Real Estate and Permitting Manager

Fresh Baguette is a fast-growing, artisanal bakery known for its high-quality standards and modern atmosphere. The company was founded in Bethesda, MD in 2013, to bring fresh, made-from-scratch organic breads, pastries, sweets, and croissant items inspired by bakeries in France to the DMV area. We have expanded to seven retail locations, two production bakeries, and a thriving wholesale business. We serve coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores with fresh products every day, 365 days a year .

Our mission is to offer our customers unique moments of indulgence that are delicious to every sense. We are passionate about quality and take great pride in everything we do. This value is evident in everything we do, from the smell of scratch-made artisanal croissants and organic bread baking fresh throughout the day to the beauty of hand-crafted pastries, delicious coffee, and savory creations delivered in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Job Title: Real Estate & Permitting Manager

Location: Germantown MD

About Fresh Baguette:
Fresh Baguette is a fast-growing artisanal bakery known for high-quality, authentic French baked goods. With strong retail growth, an expanding wholesale business, and a focus on catering, we are looking for a dedicated professional to support our expansion efforts.

Job Summary:
We are seeking a Real Estate & Permitting Manager to lead the site selection, lease negotiation, and permitting process for new Fresh Baguette locations in the DMV area. This individual will be responsible for identifying high-potential locations, negotiating lease agreements, and managing all aspects of permitting and regulatory compliance to ensure a smooth launch of new stores. Meeting project timelines and keeping store openings on schedule will be a key priority, aligning with business objectives.

Benefits:

• Compensation: $80,000-$90,000 / year
• Paid Time Off
• Health and Dental Insurance after 90 days
• Monthly Wellness Reimbursement
• 40% Employee Discount
• 401K and 401K Match
• Free Lunch
• Anniversary Gift Card
• Exciting growth potential

Key Responsibilities:

• Site Selection & Market Research: Identify and evaluate potential locations for new Fresh Baguette stores based on market trends, demographic analysis, and business needs.
• Lease Negotiation: Lead lease negotiations with landlords and property managers, ensuring favorable terms that align with Fresh Baguette’s strategic growth and financial goals.
• Permitting & Compliance: Oversee the permitting process, including health department approvals, business licenses, signage, outside seating and zoning requirements, ensuring all new locations comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Work closely with internal teams (top management, retail operations, construction, admin) and external partners (brokers, attorney(s), and city officials) to streamline the expansion process.
• Project Management: Monitor and manage timelines for lease execution, permitting approvals, and site readiness to ensure timely openings.
• Budget Management: Track and control costs associated with every project including permitting and build-out expenses.
• Landlord & Property Management Relations: Maintain strong relationships with landlords and property management teams, ensuring smooth communication and coordination during the construction and build-out process.
• Reporting & Documentation: Maintain detailed records of real estate deals, permitting progress, and project timelines to ensure transparency and accountability.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in real estate, leasing, or permitting, preferably in the retail or food industry

• Knowledge of the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area is highly preferred.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience in commercial lease agreements.
• In-depth knowledge of permitting processes and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and real estate management software is a plus.

Why Join Fresh Baguette?

• Be part of a dynamic and growing company with a strong brand presence.
• Play a key role in expanding our footprint and bringing authentic French baked goods to new communities.
• Enjoy a collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment with opportunities for growth.

If you are a proactive and results-driven professional with a passion for real estate and expansion, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today to join the Fresh Baguette team.