Vice President, Real Estate and Development

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Playa Bowls is New Jersey's Original Acai Shop, and our mission is to bring superfruit bowls to the masses using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients while providing a fantastic in-store brand experience. What began as a pair of blenders, a patio table, and a fridge has flourished into a 250 unit operator and franchisor of the leading fast casual restaurant concept. Playa Bowls added more than 70 locations in 2024 and are on target to add as many 90 new locations in 2025. Our continued rapid growth has created the opportunity for an individual who will help us with continuing to grow our brand!

Playa Bowls offers Competitive Compensation, Remote Work-Environment, Medical, Dental, Vision, Domestic Partner Benefits, Spouse & Children Benefits, 401K Plan with company match, Health Savings Account, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flight/Hotels paid for, Incentive Bonus Plan, Mileage Reimbursement, Cell Phone Stipend, Corporate Credit Card provided.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Having already reached nearly 300 stores in just 10 years, Playa Bowls needs a Vice President of Development to help lead and execute our high-growth new store opening plan to reach 2,000 locations long-term. A new role at Playa Bowls, the Vice President of Development provides strategic leadership for execution of new franchise restaurant openings in a profitable, sustainable, yet accelerated pace. The incumbent will have responsibility for the full scope of development from market planning and real estate acquisition through construction supporting our franchised and company-operated shop development.

WHO YOU ARE

This leader ensures execution of market plans through a team of real estate professionals to identify and assist franchise owners leasing sites. Once sites are identified, the leader will oversee a team of construction professionals supporting franchise owners in the new location build-outs. Responsibilities include portfolio/asset management for existing locations as well as new build program management, regardless of ownership. This position is field-based covering territories assigned by the Chief Development Officer. Restaurant Franchise and Corporate experience strongly preferred. We need an experienced, capable, quick-thinking and creative development leader to help us achieve our store growth goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead market development to achieve annual and long-term new shop opening goals. Includes market planning, consulting, negotiating, and approving all new shop openings and market penetration plans
• Build a team environment to facilitate new restaurant development from site selection to turnover to operations
• Communicate the Brand Market Development Plan to brand leadership, franchise owners, brokers, landlords and other stakeholders to ensure alignment
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders, including suppliers, developers, and community leaders, to facilitate growth opportunities
• Stay abreast of industry trends and innovations to identify opportunities for new store concepts or service offerings that align with Playa Bowls' brand and growth strategy
• Partners with franchise owners and company operators to encourage new store growth following the overall Market Plan. Leads the team that consults, guides, trains, and assists franchise owners with site selection, site negotiation and presentation of real estate site packages to REC for brand acceptance
• Build and maintain an effective broker network across the U.S to efficiently and effectively acquire sites to meet annual and long-term growth objectives
• Partner with various departments and agencies regarding new company-operated locations to ensure the timely execution of contractual obligations, obtain necessary approval, negotiate contracts with attorneys, brokers, developers and principals in various real estate transactions, and ensure effective communication within the company
• Negotiate lease extensions, renewals, lease options, and the sale/sublease of property to ensure appropriate occupancy cost, improve competitive position, and execute in the best interest of the Company; prepares memos for senior management approval to include relevant detailed facts from analyst/broker to justify rationale
• Participate in trade and civic organizations (public hearings, Chamber of Commerce, etc.) to increase and enhance the public’s awareness and image of Playa Bowls
• Identify expansion, remodel, and/ or rebuilding opportunities of current restaurant locations; negotiate lease extensions (when required) and coordinates presentations with required documentation for the REC
• Direct team efforts to serve the Company or Franchise community on all real estate related matters and ensures compliance with all related Playa Bowls processes and policies
• Perform other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required, assigned and directed
• Maintain productive relationships with franchise owners

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Real Estate, Business Administration or Finance; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred
• Experience:
• Demonstrated knowledge/skill in market planning and implementation for “retail” real estate development, site selection, trade area analysis, real estate contract negotiation, construction management, facilities management, and asset strategy
• Experience in franchise, multi-unit restaurant/retail industry required
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a franchise and/or corporate real estate environment and 5 years of experience leading team efforts
• Proven track record in leading field-based teams and driving results via creative thinking and problem solving to achieve results
• Extensive knowledge of the real estate development process including broker management, negotiation, real estate contracts, demographic analysis, financial analysis, site plans, store design and permitting, and construction management
• Strong influence and negotiation skills with the ability to communicate with Senior Leadership. Clear and effective communication across all media with people at various levels, internal and external
• Proficiency in MS Office, with advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills and experience with Google Suite. Knowledge of GIS analytics, and real estate related tools such as project management systems
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and manage high-performing teams across multiple disciplines
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analytics and real estate project management software is advantageous
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess market opportunities and make data-driven decisions
• Experience with FranConnect preferred
• Self-motivated with strong time and project management skills
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

• Must be able to traverse and inspect all areas of jobsite in all types of weather; this may include walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crawling, or stretching
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Must be able to engage in problem-solving skills to help identify and solve potential issues
• Must be on call to address delays, emergencies, bad weather, and other issues at the jobsite

MISSION

Inspire and support our communities one bowl at a time.

VALUES

Community. Respect. Integrity. Quality. Passion.

"Playa Bowls is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law."