Director of Real Estate

Role overview

NEFCO is growing quickly, creating both expanded opportunity and added complexity. The Director of Real Estate will be a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing the company’s nationwide real estate approach across an expanding network of distribution, fulfillment, and branch sites. Reporting to the COO, this leader will oversee the full property lifecycle, including identifying new locations, negotiating deals, handling renewals, managing consolidations, and planning the long-term footprint.

This position is highly visible and influential, suited to someone who blends strong deal-making instincts with strategic judgment and the ability to work across functions in a fast-paced, growth-focused setting.

New site transactions

• Direct site selection, market evaluation, and due diligence for all new NEFCO locations across the country.
• Develop and maintain broker partnerships in target markets, and prepare as well as assess RFPs for new facilities.
• Negotiate letters of intent, lease economics, tenant improvement packages, and landlord incentives.
• Work closely with Sales, Operations, Finance, and Legal so site choices align with launch timelines and build-out needs.
• Own each transaction from the first property tour through lease signing and the transition to Facilities and the Orangefield Project Management team.

Renewals and portfolio management

• Run the national lease renewal calendar and begin landlord discussions well ahead of expiration dates.
• Review each renewal using market comparables, operational performance, and broader footprint strategy.
• Secure advantageous renewal outcomes, including rent changes, extension options, and capital support.
• Spot locations that are weakly performing or no longer aligned and evaluate them for consolidation, relocation, or exit.
• Keep a live portfolio tracker updated with status, important deadlines, and decision ownership.

Footprint strategy and growth planning

• Partner with senior leadership to build a multi-year real estate roadmap that supports NEFCO’s growth plan.
• Study coverage gaps, customer concentration, and competitor presence to prioritize expansion markets.
• Create financial scenarios for proposed locations, including rent, capital spending, and payback modeling.
• Present recommendations and deal summaries to the executive team.
• Act as the internal authority on market trends, cap rates, and lease structures.

Cross-functional leadership and execution

• Coordinate with Legal on lease reviews, abstract management, and landlord dispute resolution.
• Work with Finance on budgeting, lease accounting under ASC 842, and capital planning.
• Manage outside brokers, attorneys, architects, and project managers involved in real estate work; NEFCO also has a national MSA with a third-party real estate team.
• Make sure lease obligations are met, including notice periods, audit rights, and co-tenancy clauses.
• Build efficient processes and tools that can scale with a national, distributed portfolio.

Qualifications

Applicants should bring at least 8 years of commercial real estate experience, ideally focused on industrial, warehouse, or distribution/logistics assets. A strong history of negotiating and closing complex lease deals in multiple markets is essential, along with a solid grasp of lease structures, landlord economics, and broader real estate market behavior. Experience overseeing a multi-site portfolio of 20 or more locations across different regions is required. The role also calls for strong financial capability, including lease modeling, NPV analysis, and occupancy cost benchmarking, plus excellent negotiation, communication, and executive presentation skills. A bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, finance, or a related discipline is required.

Preferred background

• Experience in distribution, construction supply, MRO, or industrial wholesale environments.
• Working knowledge of ASC 842 lease accounting and IWMS or lease management systems.
• Active real estate license in one or more states, either as a broker or salesperson.
• MBA or another advanced degree in a relevant field.

Success measures

• Within the first 60 days, the leader should have complete visibility into the current portfolio, including open transactions, the expiration pipeline, and strategic priorities.
• New locations should be delivered on schedule and within budget.
• Renewals should be handled proactively, with strong terms secured.
• The executive team should receive a clear, data-driven three-year footprint plan.
• A repeatable and scalable process should be in place for market review and deal execution.