Merchants Distributors - Hickory, NC
posted 2 months ago
The Real Estate Manager at Alex Lee, Inc. plays a crucial role in supporting the company's growth through the strategic development and execution of long-range real estate plans. This position focuses on identifying and analyzing potential sites for new retail grocery stores while managing the existing real estate portfolio within designated geographies. Alex Lee, Inc. is a prominent player in the grocery retail and wholesale distribution sector in the southeastern United States, operating under various banners including Lowes Foods and Kj's Market, and overseeing wholesale distributors such as Merchants Distributors (MDI) and Souto Foods. In this role, the Real Estate Manager will conduct comprehensive store site analyses to assess the viability of future grocery locations. This includes managing the entire development process, which encompasses land use, site selection, negotiation, and securing internal approvals necessary for establishing new locations. The manager will also be responsible for negotiating Letters of Intent (LOIs), leases, and purchase contracts with landlords and developers, leveraging both internal and external legal resources to ensure favorable terms. The position requires active participation in Monthly Real Estate Committee meetings, where the manager will present new location proposals and provide senior leadership with insights and recommendations regarding the management of the existing asset portfolio. Collaboration with the Senior Director and Lease Administrator is essential for reviewing lease expiration reports and formulating strategies for lease renewals and renegotiations. Additionally, the Real Estate Manager will oversee third-party property management, brokerage, and legal support in leasing or selling owned real estate, while also monitoring real estate income and expenditures. The role may also involve supporting the assessment and disposal or redeployment of vacant and excess properties, ensuring that the company's real estate assets are managed effectively and strategically aligned with organizational goals.