Job Description

Job Title: Director of Real Estate
Reports To: VP of Real Estate
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $150,000-$190,000
Location: Central or Eastern U.S. with close proximity to a major airport

The Director of Real Estate is a strategic leader responsible for spearheading the physical expansion of our restaurant brand in designated existing and new markets; however, primarily focused on the Eastern and Central regions of the country. You will identify high-potential markets, secure premium locations, and manage our existing property portfolio and aggressive market entry as we continue our expansion as a national brand. This role sits at the intersection of data-driven analytics and relationship-based negotiation, ensuring that every new store aligns with our brand identity and financial goals. You must have a demonstrated ability to work in ambiguous and fast-moving environments while successfully collaborating with cross-functional partners and external brokers and landlords.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Growth:
• In collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and VP of Real Estate, develop and execute a comprehensive multi-year real estate strategy to support aggressive brand expansion in existing and potential new markets.
Site Selection & Analysis:
• Use demographic data, traffic patterns, and trade area
analysis to identify and vet prime restaurant locations, while thoroughly assessing
risk factors, such as, competition, build-out challenges, zoning issues, etc.
Deal Negotiation:
• Lead the end-to-end process for letters of intent (LOI), financial
analysis and lease negotiations, ensuring favorable terms for deal economics and
required pro-forma returns, for both new sites and renewals.
Deal Approvals:
• Package and present sites for approval by Company’s Real Estate
Committee.
Broker Management:
• Build and manage a high-performing network of external
brokers across various markets.
Portfolio Management:
• Oversee the health of the existing portfolio, including lease
renewals and/or relocations, and property management issues.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Partner with Construction, Design, Operations,
Technology and Finance teams to ensure sites are delivered on time and within
budget.
Legal Oversight:
• Work closely with legal counsel to finalize lease agreements and
ensure compliance with the company’s minimum requirements.

Qualifications:
Experience:
• 8–10+ years in commercial real estate, specifically for fast-paced
growth brands within the restaurant and/or retail sectors.
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business, or a related field.
Negotiation Skills:
• A proven track record of negotiating complex leases in
competitive urban and suburban markets in the Eastern and Central U.S.
Technical Proficiency:
• Experience with site-selection software (e.g., Kalibrate,
Placer.ai, or similar GIS tools).
Network:
• Strong existing relationships with both local and national landlords and
the brokerage community. Strong references from both landlords and brokers will
be required.
Travel:
• Ability to travel frequently to evaluate potential sites and markets.

Leadership Competencies you must possess as a Director at Mendo include:
• Cultivating People
• Maximizing Impact
• Owning Outcomes
• Accelerating Progress
• Creating Alignment & Clarity
• Navigating Healthy Conflict
• Driving Results
• Inspiring Confidence
Benefits include:
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bonus Program
• Parking & Transit Reimbursement
• Discounted tickets through Tickets at Work
• Pet Insurance
• Discounted Gym Memberships
• Free and delicious Mendo Meals
Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Sitting and standing for 6-8 hours
• Frequent bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching as needed on construction sites

There is no “I” in Mendo
Mendocino Farms is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Mendocino Farms will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring requirements.
*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Team Member for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

There is no “I” in Mendo Mendocino Farms is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Mendocino Farms will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. * Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.