About the job
Senior Director, Real Estate
About sweetgreen:
Sweetgreen is experiencing a dynamic phase of growth, expanding into new markets while enhancing compliance frameworks across our network of over 280 restaurants. We are on the lookout for a seasoned Senior Director of Real Estate to join our Store Development Corporate Real Estate team. This pivotal role will oversee the company’s New Restaurant Openings (NROs), relocation efforts, and real estate development initiatives across the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic regions. You will collaborate closely with teams in Strategy, Real Estate, and Design, reporting directly to the Chief Development Officer (CDO). Your main responsibility will be to lead real estate acquisition activities that align with our corporate three-year plan objectives, while negotiating optimal business terms for sweetgreen.
This role typically involves structuring deals with 10-year lease terms. The Real Estate Team works alongside our external real estate vendors and legal departments to ensure swift deal timing and favorable terms.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive real estate expertise, including market insight and familiarity with various deal types and transaction methods. A strong background in market strategy, acquisition, and deal management is essential to support field operations with their business development and real estate needs. This high-visibility position requires an adept deal-maker with a proven history of successful site selection and lease negotiations.
Location: This role is based on the East Coast, ideally in New York.
Core Responsibilities:
Real Estate Strategy & Market Planning
- Develop and implement a multi-year real estate growth strategy that aligns with our corporate goals and three-year plan objectives.
- Conduct thorough market research, trade-area analyses, and competitive assessments to pinpoint high-potential markets in the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
- Establish and maintain a strong pipeline of new restaurant opportunities across priority areas.
- Analyze real estate trends and portfolio conditions to provide actionable business recommendations.
Site Selection & Development
- Oversee internal and external real estate partnerships, leading site approvals, coordinating lease execution processes, and managing cycle time efficiencies.
- Direct the comprehensive site selection process, including field tours, feasibility studies, and financial modeling.
- Collaborate with Operations and other departments to ensure successful site launches.

