Real Estate Manager (Central Region)

About the role

The Real Estate Manager plays a critical role in supporting Bagel Brands’ growth strategy by helping identify, evaluate, and advance new store development opportunities across the Central region portfolio. As a key member of the Development team, this role partners across Real Estate, Design, Construction, Operations, and Finance to support the successful execution of the company’s new store pipeline and long-term growth objectives. Through market analysis, site evaluation, project coordination, and cross-functional collaboration, the Real Estate Manager helps ensure Bagel Brands secures strong real estate opportunities that support brand growth, operational success, and an exceptional guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze existing and prospective trade areas utilizing demographic tools, market data, and competitive analysis to evaluate opportunities and prioritize development targets.
• Review prospective properties by analyzing economic, demographic, and site-specific information while providing insights and recommendations on real estate opportunities.
• Leverage analytics, local market knowledge, broker relationships, and cross-functional partnership to support the company’s development strategy and growth plans.
• Conduct site visits, market tours, and property evaluations with brokers and company leadership.
• Manage and advance development projects within the new store pipeline. Track and manage development workflows, schedules, and milestone dates to ensure timely progression of LOIs, lease execution, design, and construction activities.
• Monitor monthly, quarterly, and annual lease execution goals to support achievement of company new store opening objectives.
• Build site packages for sites with executed LOIs and prepare presentations for Real Estate Committee review and approval.
• Negotiate LOIs with focus on deal economics, tenant improvement allowances, landlord work letters, and site-specific terms.
• Partner closely with Real Estate, Design, Construction, Operations, and Support Center teams to ensure alignment and visibility throughout the development lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate development pipeline reporting, project tracking, and cross-functional status updates.
• Provide insights and reporting related to site progression, lease activity, and development pipeline performance.
• Interface with landlords, brokers, developers, and other external partners regarding Bagel Brands’ site selection criteria and development process.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships to ensure Bagel Brands remains top-of-mind for new development opportunities.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of experience in commercial real estate, development, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, or related discipline.
• General knowledge of the real estate development process.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and cloud-based project management systems such as Smartsheet.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and networking skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Ability to travel up to 50% as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting retail, QSR restaurant, or multi-unit development environments.
• Experience with demographic analysis and real estate analytics tools.
• Experience managing development pipeline reporting and project coordination.

Skills

• Effective Communication: Communicates clearly, professionally, and collaboratively across internal teams, leadership, and external partners while ensuring alignment and transparency.
• Accountability & Ownership: Takes ownership of development projects, timelines, and business outcomes while driving accountability and follow-through across stakeholders.
• Adaptability & Perseverance: Navigates changing priorities, market conditions, and development challenges effectively while maintaining focus on execution and results.
• Empowerment: Builds strong partnerships across teams, contributes to a collaborative environment, and supports others through proactive communication, knowledge sharing, and problem solving.
• Curiosity: Continuously seeks opportunities to improve processes, strengthen market knowledge, and identify innovative approaches that support company growth objectives.
• Self-Awareness: Demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, and awareness of the impact of communication, decisions, and collaboration on team and business success.

Pay

Base Salary Range: $115,000–$125,000 annually. Bonus Target: Quarterly Bonus Plan.

Physical Demands

This position primarily operates in an office environment and requires the ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods of time. The role also requires travel to prospective development sites, market visits, broker meetings, and other business-related activities. Occasional bending, lifting, and carrying of materials up to 20 pounds may be required. These requirements may be met with or without reasonable accommodation.