Account Executive
Location: Irvine, California (Field-based / Multi-site travel required)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Compensation: $60,000 – $90,000 annually, depending on experience (pursuant to California Labor Code §432.3, the pay scale for this position is disclosed above)
About the Role
We are seeking a results-driven Account Executive to lead site selection, lease negotiation, and franchise partner management across California. This role combines real estate strategy, financial analysis, and cross-functional coordination to support the company's retail growth in core trade areas, Class A shopping centers, and high-traffic communities.
Key Responsibilities
Store Expansion & Site Development
- Identify, evaluate, and pursue new store locations across target markets, in coordination with the Business Development team.
- Build and maintain a network of relationships with landlords, brokers, developers, and mall/property operators.
- Conduct site visits and basic market/trade-area and competitive analysis to support site selection decisions.
- Maintain an accurate, up-to-date pipeline of prospective sites and expansion opportunities.
Franchise & Business Partner Recruitment
- Proactively source, approach, and recruit prospective franchise and business partners to grow HeyTea's footprint.
- Represent the HeyTea brand professionally at networking events, trade shows, and industry gatherings to generate new leads.
- Clearly and persuasively communicate the brand story, business model, and investment opportunity to prospective partners.
- Qualify and screen inbound and outbound partner leads, and manage them through the pipeline.
Partner Relationship Management & Negotiation
- Lead outreach and negotiation with landlords, brokers, and prospective partners on key deal terms (rent, investment terms, timelines, etc.), within authority levels set by leadership.
- Build long-term, trust-based relationships with existing and prospective partners to support ongoing growth.
- Coordinate with Legal, Design & Construction, Operations, and Finance to move each opportunity from first contact through signed agreement and store opening.
- Respond promptly and confidently to partner questions, objections, and pushback, escalating appropriately when terms fall outside your authority.
Reporting & General Support
- Maintain accurate, current records of leads, deal status, and pipeline activity in the team's tracking tools.
- Provide regular updates to leadership on expansion and recruitment progress, including wins, risks, and blockers.
- Support other Business Development initiatives and ad hoc projects as needed.
Qualifications
Required
- 2–4 years of experience in business development, sales, account management, leasing/real estate, or franchise development; retail, F&B, or franchise industry experience is a plus but not required.
- Outgoing and personable — genuinely energized by meeting new people and starting new conversations, not just responding to inbound requests.
- Strong negotiation skills and business judgment; comfortable discussing deal terms and holding a position professionally.
- High tolerance for pressure, rejection, and slow-moving deals; persistent without losing a positive, professional tone.
- Highly self-motivated and proactive — able to generate and pursue leads without being told what to do next.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; Mandarin proficiency is a strong plus for coordinating with HQ and Chinese-speaking partners.
- Willing and able to travel regularly across markets, including occasional evenings/weekends for events.
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
- Ability to travel by car to multiple sites within California on a frequent basis
- Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for qualified individuals with disabilities
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles/California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.