Job Information
Academy Sports + Outdoors Director Real Estate in Katy, Texas
Come work at a place where we take pride in creating a workplace environment that values hard work, commitment, and growth .
Report to and under the direction of the Vice President of Real Estate, the Real Estate Director will assist in developing and implementing Academy’s new store expansion program and managing the existing store portfolio in an assigned territory. The Real Estate Director will utilize internal and external resources in assisting with the fulfillment of Academy’s real estate strategy, which will include locating and acquiring approximately 15 + new stores annually, as well as working on lease renewals, distribution center and non-retail assets and other special projects. Present prospective new locations to the Real Estate Committee.
Job Description:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Real Estate, or relevant study
MBA, JD, or graduate degree preferred
Work Experiences:
Minimum 10 years experience in securing retail real estate locations (big box preferred but not required
Ability to creatively structure and complete financially compelling lease transactions (build to suit, reverse build to suit, ground lease)
Proven ability to conduct successful negotiations of both business terms and legal matters
Previous experience in big box-related real estate is highly preferred
Previous management experience required
Skills:
Ability to analyze large volumes of data and identify trends/patterns
Strong ability to analyze financial and demographic data
In-depth understanding of site development, design and construction processes, practices, costs, and timelines as it relates to big box retail development (ground up or takeover second generation space)
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain site-selection decisions to Academy executive leadership
Strong relationships with national, regional, and local developers, landlords, and retailers
Strong relationships with local brokers in select markets
Solid knowledge of retail real estate industry regulations and practices
Superior negotiating skills
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to interface effectively with individuals at various levels
Ability to remain organized, pay attention to detail and meet critical deadlines
Ability to work well independently, as well as effectively collaborate with and contribute to a team environment
Analytical with strong problem-solving abilities and creative solution skills
Ability to work well under pressure while consistently meeting time-sensitive deadlines
Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties
Responsibilities:
Site Selection
Become thoroughly familiar with assigned markets
Work with Vice President of Real Estate and team in creating the real estate strategy for each assigned market
Thoroughly analyze all relevant data (including financial, traffic patterns, retail growth, competition, and demographic data) on all prospective locations in assigned markets
Work with local brokers, landlords, and developers to identify strong prospective locations
Travel to new and existing markets to gain intimate knowledge regarding local markets and retail
Attend various national and regional ICSC shows at the direction of President of Real Estate
Site Procurement / Acquisition / Leasing
Fully responsible for meeting assigned goals for new store counts in assigned territories
Conduct negotiation of business terms for new stores within the Academy’s budgetary and scheduling targets, guidelines, and requirements
Coordinate with Design and Construction regarding the layout of prospective locations, cost estimates for new store construction (and civil / site work-related costs, when applicable), and the physical condition of new stores at turnover
Coordinate with Finance and Market Research and Strategy teams in the preparation of financial data, analysis, and maps necessary for real estate committee approval
Present new locations to the real estate committee and ad hoc executive meetings
Legal Documentation
Work with internal and external counsel to negotiate the terms of all documents necessary for each transaction
Work with the risk management to ensure lease requirements adhere to Academy insurance policies
Partner with design and construction on all site development, design and construction-related terms in the pre-development phase, letters of intent, and leases
Role Model
Demonstrate and model exceptional client service standards
Show respect, initiative, enthusiasm, and flexibility
Represent Academy professionally and ethically at all times
Lease Renewals
Work with Vice President of Real Estate in creating the strategy for all stores with expiring leases
Thoroughly analyze all relevant data (including sales, profit, demographic and venue data) to determine the desirability of staying in an existing location, and financial terms
Negotiate renewal terms with the relevant landlords
Coordinate with Finance and Data Team in the preparation of financial data, analysis, and maps necessary for real estate committee approval
Present lease renewals to the real estate committee
Duties may change; Team Member may be required to perform other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements & Attendance:
Regular attendance required
Travel required - approximately 50% to 60% of each month
Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties
Adhere to company work hours, policies, procedures, and rules governing professional staff behavior
Full time
Equal Employment Opportunity
Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.