Director of Real Estate

Director of Real Estate

Location: Flexible; travel required

Reports to: CEO

About Naked Farmer

Naked Farmer is a growing, ingredient-obsessed, farm-to-table fast-casual concept with a mission to rebuild the food system from the ground up. We partner directly with local farmers, cook from scratch, and serve food that’s clean, seasonal, and community driven. As we grow, we are committed to finding the right locations that allow our team, guests, and farmers to thrive.

And yes, all employees enjoy complimentary Naked Farmer meals every day, don't miss out on the sweet potatoes.

Join us as we build the future of food together.

Position Summary

The Director of Real Estate is responsible for building and executing Naked Farmer’s real estate strategy as we expand into new and existing markets. This leader identifies high-potential sites, manages broker and land lord relationships, negotiates leases, oversees deal pipelines, and partners cross-functionally to ensure each new restaurant contributes to long-term brand and financial success.

This role requires a strong combination of strategic thinking, market expertise, financial acumen, relationship management, and the ability to move quickly in a high-growth environment.

Key Responsibilities

Real Estate Strategy & Market Planning

• Develop and execute a real estate strategy aligned with company growth goals and market expansion plans.
• Conduct market research to evaluate demographic trends, competitive landscape, traffic patterns, co-tenancy, and trade area potential.
• Build market development plans including sales forecasting, mapping, and recommended site prioritization.
• Continuously refine market strategy using performance data from existing units.
  
  

Site Selection & Deal Pipeline

• Source, evaluate, and qualify new restaurant sites across multiple markets.
• Oversee brokers and external partners, ensuring a steady pipeline of vetted sites.
• Conduct site tours, viability assessments, and coordinate internal cross-functional reviews (operations, finance, design & construction).
• Deliver clear recommendations with business case rationale.
  
  

Lease Negotiation & Deal Execution

• Lead LOI and lease negotiation to secure favorable terms for the company.
• Partner with legal on lease review, landlord obligations, and risk mitigation.
• Ensure all real estate documentation is accurate, organized, and compliant.
• Manage deals from initial LOI through lease execution and turnover to construction.
  
  

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, Construction, Design, and Marketing to ensure sites meet brand, operational, and financial standards.
• Support Pro Forma development, including rent assumptions, buildout costs, and return thresholds.
• Participate in the NRO (new restaurant opening) process to ensure site performance aligns with pre-deal assumptions.
  
  

Portfolio & Landlord Management

• Maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, and brokers.
• Monitor lease expirations, renewals, options, and portfolio health.
• Recommend strategic remodels, relocations, or closures when necessary.
  
  

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of multi-unit restaurant, retail, or hospitality real estate experience.
• Proven track record of securing high-quality sites in fast-casual or high-volume restaurant concepts.
• Strong lease negotiation skills with deep understanding of real estate law and deal structures.
• Experience building market development plans and evaluating complex data sets.
• Strong financial and analytical skills; familiarity with restaurant P&L and development pro formas.
• Ability to travel 40–60% based on pipeline needs.
• Excellent communication, relationship building, and presentation abilities.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-paced growth environment.
  
  

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Profit Sharing
  
  

Salary

• $110-$125K
• Bonus 15%-20% of salary based on selected KPIs