Senior Director, Market Expansion and Store Development

Job Summary

Responsible for planning, organization, and management of the US Automotive Group real estate portfolio, including company-owned and leased locations and distribution centers as well as the establishment and opening of new stores of NAPA, Genuine Parts Company’s U.S. Automotive Group.

About the Role

Senior Director, Market Expansion & Store Development facilitates the strategic development of new locations, relocations and competitive and independent or related party acquisitions, including site selection, lease negotiations, leasehold improvements, and fixturing/signage. In addition, Senior Director, Market Expansion & Store Development oversees all activities related to a successful store opening.

Responsibilities

• Lead and design strategic and tactical functions of the Market expansion and New Store Development Team
• Work closely with company leaders to develop real estate road map, location strategies and prioritization of projects to optimize allocated capital and maximize productivity.
• Develop and maintain cohesive communication and excellent working relationships with real estate brokers, developers, owners, landlords, attorneys, architects, real estate representatives of other retail tenants and local government officials (city council members, planning commissioners, city planners, city managers).
• Key collaborative partner with parent company, particularly legal and lease administration staff, on real estate and facilities matters related to USAG's growth strategy and asset management.
• Operate as a knowledge expert to mentor and instruct Market expansion and New Store Development team members and colleagues on market expansion, transactional, construction and facilities best practices to assist in the achievement of business goals and corporate strategies.
• Manage capital improvements budget for Company's leased and owned facilities and track all expenses relative to budgets for store opening activities.
• Ensure the flow and maintenance of data for new store site approval packages, including financial and site-specific data related to trade areas.
• Research market rent data and complete facilities inspections for competitive, independent, or related-party acquisitions.
• Manages lease action plan for all company stores, including renovation, renewal, relocation, code compliance, safety & ADA actions.
• Manages the disposition of company’s and parent company’s surplus properties.
• Advises independent owners on lease terms/provisions.
• Prepares documents including Letters of Intent, Leases/Amendments, Proformas, Purchase/Sale Agreements.
• Maintains store and multi-regional performance, including market share, occupancy cost and cannibalization.
• Tracks and maintains knowledge of industry and competitor trends, strategies, and approaches.
• Performs other real estate development and store advocacy tasks as directed.
• Lead internal teams and supervise project managers to coordinate all phases of store build-outs and openings (e.g., fixtures, inventory, marketing, hiring) while ensuring projects are completed on-time, on-budget and high quality.
• Oversee the creation of execution playbooks with critical paths, timelines, and milestones while continuously improving processes based on prior results.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in commercial (industrial and retail) market expansion and real estate management with leadership experience
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Experience drafting, interpreting, and negotiating commercial lease language and real estate documents.
• Possesses persuasive communication skills and ability to collaborate under time constraints and negotiation pressures to effectively interface with senior leadership, colleagues and direct reports and all external relationships.
• Expert knowledge of construction processes, including permitting and project management, and ability to assess construction plans and CAD drawings, including easements, plats, etc.
• Possesses an elevated level of accountability and ability to manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required.
• Advanced proficiency with mapping applications such as Google Earth and Google Maps is required.
• Able to work with cross-functional teams such as Operations, Facilities, Legal, etc.
• Able to work independently and with others.
• Able to manage multiple projects and meet critical deadlines in a demanding environment.
• Able to work under tight time constraints, manage sensitive data and multi-task to meet deadlines.
• Able to travel periodically for several days at a time.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBAStrong analytical skills and proficiency with data analysis
• Experience in Value Stream Mapping
• Leadership Embodies the following values: serve, perform, influence, respect, innovate, team.
• Effectively communicates by motivating and inspiring others through clear and proactive communication.
• Delivers results and drives customer success by committing and focusing on outcomes to deliver results and making the customer the center of decisions.
• Makes balanced decisions and thinks strategically by being a forward thinker.
• Develops high-performing teams by providing inclusive leadership, attracting and developing world-class talent, providing ongoing feedback, and building trust across the organization.