Real Estate Manager

City Barbecue started in Columbus, OH in 1999 and has grown to 80 locations in 12 states. We are an award-winning quick-casual concept dedicated to serving and creating happiness through authentic barbecue, taking care of our friends and neighbors, and sharing our passion for the art and soul of BBQ. Recognized as a Top Employer by Columbus CEO and an Employer of Choice by BPA in 2026.

About the role

The Real Estate Manager will aggressively source new site opportunities to help the brand fulfill its growth pipeline commitment. This is a high-travel role focused on evaluating and developing sites in multiple states, with top-notch compensation and benefits.

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Responsibilities

• Work with the Chief Development Officer to execute the real estate strategic plan, building a pipeline of new sites to meet the company’s growth plan within a specific geographic region.
• Develop, manage, and maintain a broad range of industry relationships with potential landlords, sellers, consultants, and governmental agencies.
• Manage an established network of real estate brokers to execute market-specific penetration strategies and identify potential sites for new restaurant locations.
• Prioritize sites with high sales volume and brand awareness potential in accordance with market penetration strategies and present these sites to senior management for approval.
• Work with the broker network to prepare and present new restaurant site recommendation packages to the Real Estate Committee, including sales forecasts, sales transfer forecasts, and ROI analysis.
• Aggressively guide and oversee the preparation of project proposals, letters of intent, pro-formas, budgets, and feasibility analyses, including determination of time and funding requirements.
• Oversee the negotiation of leases, contracts, and operating agreements to close deals and maximize cash flow.
• After site acquisition, set up and maintain a schedule for meeting critical deadlines within the development period, ensuring all parties are aware of key dates.
• Assist the development team and finance department in matters related to landlords, sellers, or governmental authorities.
• Identify and analyze development and zoning regulations related to leases, new projects, and expansion of existing properties.
• Coordinate with internal legal teams for the analysis and interpretation of REAs, leases, and related controlling documents.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of departmental procedures and controls to monitor projects and prospective deal pipelines, improving processes and outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• BA or BS Degree in Business, Real Estate Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of relevant real estate development experience managing full-cycle processes for large-scale premium or multi-unit developments.
• Broker License preferred.
• Extensive travel expected (70% of time spent visiting potential markets or trade areas evaluating sites and business potential).
• Ability to work under high stress on physical, mental, and emotional levels, including making timely decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

• High performer in entrepreneurial, fast-paced environments, particularly in restaurant, hospitality, or retail with a large regional or national footprint.
• Experience with analytical site selection tools and asset management.
• Strong business and financial acumen, fostering a cooperative work environment.
• Excellent attention to detail, decision-making, research, analytical, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, along with negotiation expertise.
• Exceptional planning, organizational, and time management skills.