Director, Real Estate & Expansion

Panera LLC; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 208,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Panera LLC seeks a Director of Real Estate to lead regional strategies for bakery-cafe expansion across company and franchise partners. You will manage a team of Real Estate Managers, align market plans, and ensure portfolio optimization through data-driven decisions.

You will collaborate with Design, Construction, Legal, Finance, and Operations to drive site selection, negotiations, and approvals while maintaining brand integrity and financial performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years in a senior real estate function within retail or fast casual concepts.
• Executive presence with strong communication to senior leadership and partners.
• Experience balancing analytical processes with site selection, design, and construction considerations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement regional real estate strategies to support Panera’s expansion and franchisee success.
• Lead ADA territory alignment and market planning with franchise partners.
• Present site opportunities and portfolio optimization recommendations to senior leadership with data-driven analysis.
• Guide site identification, LOI and lease negotiations, permitting, and development approvals.
• Oversee site pipeline health and ensure timely movement through intake, design, and permitting.
• Review and approve site packages, budgets, and forecasts with cross-functional teams.
• Maintain brand standards and ensure consistency across all franchise projects.
• Build relationships with franchisees, brokers, developers, municipalities, and other stakeholders.
• Champion automation and data sharing to streamline approvals and KPIs.

Skills

Executive presence

Team leadership

Data-driven decision making

Franchise relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

MBA preferred

Tools

FranConnect

Sitewise

Job description

Panera LLC seeks a Director of Real Estate to lead regional strategies for bakery-cafe expansion across company and franchise partners. You will manage a team of Real Estate Managers, align market plans, and ensure portfolio optimization through data-driven decisions.

You will collaborate with Design, Construction, Legal, Finance, and Operations to drive site selection, negotiations, and approvals while maintaining brand integrity and financial performance.