Director, Legal Real Estate

Socket.dev; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Unrivaled company culture

Medical, dental and vision plans

401(k) with company match

Stock Purchase Plan

AutoZoners Living Well Program

Job summary

AutoZone is seeking a Director of Legal Real Estate to lead the real estate legal function for existing assets and new store development across the United States and Puerto Rico. The role oversees attorneys, escrow and property management teams, guiding contracts and risk management across the portfolio.

Required is a Doctorate in Law and active Tennessee bar, with 12+ years in real estate development or corporate law.

Qualifications

• Requires a Doctorate degree in Law and active Tennessee bar or in-house counsel designation.
• 12+ years of experience in real estate development, contract or corporate law.

Responsibilities

• Manage Real Estate Legal Department, including attorneys and property management teams.
• Support Store Development in opening new retail locations across the United States and Puerto Rico annually.
• Represent the Real Estate Legal team at Legal Leadership and Store Development levels.
• Draft and negotiate purchase/ sale agreements, leases, and related construction/ zoning/ environmental documents.
• Advise Store Development in real estate development and risk management.
• Coordinate with internal clients regarding the contracting process and timelines.
• Oversee work product and workflows of real estate attorneys and escrow staff.
• Train, develop, and supervise real estate attorneys and support staff; supervise outside counsel.
• Collaborate with Store Development to facilitate new store openings and achieve sales goals.

Skills

Real estate law

Contract law

Leadership

Risk management

Education

Doctorate in Law (JD/LLD)

Job description

The Director of Legal Real Estate manages and directs all legal matters involving real estate for both existing corporate assets and for the development of new stores.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Real Estate Legal Department, including attorneys and professionals on the real estate contracts team, legal property management team, and escrow team.
• Manage the day-to-day activities of the Real Estate Legal Department supporting Store Development in the opening of new retail locations across the United States and Puerto Rico on an annual basis.
• Manage the day-to-day activities of the Property Management Legal Department supporting Property Management, Operations, Asset Management and Maintenance for all United States and Puerto Rico retail locations.
• Represent the Real Estate Legal team at the Legal Leadership and Store Development leadership levels.
• Responsible for meeting Store Development goals/KPIs for contracts including satellite, hub and mega hub store openings, or other metrics as required, to support Company initiatives.
• Participate in the drafting and negotiation of purchase and sale agreements, all types of commercial leases and various related documents related to construction, development, zoning permitting, regulation, environmental, title and use.
• Advise Store Development in the real estate development process and proactively assist in assessing and managing risk.
• Facilitate active and ongoing communication with internal clients regarding the contracting process.
• Attend meetings with Legal Leadership, Store Development, Real Estate Committee, Property Management, etc. as needed to coordinate legal involvement and integration into processes.
• Oversee the work product of the real estate attorneys, escrow specialists and legal property management team and manage the workflow of the Real Estate Legal Department.
• Maintain reporting procedures and look for opportunities to improve processes and procedures in Property Management and Store Development.
• Keep abreast of current developments in Commercial Real Estate Law and assist in revising department policies, procedures, and real estate forms.
• Train, develop, and provide guidance to the real estate attorneys, commercial escrow specialists, and other support staff.
• Supervise outside counsel as needed, including the supervision and disposition of litigation related to real property.
• Coordinate with other directors from Store Development to enhance and facilitate the opening of new stores to help contribute to overall sales objectives.
• Review environmental due diligence to evaluate and manage risks, including attending weekly Environmental Committee Meeting.
• Help support and advise Property Management in the areas of Landlord-Tenant disputes, foreclosures, eminent domain, trespass, environmental issues, and notices of violations.
• Direct supervision of attorney managers on Real Estate Contracts and Property Management Legal teams.
• Work with Construction to resolve issues regarding construction defects, contracts disputes, mechanic and materialman liens, and warranty issues.
• Work with Store Development and Legal internationally to develop and improve processes and procedures, as needed.
• Other related projects and tasks, as may be required, from time to time.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• A Doctorate degree (Ph.D., Ed D, JD) in Law is required and active bar in Tennessee, or ability to register for in-house counsel designation with the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners
• 12+ years of experience in real estate development, contract or corporate law

Since opening our first store in 1979, AutoZone has grown into a leading retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories across the Americas. Our customer-first mindset and commitment to Going the Extra Mile define who we are, for both our customers and AutoZoners. Working at AutoZone means being part of a team that values dedication, teamwork, and growth. Whether you're helping customers or building your career, we provide tools and support to help you succeed and drive your future.

Benefits at AutoZone:

AutoZone offers thoughtful benefits programs with one-on-one benefits guidance designed to improve AutoZoners' physical, mental and financial well-being.

All AutoZoners (Full-Time and Part-Time):

• Competitive pay
• Unrivaled company culture
• Medical, dental and vision plans
• Exclusive discounts and perks, including an AutoZone in-store discount
• 401(k) with company match and Stock Purchase Plan
• AutoZoners Living Well Program for free mental health support
• Opportunities for career growth

Additional Benefits for Full-Time AutoZoners:

• Paid time off
• Life, and short- and long-term disability insurance options
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts with wellness rewards
• Tuition reimbursement

Minimum age requirements may apply.Eligibility and waiting period requirements may apply; benefits for AutoZoners in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may differ. Learn more about all that AutoZone has to offer atCareers.AutoZone.com.

We proudly support Veterans, Active-duty Service Members, Reservists, National Guard and Military Families. Your experience is highly valued, and we encourage you to apply to join our team.

AutoZone, and its subsidiary, ALLDATA are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other legally protected categories.