
Director of Real Estate
- Mattoon, IL
- $100,000-150,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Identify and evaluate potential retail sites in rural and semi-rural markets aligned with strategic growth plans.
- Negotiate lease terms, purchase agreements, and other real estate contracts with property owners, developers, and landlords.
- Manage the full lifecycle of real estate transactions from initial contact through closing.
- Coordinate with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with internal teams including finance, legal, construction, and operations to align real estate decisions with business objectives.
- Provide real estate input during capital planning and budgeting processes.
- Support store planning and design teams with site-specific requirements and constraints.
- Recommend strategies for relocations, consolidations, or divestitures as needed.
- Oversee due diligence processes including zoning, environmental assessments, title reviews, and permitting.
- Build and maintain relationships with local brokers, developers, municipal officials, and community stakeholders.
- Represent the company in public meetings, zoning hearings, and community engagement efforts.
- Track and report on real estate pipeline, deal status, and market trends.
- Provide strategic recommendations to leadership based on market intelligence and performance metrics.
- Stay current on industry trends, economic indicators, and legislative changes affecting commercial real estate.
- May be required to cross train and perform other duties.
- Proven experience (5+ years) in commercial real estate, preferably with retail or agricultural property focus.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Familiarity with rural and agricultural communities and their commercial dynamics.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to travel as needed.
- Knowledge of land use planning, zoning regulations, and permitting processes in rural jurisdictions.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
- Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
- Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
- Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
- Close vision for computer-related activities.