The posting
Position Title: Real Estate ManagerReports To: Vice President - GrowthDepartment: GrowthFLSA Status: To Be Determined Travel: Frequent travel (approximately 50%) throughout assigned markets.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Real Estate Manager supports America's Thrift's continued growth and expansion by identifying, evaluating, and helping secure new locations for retail stores and donation collection sites. This position is responsible for researching potential markets, identifying available commercial buildings and properties, developing relationships with property owners and real estate professionals, and coordinating site acquisition opportunities that support the company's long-term growth strategy. The ideal candidate is a proactive, resourceful professional with strong research, communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills who enjoys working independently, exploring new markets, and identifying business opportunities. This role collaborates closely with Growth, Operations, and Real Estate leadership to ensure prospective retail store and donation locations align with company objectives, market potential, operational requirements, and long-term expansion strategies.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Proactively identify and pursue potential retail storefronts, shopping center spaces, freestanding buildings, vacant properties, and other suitable locations for new America's Thrift retail stores and donation collection sites. Conduct market research to identify high-potential retail and donation markets based on demographics, population growth, household income, traffic patterns, accessibility, competition, consumer shopping habits, and donation opportunities. Travel throughout assigned markets to scout potential retail store and donation locations, evaluate commercial properties, and identify new expansion opportunities. Prepare property summaries, market research findings, site comparisons, and recommendations to assist leadership in evaluating potential locations. Evaluate prospective properties based on visibility, accessibility, parking availability, building size and layout, loading and unloading capabilities, building condition, operational requirements, and overall business potential. Identify retail locations with strong customer traffic, convenient access, appropriate surrounding businesses, and favorable market conditions to support successful store operations. Identify donation collection locations that provide convenient donor access, strong donation potential, and efficient collection and transportation capabilities. Conduct property inspections and preliminary site assessments to identify potential maintenance needs, safety concerns, renovation requirements, or other challenges that could impact site development. Establish and maintain relationships with property owners, landlords, commercial real estate brokers, developers, shopping center representatives, and community partners. Gather and evaluate information regarding property availability, rental rates, lease terms, square footage, estimated expenses, and other financial considerations. Assist with lease negotiations, agreements, letters of intent, and property acquisition activities in collaboration with leadership and appropriate internal departments. Coordinate site visits, property evaluations, and discussions with internal stakeholders, vendors, contractors, brokers, and other business partners as needed. Collaborate with Growth, Operations, and Real Estate leadership to develop and execute site acquisition strategies aligned with organizational growth and retail expansion objectives. Assess potential site opportunities while considering market conditions, regulatory requirements, operational needs, financial constraints, and long-term business potential. Research existing retail markets and surrounding trade areas to identify opportunities for new store development, relocation, or market expansion. Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective retail store and donation collection locations, tracking property details, outreach activities, negotiations, and acquisition progress. Maintain accurate and organized records of prospective properties, contacts, lease information, agreements, market research, and other relevant documentation. Monitor commercial real estate trends, retail development activity, market conditions, and relevant regulations that may impact site acquisition opportunities. Provide regular updates and reports to leadership regarding prospective locations, acquisition opportunities, potential challenges, and progress toward growth goals. Support additional business development initiatives, retail expansion projects, special assignments, and other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills. Excellent research, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities. Ability to identify and evaluate potential commercial real estate opportunities based on retail business objectives, donation collection needs, and operational requirements. Understanding of factors that contribute to successful retail store locations, including demographics, customer traffic, visibility, accessibility, competition, and surrounding businesses. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple prospective locations, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines. Self-motivated, resourceful, and comfortable working independently in the field. Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with property owners, commercial real estate brokers, developers, vendors, and internal business partners. Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records, evaluate property information, and communicate findings effectively. Ability to adapt to changing market conditions, expansion priorities, and business needs. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, online mapping tools, property research platforms, and related technology. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Property Management, or a related field preferred. Experience in commercial real estate, retail site selection, property acquisition, business development, outside sales, or a related field preferred. Experience identifying retail or commercial properties, working with landlords, negotiating lease terms, or developing new business locations preferred. Experience with shopping centers, retail leasing, commercial property development, or multi-location business expansion preferred. Understanding of commercial leasing, property evaluation, zoning, permitting, and site development processes preferred. Ability to evaluate properties for retail operations, donation collection activities, and associated logistical requirements. Ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout assigned markets, including occasional overnight travel. Successful completion of a background check, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and drive for extended periods. Ability to frequently enter and exit vehicles and visit multiple properties throughout the workday. Ability to walk through buildings, parking lots, and outdoor properties, including uneven surfaces. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb stairs as needed when evaluating properties. Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and temperatures. Ability to use a computer, phone, and other standard office equipment. Ability to travel regularly, including occasional overnight travel as business needs require.
WHY AMERICA’S THRIFT
America’s Thrift Stores is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala. and is comprised of more than 36 stores throughout the Southeast. Well-known for its variety and selection, thanks largely to local donations, America’s Thrift is proud to partner with multiple charity partners across the southeast like Make-A-Wish and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Additionally, the company is a huge part of the reduce, reuse, recycle movement, helping to keep over 72 million pounds of goods out of local landfills each year.
Founded in 1984, America’s Thrift is more than a retail company, we are a team driven by purpose, community impact, and opportunity. At America’s Thrift, we believe in giving back. We are proud to employ more than 1,500 team members, support local economies, and help keep millions of pounds of reusable goods out of landfills each year.
Joining our team means becoming part of a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where hard work, teamwork, and customer focus are valued every day.
BENEFITS
America's Thrift is proud to offer:
On-demand pay Flexible scheduling options Monday–Friday day shift schedules Medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time team members Employee discounts Paid time off Career growth and advancement opportunities So much more!!
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