Vp Of Real Estate And Construction

Our Company

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a modern American ice cream company dedicated to making better ice creams and bringing people together. Founded in 2002 by James Beard Award-winning ice cream maker Jeni Britton—who introduced a modern, ingredient-driven style of ice cream making that revolutionized the industry, forever changing the way ice cream is made—Jeni’s has emerged over the past two decades as the new standard by which all other ice creams are judged. Today, the creative-led, community-spirited company is a certified B Corporation with 80 scoop shops (and counting), an online shop with nationwide shipping at jenis.com, and distribution in top grocery stores across the country.

Our Mission

Team Jeni's is a nationwide team of people who bring their talent, hustle, guts, resilience and empathy (lots of heart too) to making better ice creams and bringing people together. Working at Jeni's means devotion to service. Serving by caring-about ourselves, each other, our communities, ice creams and customers. We are a force for good!

The Role

As VP of Real Estate and Construction, you will be responsible for managing the company's Real Estate assets, optimizing facility operations, and ensuring that our shop properties are aligned with the company’s strategic goals. This senior leadership position requires a proven track record in Real Estate management, construction, facility operations, and the ability to drive cost-effective solutions and a positive workplace environment.

Responsibilities

Real Estate Portfolio Management:

• Oversee the company's Real Estate portfolio
• Develop and execute a Real Estate strategy that aligns with the company's business objectives
• Oversee a cross functional team (internal and external) to find, select, develop and open new locations.
• Provide timely visibility to developing markets and locations to ensure marketing, finance, supply chain and operations can successfully support expansion.
• Manage and coordinate a external network of Brokers, Architects and Contractors ensuring successful build-outs
• Integrate with shop operations and marketing to ensure new shops fully capture the most recent evolution of our design, operating model / process and brand projection.
• Monitor lease agreements, negotiate lease terms, and manage landlord relationships
• Identify opportunities to acquire, lease, or divest properties to optimize the portfolio's performance
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements related to Real Estate holdings
• Lead the Facilities Management process and vendor, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations of all facilities
• Develop and implement best practices for maintenance, security, and workplace services
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts, including janitorial, security, and maintenance services
• Oversee capital improvement projects and renovations to enhance workplace functionality and employee engagement
• Ensure facilities are safe, environmentally friendly, and compliant with health and safety regulations

Financial Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for Real Estate and facilities operations, tracking expenses and optimizing cost-efficiency
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements in Real Estate and facilities management
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to the executive team on Real Estate and facilities performance

Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with company leadership to align Real Estate and facilities strategies with overall business goals
• Assess and plan for future Real Estate needs based on growth projections and changes in the business landscape
• Evaluate and recommend Real Estate investments and dispositions in line with the corporate strategy

Team Leadership:

• Build and mentor a high-performing Real Estate and Construction team
• Set clear objectives, priorities, and expectations for team members
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration within the department

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in senior corporate Real Estate leadership positions
• Bachelor's Degree (Required)
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years experience working in a multi-unit retail or restaurant environment
• Experience with a demonstrated knowledge of lease management, maintenance management, construction practices, and regulatory codes or equivalent experience
• Manages the business and support functions of the Real Estate, Construction and Facilities teams. This would include Real Estate acquisitions, lease management and property management of the Jeni’s shop portfolio.
• Strong contract and vendor selection and negotiation skills
• Expert with short-mid-term leasing strategies
• Ownership of build projects from beginning to end
• Ability to quickly build trust and credibility with internal stakeholders and an organically grown team
• Flexible, can adapt to a hyper-growth environment, driven by continuous improvement, and pursuit of exceeding expectations and goals
• Strong executive presence and presentation skills
• Can analyze, communicate, and present data clearly and concisely
• M&A experience is preferable
• Ability to travel up to 40%

BENEFITS OFFERED

• Paid time off and holidays
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• 4% match on 401k contributions after 3 months of employment
• A one-month paid sabbatical after 3 years of continuous service
• Annual paid day to volunteer for a non-profit organization that matters to you
• 50% discount at Jeni’s Scoop Shops and online

Jeni's is an equal opportunity employer. Said our way, we love and honor differences, and we love sharing common values such as talent, hustle, guts, resilience, and empathy. Our differences are a primary source of our team's strength and we crave having a team rich with diversity which is creativity and art in its human form.