PRIDE, PASSION, EXCELLENCE—this is what’s made Cafe Rio Mexican Grill the #1 Mexican Food restaurant in America and with almost 160 restaurants nationwide, we’re growing fast. We are looking for an accounting manager to help us grow our business.

We’re committed to making “Every Meal a Masterpiece.” What’s a masterpiece you ask? It begins with quality ingredients, prepared in state-of-the-art kitchens by people who have a passion for food and the art of cooking from scratch. You won’t find a freezer or microwave in any of our restaurants! We prepare FRESH meals daily. Piqued your interest? Check us out at www.caferio.com.

Our food is so good that we want everyone to try it. This is where you come in. The Real Estate Manager role will be responsible for the expansion of new Cafe Rio locations, and the portfolio management of renewal and leasehold obligations. This role will manage local real estate brokers in the selection of sites, the negotiation of letters of intent, working with cross-functional team members from analytics, design/architecture, construction, lease administration leading up to real estate committee, and supporting our external legal team through the completion of lease negotiations.

The ideal candidate will be an independent, tactical thinker with strong business acumen and proven real estate analytical capability. This role will report directly to our Director of Real Estate.

Job Responsibilities:

Manage the full spectrum of property assets related to leased space; collaborate directly with landlords and brokers to understand space needs/requirements; negotiate terms and conditions of LOI.

Collaborate with Store Design, Construction, and cross-functional teams to ensure restaurants are within budget and opened on time.

Interface with attorneys to review, negotiate, and finalize the lease.

Travel to designated markets to evaluate the real estate, understand the market dynamics and evaluate each market to recommend new deals to Real Estate Committee (REC).

Maintain reports and attend weekly and monthly meetings to update company leaders and cross-functional team members on the status of each project from lease execution through project completion.

Prepare and present all new site submission packages (SSP) to the executive team for approval of both REC and Lease and Construction Committee (LCC) (last step prior to lease execution).

Maintain relationships within the industry including broker networks, landlords, and other retailers.

Attend industry wide events, such as ICSC, Retail Live.

Perform ad hoc projects, as necessary.

What We’re Looking For:

A professional with 5+ years of commercial real estate leasing experience, preferably in retail.

Knowledgeable regarding lease language and related legal documentation.

Excellent negotiator with effective communication skills - verbal and written.

Confident in dealing with people (internal and external) and resolving issues diplomatically.

Resourceful with a high level of initiative and strategic thinking.

Desire to excel and succeed.

Self-awareness, with a desire for constant self-improvement (goal –oriented).

Entrepreneurial spirit and an egoless nature.

Available to travel up to 60% of the time.

Proficient with Word, Excel, Power Point, Adobe Acrobat and Smartsheet.

What We’re Serving Up In Return:

• Competitive salary
• Performance Bonus
• Company vehicle
• Health Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Free Meals
• 401K with 4% match

• Career Advancement Opportunities