Thrive Restaurant Group is a family-owned restaurant company with nearly 200 locations, 5 brands, and over 8,000 team members across 15 states. We’ve been in business for 50 years, and we’re still growing -with purpose.
We’re looking for a Director of Finance (Real Estate focused) to take the lead on managing our corporate real estate portfolio. This is a key role in how we grow, how we invest, and how we steward one of the company’s most strategic assets: our properties.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct in-depth financial analysis of P&L statements and leases, perform market research, and collaborate with operators to gather key insights. You will then synthesize this information to formulate a strategic recommendation before leading the subsequent negotiation.
- Negotiate leases, amendments, and property transactions that support Thrive’s long-term strategy
- Manage critical dates, lease clauses, renewals, and data across our entire portfolio
- Collaborate with construction, finance, accounting, and facilities to align real estate decisions with operational needs
- Guide buy/sell decisions and support development strategy with market insight and analysis
- Serve as the primary liaison with brokers, landlords, attorneys, and developers
What You’ll Bring
- A sharp mind for both numbers and negotiation
- Strong financial acumen, including the ability to:
- Analyze a restaurant P&L
- Build and interpret deal models
- Assess investment returns
- Advise on the impact of real estate decisions to the broader P&L and balance sheet
- Experience participating in and/or leading complex negotiations with landlords, developers, and key partners
- The ability to create win‑win solutions—while protecting Thrive’s long‑term financial and strategic interests
- Clear, confident communication across stakeholders and situations
- Comfort leading through ambiguity and balancing many details at once
Must-Haves
- 7+ years of progressive experience in corporate real estate, preferably in multi‑unit retail or restaurants
- Demonstrated success in lease negotiations and portfolio management
- Ability to work independently and think strategically
- Experience leading or collaborating with external partners (brokers, counsel, consultants)
- Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance, or a related field (MBA a plus)
- Willingness to travel when necessary for site visits, negotiations, and portfolio oversight
Why Thrive
We believe work should be meaningful—and people should matter more than profit. You’ll be joining a team that’s not just growing restaurants, but also growing people.
We offer competitive salary and benefits, including:
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) profit‑sharing plan
- Paid time off and professional development
- Food discounts at all Thrive‑owned restaurant brands
- A casual, collaborative work environment based in Wichita, KS
If you’re ready to bring your real estate experience to a company that values clarity, purpose, and people—this might be your next move. Apply today. Let’s build something that lasts.
Physical Demands
- Ability to sit for extended periods and occasionally bend to access under desk storage or low filing drawers.
- Occasional lifting of office equipment and/or lifting up to 25 pounds.
- Continuous use of office equipment, e.g., such as computers, keyboard, copy machine printers, and calculators.
- Ability to perceive sound at normal speaking levels and visual acuity for tasks such as analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer, and extensive reading.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required, with some overnight travel.
Thrive Restaurant Group is an equal-opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture.
Director, Real Estate
Location: Wichita, KS
Department: Real Estate & Finance
Salary Range: $130,000 - $170,000 / year
Reports to: SVP, Finance & Strategic Development
#J-18808-Ljbffr