What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Real Estate position at Rutter's?
Job Summary:
The Director of Real Estate is responsible for locating, researching, and securing the best possible real estate locations within a defined market area to support the Rutter’s long-term growth and financial objectives. This role combines market analysis, relationship-building, strategic planning, and negotiation to ensure every site selected aligns with Rutter's brand, operational needs, and development strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify potential real estate sites through extensive market research and fieldwork.
- Assess each site’s suitability based on location, visibility, accessibility, zoning, and long-term value.
- Analyze market demographics, competition, and growth potential to support site selection.
- Present high-potential sites to the VP of Fuels, Marketing and Development for review and approval.
- Negotiate purchase agreements and other real estate contracts with property owners and developers.
- Align local site strategies with the department’s overall growth objectives.
- Develop and maintain a strong network of landowners, brokers, developers, and consultants.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as Operations, Legal, and Finance teams throughout each project lifecycle.
- Work closely with corporate real estate counsel to prepare legal documents and ensure favorable deal structures.
- Attend agency and zoning meetings to represent the company and support approval processes.
- Coordinate closely with the Project Manager Engineers to ensure timely municipal approvals and permit acquisition.
- Project a professional demeanor in all public and regulatory interactions.
- Serve as a liaison between internal teams and external partners to ensure all stakeholder needs are addressed during site evaluation and acquisition.
- Evaluate the presence and impact of direct and indirect competitors within target markets.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance, or related field.
- 5 years of experience in real estate site selection, acquisitions, or development.
- Strong understanding of market research, site evaluation, and real estate negotiation.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Strong business acumen with a clear understanding of strategic and operational priorities.
- Active listening skills with the ability to understand and respond effectively to owners, colleagues, and brokers.
- Highly organized, with strong time management skills and attention to detail.
- Willing and able to travel overnight up to 25% within the assigned market area.
- Knowledge of zoning, land use regulations, and municipal approval processes.
Why Join Us?
You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of an innovative, forward-thinking convenience retailer and help drive long-term value by making smart, strategic real estate decisions. If you’re passionate about growth, love the hunt for the perfect site, and know how to navigate the complexities of real estate, we’d love to meet you.
EEO Statement
Rutter’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, or any other protected status under Local, State or Federal Regulations.