Manager, Real Estate Development

About the role

CHAGEE is a modern teahouse with more than 7,500 locations globally, dedicated to bringing people together through tea. As a Sr. Manager, Real Estate, you will play a pivotal role in driving site acquisition and lease execution for new store development across California. This role is part of a global brand expanding its presence in the US market.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute market and trade area strategies aligned with CHAGEE’s North America growth plan, including cluster sequencing and persona allocation (Core, High Profile, Flagship).
• Identify, evaluate, and secure new retail store locations throughout California in line with Chagee’s brand and growth strategy.
• Classify each proposed site into Core, High Profile, or Flagship persona and ensure alignment between role, design complexity, and economic targets.
• Manage site selection process, including working with local brokers, conducting trade area tours, and presenting recommendations to leadership.
• Negotiate LOIs and lease agreements with landlords and developers to secure favorable terms and ensure timely deal closures.
• Collaborate with the Real Estate Analyst to evaluate market data, demographic trends, and competitor positioning.
• Partner with internal teams (Construction, Legal, Finance, Operations) to drive cross-functional alignment from site approval through store opening.
• Structure deals to align with CHAGEE’s capex and occupancy cost targets; clearly flag and justify any exceptions requiring leadership escalation.
• Prepare and present site packages for internal real estate committee approvals, ensuring clarity on market rationale and financial implications.
• Maintain and grow strong relationships with landlords, property owners, brokers, and key local stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on deal pipeline status, milestone tracking, and deal performance post-opening.
• Stay up to date on zoning laws, permitting requirements, and retail market trends across key California markets.
• Support lease renewals, relocations, and portfolio optimization as needed.
• Prioritize high-quality trade areas with strong residential density, meaningful AAPI presence, and strong afternoon/evening demand drivers.
• Avoid opportunistic site selection that compromises long-term brand positioning or scalability.
• Identify follow-on opportunities within approved markets to build logical clusters that improve brand visibility, operational leverage, and marketing efficiency.
• Contribute to the development of best-in-class real estate processes, scorecards, and approval frameworks to support disciplined North America expansion.

Requirements

• 5–7 years of retail real estate experience, including market planning, site selection and lease negotiation; F&B or QSR experience is preferred.
• Proven track record of sourcing and securing sites in complex, competitive retail markets—particularly in California.
• Strong knowledge of lease structures, deal terms, and trade area evaluation methods.
• Excellent negotiation, relationship management, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with GIS, mapping tools, and market analysis platforms.
• Ability to travel frequently across California to conduct site visits and landlord meetings.
• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate trade areas using demographic, traffic, and consumer data.
• Experience supporting premium, design-forward, or brand-sensitive retail concepts is strongly preferred.
• Experience working in high-growth or early-stage retail environments where systems are being built alongside expansion.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Skills

• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of lease structures and deal terms.
• Experience with GIS and market analysis tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule for a balanced life.
• 401K with company match to secure your future.
• Yearly bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• On-site fitness center and wellness programs.
• Exclusive discounts at our tea locations, theme parks, and gyms.
• Generous paid time off starting at 15 days, plus 7 federal holidays.
• Opportunities for continuous education and scholarships.
• Income protection including Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance.
• Bereavement leave for those difficult times.

Pay

The estimated total cash compensation for this position is $101,400-$152,100, inclusive of base salary and estimated bonus. Final compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate and may vary depending on factors including (but not limited to): relevant knowledge and experience, skills, education, certifications, overall qualifications, and your specific work location.

Schedule

Hybrid work schedule for a balanced life.