Vice President of Real Estate

Job Type / Location:

Ideally, the candidate would relocate to the company’s international headquarters in Florence, AL. However, TNT will consider a hybrid structure with regular presence required at the company’s headquarters. In a hybrid scenario, it is preferred that candidate reside within 150 miles of Florence which includes Huntsville, Nashville, Birmingham and Memphis metro areas.

Company Description:

TNT Fireworks (“TNT”) has been in the consumer fireworks business for over 100 years. Today, TNT is the largest and most recognized distributor and retailer of consumer fireworks in the world, with operations and distribution in Asia, Europe, the USA, and Puerto Rico. While the Company operates year-round, the largest sales seasons are the 4th of July and New Year’s Holidays here in the U.S. Fireworks products are sold in 49 states.  Annually, TNT serves over 40,000 third-party retail chain locations, 5,000 seasonal stands and tents operated by non-profit groups and individuals, and a large wholesale customer base throughout the USA. In addition, TNT owns and operates a growing portfolio of 46 TNT supercenter retail stores across the country. The company serves these channels via 17 domestic distribution facilities. Drawing upon their rich 100-year history, proud family ownership, and stellar reputation, the company is well-positioned for continued market leadership and profitable growth within this fast paced and vibrant industry. For more information visit: www.tntfireworks.com

Position Description:

Today, as we prepare for the future and next phase of growth, we are seeking a high performing Vice President of Real Estate who can contribute to the organization as a key member of the management team and orchestrate improvements in all aspects of the company’s real estate strategy and execution. This will be TNT’s first dedicated real estate executive so the candidate will have an enormous, “white-space” opportunity to enhance the organization’s real estate strategies and operational tactics to help grow and enhance the business.

Working in a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial environment, the VP of Real Estate will report directly to the CFO, but will work closely with the company’s CEO, Presidents, Channel Leaders, SVP of Operations and others in developing and executing real estate and growth strategies.

The VP of Real Estate will have front-line accountability for participating in the company’s growth strategy development as a functional expert, identifying and closing on new store and warehouse locations, project management of ground up development and renovations, and managing national chain real estate activities for stands and tents. The role will have 2-3 direct reports.

The successful candidate will be a team-oriented individual with the demeanor and temperament to proactively develop positive working relationships across the enterprise. They will be effective in fostering an atmosphere of mutual accountability, collaboration, and respect. Authenticity, mindfulness, humility, and global perspective are "Price of Admission" traits for success in this role.

Detailed Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Retail and Operations teams to determine both short and long-term comprehensive real estate strategies, identify efficiency opportunities within existing stores/markets/warehouse footprint, present alternatives and recommendations; participate in overall business planning as a functional expert. Monitor and report on competitor strategies and activities
• Research and find potential new locations for TNT stores that are in TNT’s focus areas and align with the company’s current growth plan. Travel and scout out different potential site locations
• Research and find potential new locations and/or consolidation opportunities for TNT distribution centers that are in TNT’s focus areas and align with the company’s current growth plan. Travel and scout out different potential site locations
• Negotiate LOIs with the broker or property owner for a prospective space
• Analyze each site with a pro forma to determine financial feasibility of space
• Prepare power point and analytics for executive management
• Present potential new site locations to executive management after letter of intent is negotiated. If approved, is responsible for ensuring lease is completed
• Manage space delivery dates with landlords
• Manage the full spectrum of property assets related to leased space; work directly with Landlord’s real estate brokers to meet space needs/requirements; negotiate terms and conditions of leases; review offers to lease and lease agreements
• Coordinate lease administration to include, new lease; store openings and other real estate activity related thereto; lease database management; key lease dates; communication of lease data to other departments
• Interface with attorneys to review, negotiate and finalize leases and coordinate various lease issues
• Evaluate and finalize store locations with site visits
• Project manage outside contractors and designers during the construction or buildout of new locations and renovations to existing locations
• Develop and maintain relationships with brokers, property owners, and leasing agents
• Manage national real estate contracts and relationships with national chain stores for stand and tent programs

Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Real Estate or Finance preferred. Advanced degree desired.
• Minimum of 10 years of real estate experience, preferably with progressive responsibility, working in a HQ/Corporate environment. Must have experience with managing high volume, multi-state transactions for high growth companies. Project management experience for construction and development opportunities is also desirable.
• Knowledge of corporate real estate best practices with respect to both strategic and operational issues as well as a thorough knowledge of real estate transaction processes.
• Significant experience negotiating LOIs, Leases and Amendments.
• Executive level presentation skills.
• Exceptional ability to gather, analyze and present business information in executive level reports.
• Demonstrated success working in a fast-paced and deadline driven environment.
• High level of proficiency with MS Excel, PowerPoint and real estate related software.
• Ability to travel, including overnight travel