Finance teams.

Oversee insurance claims and reimbursement processes for property damage, ensuring timely recovery of funds and coordination with insurance carriers and service providers.

Provide hands-on support for day-to-day facility and site readiness activities, resolving on the ground issues and coordinating service providers.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in real estate development, construction management, facilities leadership, healthcare development, or multi-site operations.
• Experience managing multi-site capital projects and lease negotiations preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data and develop actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willing to travel up to 25% of time within United States.

Technical Skills

• Must have strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Experience with construction management and lease tracking software preferred.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with managers at remote locations using email and phone; must be able to exchange clear, accurate information in these situations.
• The person in this position frequently communicates and collaborates with co-workers in the office.
• Frequent keyboarding/use of computer for data entry.

Compensation And Benefits

• Salary Range: $150,000-155,000 per year.
• This position may be eligible to participate in the Company's incentive bonus program, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable bonus plan.

Blue River PetCare Offers The Following Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Flexible & Health Spending Accounts.
• Disability, Life Insurance, and Critical Illness Coverage.
• Retail plans with company match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and Bereavement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid Volunteer Time-off.
• Pet Perks with industry vendor partners, including deals on insurance, preventatives, food, and supplies.
• Chicago CTA Transit Program Benefits.
• Discounted gym memberships for local Chicago team members.
• Childcare discounts with KinderCare.
• Exclusive travel, entertainment, and retail discounts.
• Paid Volunteer Time-off.
• Hybrid and remote opportunities.

About the Role

Blue River PetCare is a multi-state owner and operator of high-quality veterinary hospitals, with our corporate office located in downtown Chicago.

We provide an exit strategy for owners of veterinary hospitals who are looking to reduce the headaches of business and diversify their asset base while continuing to practice or who are seeking to transition their practice as they consider retirement.

We believe strongly in the local franchise and work with our hospitals to strengthen their existing hospital brands and carry on the legacies which have been established.

Diversity is embraced at Blue River PetCare and the uniqueness of all individuals is supported.

All qualified applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or ancestry.