Vice President of Real Estate and Procurement

At Brightmore Brands, we’re all about sustainability and making a difference. We run a network of thrift stores that include EcoThrift, Texas Thrift, Unique Thrift, and MyThriftStores across California, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Texas. Every day, we sort through over 231,000 pounds of items to help keep usable goods out of landfills. By reselling and recycling apparel, we reduce waste and help fund important social causes. Our mission is to create a more sustainable retail system that’s good for the planet and gives back to the community.

Job Summary

The Vice President of Real Estate and Procurement is responsible for overseeing the organization’s entire real estate portfolio, including leases, site strategy, maintenance, and procurement. This role plays a critical part in supporting current operations while driving growth through new store development and acquisitions. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the VP of Real Estate will partner closely with senior leadership to ensure real estate decisions align with financial, operational, and strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of the company’s real estate portfolio, including all store leases, amendments, renewals, and related agreements.
• Lead lease negotiations and manage landlord relationships to secure favorable terms and long-term stability.
• Partner with national and regional landlords to establish, maintain, and expand donation locations.
• Develop and execute strategies to optimize donation site placement and performance.
• Oversee all facility maintenance activities across the store portfolio, ensuring operational continuity and safety.
• Manage and evaluate third-party vendors, service providers, and contractors, including contract negotiation and performance management.
• Ensure maintenance, repairs, and capital projects are completed on time, within budget, and to company standards.
• Direct procurement of fixtures, equipment, supplies, and real estate-related materials, establishing standardized purchasing processes to drive cost efficiency and scalability.
• Build and maintain a real estate pipeline to support new store openings, relocations, and market expansion.
• Lead site selection, due diligence, and feasibility analysis for new locations and acquisitions.
• Plan and oversee construction, renovations, remodels, and post-acquisition integration of facilities.
• Collaborate with Finance and Operations to evaluate project timelines, capital requirements, and operational readiness.
• Analyze real estate pro formas and assess P&L impact for new and existing locations.
• Partner closely with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and ROI analysis related to real estate initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, zoning requirements, and lease obligations.
• Develop and maintain real estate policies, procedures, and reporting standards.
• Prepare and present executive-level reporting, insights, and recommendations on real estate performance, risks, and opportunities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, finance, business administration, or related field required.
• Ten (10) or more years of real estate experience required, preferably within small to mid-sized companies.
• Strong understanding of the U.S. real estate landscape; East Coast, West Coast, and Texas markets is a plus.
• Experience managing multi-site retail or commercial portfolios.

Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of commercial real estate leasing, negotiations, renewals, and portfolio management.
• Strong understanding of retail and donation-based real estate models, including site selection and landlord partnerships.
• Experience managing multi-site real estate portfolios across diverse U.S. markets.
• Solid financial acumen, including the ability to analyze real estate pro formas, P&L impact, ROI, and capital expenditures.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning related to real estate initiatives.
• Expertise in construction, renovation, and facilities management for new stores and acquisitions.
• Proven ability to manage maintenance programs, vendors, and service contracts while controlling costs and service levels.
• Experience leading procurement efforts for fixtures, equipment, and real estate-related supplies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, for financial modeling, reporting, and analysis.
• Strong negotiation skills with landlords, vendors, and contractors.
• Ability to develop and execute real estate growth strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong executive communication skills, including the ability to present insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, Legal, and Executive leadership.
• Knowledge of zoning, permitting, and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

Physical and Scheduling Requirements

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods while working at a computer, reviewing documents, and participating in meetings.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, and operating computers and other office equipment.
• Regularly required to speak and hear clearly during phone calls, virtual meetings, and in-person discussions.
• Ability to walk, stand, and navigate retail, warehouse, construction, and outdoor site environments for extended periods during site visits.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively as required.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person