Account Executive

heytea; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

heytea is seeking a Business Development Supervisor in Irvine, California, to lead site selection, lease negotiation, and franchise partner management across California. This role combines real estate strategy, financial analysis, and cross-functional coordination to support retail growth in core trade areas and high-traffic communities.

Responsibilities include market research, lease lifecycle management, franchise screening, compliance with California regulations, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 3–5 years of business development, site selection, or real estate experience in F&B or retail chain operations.
• Existing network of landlord and broker relationships strongly preferred.
• Valid California driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and current auto insurance; ability to travel frequently for site visits across assigned territory.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States (verification required per Form I-9)
• Strong understanding of commercial lease terms and ability to interpret complex contract clauses.
• Proficiency in financial modeling: P&L, breakeven analysis (BEP), and ROI calculations
• Bilingual (English/Mandarin) preferred to support communication with landlords and headquarters reporting

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research on core trade areas, Class A shopping centers, and high-density communities to inform growth plans.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, brokers, and developers to access opportunities.
• Manage leasing lifecycle from site identification to LOI negotiation and lease execution.
• Support franchisee screening and lifecycle management, ensuring brand standards.
• Ensure compliance with California franchise regulations and FTC Franchise Rule timelines.
• Maintain franchise files per recordkeeping requirements.
• Coordinate with design/construction teams and landlords on fit-out plans.
• Track local permits and approvals to ensure on-time openings.
• Analyze site performance and rental benchmarks; report to HQ.

Skills

Financial modeling

Lease terms interpretation

Landlord/broker outreach

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

Location: Irvine, California (Field-based / Multi-site travel required)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: $72,000 - $90,000 annually, depending on experience (pursuant to California Labor Code §432.3, the pay scale for this position is disclosed above)

About the Role

We are seeking a results-driven Business Development Supervisor to lead site selection, lease negotiation, and franchise partner management across California. This role combines real estate strategy, financial analysis, and cross-functional coordination to support the company's retail growth in core trade areas, Class A shopping centers, and high-traffic communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth market research on core trade areas, Class A shopping centers, and high-density communities to develop and execute the annual store growth plan
• Build and maintain relationships with local developers, landlords, and commercial brokers to access off-market and pre-market retail opportunities
• Manage the full leasing lifecycle - from site identification through LOI negotiation to lease execution - optimizing rent structure and key lease terms (e.g., CAM/TMI recoveries, demolition clauses, co-tenancy provisions)
• Support franchisee screening and full lifecycle management, ensuring alignment with brand standards and culture
• Ensure compliance with California franchise regulations (California Franchise Investment Law) and applicable FTC Franchise Rule requirements; support standardized FDD administration and disclosure timelines
• Maintain accurate franchise files consistent with recordkeeping requirements
• Liaise between design/construction teams and landlords on fit-out plans
• Track and support local Building Permit and other municipal approval processes to ensure on-time store openings
• Monitor competitor activity and local market trends; provide HQ with analysis on site selection logic, rental benchmarks, and consumer behavior
• Analyze store-level KPIs (rent-to-sales ratio, labor cost, P&L) and recommend improvement strategies to maximize ROI
• Prepare and present periodic reports to headquarters (bilingual reporting a plus)

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• 3–5 years of business development, site selection, or real estate experience in F&B or retail chain operations
• Existing network of landlord and broker relationships strongly preferred
• Valid California driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and current auto insurance; ability to travel frequently for site visits across assigned territory
• Legal authorization to work in the United States (verification required per Form I-9)
• Strong understanding of commercial lease terms and ability to interpret complex contract clauses
• Proficiency in financial modeling: P&L, breakeven analysis (BEP), and ROI calculations
• Bilingual (English/Mandarin) preferred to support communication with landlords and headquarters reporting

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to travel by car to multiple sites within California on a frequent basis
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for qualified individuals with disabilities

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles/California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.