Analyst, Real Estate Development

Panera Bread; Newton (MA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Panera Bread is seeking a Real Estate Strategy Analyst to support strategic market planning and franchise development initiatives. The role collaborates with Real Estate, Franchise Sales, Operations, Finance, and other teams to produce data-driven insights and recommendations.

The analyst will conduct market research, perform GIS and demographic analyses, and prepare reports to guide growth, portfolio optimization, and asset optimization efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Geography, Economics, Urban Planning, Finance, Business, Data Analytics or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in market research, real estate analytics, or site selection.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to present key conclusions clearly.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market, demographic, and competitive research to support strategic market plans.
• Analyze trade areas, site selection, and forecast potential store performance.
• Prepare reports and dashboards to reveal trends, risks, and opportunities.

Skills

Market research

Geographic analysis

Data analytics

GIS

Power BI

Alteryx

Tableau

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Geography, Economics, Urban Planning, Finance, Business, Data Analytics

Tools

GIS software

Power BI

Alteryx

Tableau

Excel

Job description

The Real Estate Strategy Analyst supports the development and maintenance of strategic market plans through research, data analysis, and reporting. This position partners with cross-functional teams to evaluate market opportunities, support retail cafe development initiatives and process, and assist with asset optimization efforts.

The Analyst provides analytical insights through market, cafe and financial performance diagnostics, spatial analytics, competitive analysis, post-opening performance reviews, and development support activities. This role contributes to data-driven decision making by preparing analyses, forecasts, presentations, and recommendations that support market growth, franchise development, and portfolio optimization.

Location: Newton, MA (hybrid)

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Market Planning Support

• Conduct market, demographic, and competitive research to support the development and maintenance of strategic market plans.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for new store development and optimization of existing assets.
• Compile data and prepare reports that support market growth recommendations.

Franchise Inventory & Development Support

• Support franchise development initiatives by preparing market information, reports, and analytical summaries.
• Assist with inventory clustering, territory analysis, maintain and update franchise sales inventory databases and tracking tools.

Trade Area & Site Analysis

• Utilize GIS, demographic, competitive, mobility, and market data to evaluate existing and future trade areas.
• Conduct site research and prepare sales forecasts using approved forecasting tools and methodologies.
• Analyze market conditions and develop recommendations for review by senior team members.

Cafe Performance Analysis

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of new/existing cafes and assets.
• Assist in analyzing impacts from new openings, relocations, remodels, and competitive activity.
• Prepare performance reports and dashboards identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Real Estate, Franchise Sales, Operations, Finance, and other teams to support strategic initiatives.
• Prepare analytical presentations, maps, and reporting materials for leadership and field teams.
• Participate in project meetings and provide data-driven insights to support decision making.

Data Management & Reporting

• Support business stakeholders through ad hoc market analysis, mapping, and reporting requests.
• Maintain and update location databases, GIS datasets, tracking reports, and development records.
• Ensure data accuracy and consistency across systems and analytical tools.
• Leverage new and emerging tools and technology to drive reporting improvements, with the ability to provide meaningful insights at a regular cadence
• Adapt quickly to changing organizational and team priorities - be ready to jump in and complete ad hoc analyses within tight deadlines

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Geography, Economics, Urban Planning, Finance, Business, Data Analytics, or a related field required.

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in market research, real estate analytics, site selection, geographic analysis, business intelligence, finance, or a related field.
• Analytical experience supporting real estate, development, strategy, or market planning activities preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills bother verbal and written. Ability to simplify complex projects and present key details/conclusions
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative team player with a customer-service mindset.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Copilot, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with GIS software, Power BI, Alteryx, Tableau, or similar analytical tools preferred.
• Familiarity with demographics, site selection, market research, and forecasting concepts preferred.
• Ability to learn and apply analytical methodologies and business processes.
• Personal commitment to excellence and appetite for success
• Great sense of judgment and humility to ask for advice
• Attention to detail, willingness to roll up your sleeves, and drive to “get it right”

Working Conditions

• Limited travel ~10%

Physical Requirements

• While performing this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear & use hands and fingers to operate keyboards.

Direct Reports

• This position will have approximately 0 direct reports.

Competitive Pay $85,360 - $95,402 annually

The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans