VP, Real Estate

The Vice President, Real Estate will be responsible for leading, developing, directing, and coordinating Panera’s Real Estate initiatives and strategies for the expansion of franchise and corporate cafes in respective territory. The position will manage all aspects of new café development to support the company’s rapid and profitable growth and manage a team of real estate Directors and Managers. They will assist in the overall market strategy for Panera’s growth and be accountable for franchisee relationships. They will also use models/proformas and act in accordance with the Panera’s guiding principles. The successful candidate will have a keen and up to date understanding of what is always happening in real estate in the local markets. They must have an executive presence, make fact-based decisions, and have the confidence to articulate them. The Vice President leadership role serves as the relationship partner to the franchisees and corporate partners in their development territory overseeing procedures/process and planning. Duties & Responsibilities include overseeing all Real Estate within North America, developing and executing short- and long-term Real Estate plans, managing Real Estate decisions within the Region, developing and negotiating Real Estate agreements, partnering with Design, Construction, Finance, and Operations, managing Real Estate department and talent, overseeing broker relationships, evaluating existing Real Estate sites, serving as a strategic leader, reviewing retail real estate market trends, developing relationships with landowners and developers, ensuring compliance with laws, communicating Real Estate goals, participating in design and site selection, and more. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred), 10+ years in senior real estate roles preferably in retail or fast casual restaurant, 5+ years franchising experience, executive presence, leadership skills, knowledge of retail real estate areas, project management, construction costs, and willingness to travel 50%. Personal qualifications emphasize innovation, strategic thinking, communication, leadership, collaboration, and organizational skills. The role requires 50% travel and involves physical activities such as standing, sitting, talking, hearing, and keyboard use. The position has up to 6 direct reports.