Senior Director of Real Estate and Store Development

Description

Job Title:

Senior Director of Real Estate and Store Development

(Future Vice President of Real Estate and Store Development)

Location:

Bowling Green, KY (on-site)

About Us:

Houchens Food Group, a subsidiary of the 100% employee-owned Houchens Industries, Inc., is a dynamic and diversified operator in the grocery, convenience, hardware, and restaurant sectors with a rich heritage of community focus and operational excellence. Founded in 1917, Houchens is proud to be one of the largest 100% employee-owned companies in the United States. With a growing footprint and an ambitious vision for expansion, we are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to guide our real estate and store development functions as we grow our national presence while maintaining focus on our current operations.

Our Mission: Proudly empowering employee-owners, serving customers, and supporting communities.

Position Overview:

The Senior Director of Real Estate and Store Development is a key executive leadership position responsible for the strategic oversight and direction of all aspects of real estate acquisition, store planning, construction, design, maintenance, and refrigeration operations of 400+ locations across our diverse retail portfolio currently across 15 states. This role offers the opportunity of becoming the Vice President of Real Estate and Store Development, a critical leadership position in shaping the future of our company.

This role currently reports directly to the Vice President of Real Estate and Store Development and plays a central part in driving profitable growth, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation through real estate and physical asset development.

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Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead and evolve the real estate strategy across multiple banners and formats to support growth and operational goals.
• Identify, evaluate, and secure new site opportunities, renewals, relocations, and closures in alignment with brand and market strategies.
• Provide executive-level oversight of the Real Estate, Design & Construction, Maintenance, and Refrigeration departments.
• Ensure alignment of store development projects with company priorities, timelines, and budgets.

Operational Execution:

• Guide cross-functional teams to deliver new store openings, remodels, and maintenance projects on time and within budget.
• Provide an exemplary understanding of lease language and negotiations.
• Analyze acquisition documents to advise senior leadership.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with developers, brokers, architects, engineers, contractors, and city officials.
• Oversee preventative maintenance and capital project planning for store equipment and infrastructure, including refrigeration systems.
• Guide the refrigeration department through the AIM Act regulations and emerging environmental standards.

Organizational Development:

• Mentor and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on real estate and facility matters.
• Prepare and present project proposals and performance metrics to senior executives.

Succession Planning:

• This position is being developed as a succession strategy for the Vice President of Real Estate and Store Development role, offering substantial growth potential and long-term executive leadership opportunities within Houchens Food Group and Houchens Industries. Advancement to this executive leadership position will be based on individual performance, leadership capabilities, and the ability to deliver results that align with the goals of Houchens Food Group and Houchens Industries.

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Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in real estate, construction, design, lease administration, and facilities management, preferably in grocery or retail sectors.
• Proven track record of leading multi-unit store development and expansion initiatives.
• Executive level experience managing and integrating cross-functional departments.
• Strong financial acuity with experience building business cases, negotiating deals, and managing capital budgets.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Engineering, Architecture, or related field required.

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What We Offer:

• Competitive executive compensation package
• Company furnished vehicle
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Participation in our 100% company-paid Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)
• Opportunity for advancement
• A collaborative, values-driven workplace with long-term career potential

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How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications, career achievements, and vision for real estate and store development in a growing, multi-banner retail organization.

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Houchens Food Group and Houchens Industries are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or pregnancy. Applicants may request accommodations based on religious beliefs, disability, or pregnancy.