Real Estate Manager (Central Region)

About the Company

Bagel Brands, the parent group behind Einstein Bros. Bagels, Bruegger’s Bagels, and Noah’s NY Bagels, is built around the idea that bagels help bring people together. The company emphasizes values and behaviors centered on positivity, teamwork, and creating warm guest experiences.

Role Overview

The Real Estate Manager will support the company’s growth strategy by identifying, assessing, and moving forward new store development opportunities across the Central region. Working as part of the Development team, this person will coordinate with Real Estate, Design, Construction, Operations, and Finance to help advance the new store pipeline and long-term expansion goals.

This position requires a practical, detail-oriented approach, strong ownership, and an ability to work collaboratively across teams while maintaining transparency and steady progress on development work.

Compensation

• Department: Development
• Base pay: $115,000 to $125,000 per year
• Bonus: Eligible for a quarterly bonus plan

Core Responsibilities

• Study current and potential trade areas using demographic data, market research, and competitor information to identify the strongest development options.
• Evaluate prospective properties by reviewing financial, demographic, and site-specific factors and then share recommendations on potential real estate opportunities.
• Use analytics, local market knowledge, broker relationships, and internal collaboration to support the company’s expansion strategy.
• Visit sites, tour markets, and assess properties alongside brokers and company leaders.
• Own and progress development projects through the new store pipeline.
• Track timelines, workflows, and milestone dates so LOIs, lease execution, design, and construction stay on schedule.
• Monitor monthly, quarterly, and annual lease execution targets to help the company meet new store opening goals.
• Prepare site packages for locations with signed LOIs and develop presentations for Real Estate Committee review.
• Negotiate LOIs with attention to financial terms, tenant improvement allowances, landlord work letters, and property-specific conditions.
• Coordinate closely with Real Estate, Design, Construction, Operations, and Support Center teams to keep everyone aligned throughout the development process.
• Maintain accurate reporting, project tracking, and status updates for the development pipeline.
• Keep development data and milestone tracking current and communicate updates clearly across teams.
• Share analysis and reporting on site progress, lease activity, and pipeline performance.
• Work with external landlords, brokers, and developers to explain site criteria and the company’s development approach.
• Build strong professional relationships that keep the brand visible for future development opportunities.
• Help proactively identify and move forward real estate opportunities that support company growth plans.

Leadership Expectations

• Communicate clearly, professionally, and with a collaborative mindset.
• Take responsibility for project timelines, outcomes, and follow-through.
• Adjust effectively to changing priorities, market conditions, and development challenges.
• Support teamwork by sharing knowledge, solving problems, and contributing to a positive environment.
• Look for better ways to work, strengthen market understanding, and improve processes.
• Show good judgment, professionalism, and awareness of how decisions affect the team and business.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in commercial real estate, development, or a closely related field.
• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, or a related area.
• Working knowledge of the real estate development process.
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities, with the capacity to manage several projects at once.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office and cloud-based project tools such as Smartsheet.
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication, and networking skills.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing in a cross-functional team setting.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to travel as much as 50% based on business needs.
• Preferred background includes retail, QSR restaurant, or multi-unit development experience.
• Experience with demographic analysis and real estate analytics tools is an advantage.
• Experience managing development pipeline reporting and project coordination is also preferred.

Physical Requirements

This role is primarily office-based and involves long periods of sitting, standing, and computer use. It also includes travel to development sites, market visits, broker meetings, and similar business activities. Occasional bending, lifting, and carrying items up to 20 pounds may be required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Information

The responsibilities of this position may change over time, and the company may add or remove duties at its discretion. This description is intended to provide a general idea of the role and is not meant to include every task.

Location information indicates a remote arrangement tied to Austin, Texas.

Bagel Brands is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on qualifications. The company provides fair treatment regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, military status, or any other legally protected status.