Commercial Real Estate Business Development Director

The firm is seeking a skilled Commercial Real Estate Business Development Director responsible for sourcing and securing introductions to tenants who have real estate expansion needs. This role focuses on networking, relationship-building, and lead generation to bring new opportunities to Zeal’s pipeline. The ideal candidate has experience in commercial real estate, tenant representation, franchise development, or a related field, with strong industry connections and an ability to open doors with key decision-makers.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities. This role offers direct engagement with firm leadership and requires a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.

Success Measures

Success measures include adherence to Zeal Development policies, flawless execution of tasks, and meeting or exceeding personal qualitative and quantitative key performance indicator (KPI) metrics.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify and engage potential tenants, franchise groups, and corporate real estate teams with expansion plans.
• Develop and maintain relationships with brokers, tenant reps, and industry contacts to stay informed of market opportunities.
• Generate and qualify leads, facilitating introductions to Zeal’s leadership team for potential development opportunities.
• Research and track tenant growth strategies, site selection needs, and market trends.
• Attend industry events, conferences, and networking functions to build and expand Zeal’s reach.
• Work closely with Zeal’s acquisitions and development teams to align business development efforts with company strategy.
• Maintain an organized pipeline of prospective tenants and regularly report on activity and progress.

Managerial Responsibility

This role acts as an individual contributor with no direct reports.

Qualifications

· Experience: 5 years in business development, commercial real estate, brokerage, tenant representation, or franchise development.

· Network: Established relationships with brokers, tenants, and real estate decision-makers.

· Skills: Strong communication, relationship-building, and strategic outreach abilities.

· Mindset: Proactive, results driven, and highly motivated to generate new business opportunities.

· Knowledge: Familiarity with real estate expansion strategies, site selection processes, and market trends.

· Travel: Willingness to travel as needed for meetings, networking, and industry events.

Education/Licenses

· Bachelor's degree in finance, real estate, economics, or a related field; an MBA or CFS is a plus.

Equipment and Technology Requirements

· Basic computer skills.

· Working knowledge of laptop/desktop PC.

· Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft (Word, Excel, and Access).

Other Competency Requirements

An initial assessment of competency will be completed during the interview period and evaluated on an ongoing basis.

• Ability to follow written instructions.
• Ability to use computers and computer/software programs.
• Ability to communicate expressively and receptively.

Knowledge and Skills

· Strong understanding of process and controls.

· Strong organizational skills

· High degree of diplomacy in handling sensitive and/or confidential information.

· Accuracy, attention to detail, ability to work independently, and proficient time management skills are required.

· Experience identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities.

· Ability to understand major objectives and break them down into meaningful action steps.

· Ability to compare data from different sources to draw conclusions and use effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions.

Interpersonal Demands

· Frequent interaction with other functional teams, including leaders.

· Frequent interaction with key internal and external stakeholders.

Decision Making

· Frequently making complex decisions that could impact multiple projects and the business.

· Sometimes making decisions with prior approval from leader.

Working Conditions

· Zeal Development’s office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Flexibility is set with the employee's direct manager or supervisor, considering factors such as job responsibilities, team dynamics, and business needs. It's important to note that while we support flexibility, the goal is to maintain high levels of productivity and performance. If productivity issues arise adjustments may be made in consultation with the employee and their supervisor to ensure that work objectives are met effectively.

· Additional time or occasional shifts in schedule may be required to complete the above work or meet company objectives.

Physical Demands

This role will require sitting most of the day as well as walking and standing periodically. This role may require close visual acuity on computer screens or monitors and the ability to analyze data and figures on a screen.