Job Description

The New Markets and Operations Project Manager is responsible for identifying and securing strategic real estate opportunities for new market entry, overseeing lease negotiations, and managing the buildout and operational readiness of new sites. This individual will collaborate cross-functionally with real estate brokers, contractors, internal teams, and executive leadership to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with brand standards and operational goals. In addition, this individual will be responsible for identifying potential existing operations in a mergers and acquisitions capacity and present information on these opportunities to executive leadership for consideration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Market Expansion and Asset Identification

• Conduct market research to identify viable regions for expansion based on demographic, competitive, and strategic fit.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of potential properties (leased or owned) for expansion in alignment with growth strategy.
• Engage and manage relationships with real estate brokers, developers, and landlords.
• Conduct site visits and due diligence to assess viability of locations, zoning compliance, environmental risks, and cost implications.
• Identify existing pet crematory operations in target markets for potential acquisition and make initial contact to determine feasibility of a purchase/merger.

Real Estate Negotiation and Acquisition

• Lead lease and purchase negotiations in partnership with legal and finance teams.
• Prepare comparative analyses and business cases for each potential site, including cost-benefit, risk, and ROI analysis.
• Secure necessary municipal approvals, permits, and licenses.

Build-Out and Project Management

• Create and manage project timelines for construction, permitting, and operational readiness.
• Serve as liaison between construction teams, architects, vendors, and internal departments.
• Track budgets, manage scope changes, and ensure build-outs are completed on schedule and within approved capital expenditures.
• Ensure all facilities meet Faithful Companion’s operational, safety, and aesthetic standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with Operations, IT, Legal, Marketing, and HR teams to prepare new sites for opening.
• Develop and deliver site readiness plans, including equipment installation, staffing timelines, training coordination, and go-live support.

Reporting and Board Engagement

• Provide regular progress updates to the COO and prepare board-ready presentations summarizing project status, forecasts, and market evaluations.
• Support quarterly board meetings with reports on active and prospective expansion projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Real Estate, Construction Management, or related field (MBA preferred).
• 5+ years of project management experience, preferably in real estate development, multi-site expansion, or facility operations.
• Experience in mergers and acquisitions in consumer services industries.
• GIS experience preferred.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects across multiple geographies.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and financial modeling skills.
• Experience working with lease agreements, contractors, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools (e.g., Asana, MS Project), and GIS/mapping tools.

COMPETENCIES:

• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Independent Work Ethic – Highly autonomous and driven by results.
• Service Minded – Passionate about delivering high-quality facilities and expanding mission-driven services.
• Stakeholder Communication – Comfortable presenting information to all stakeholders, including senior leadership and the board of directors.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals with attention to operational details. Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand.
• Occasionally required to walk.
• Frequently required to sit.
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl.
• Continually required to talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to taste or smell. 
• Occasionally exposed to humid conditions (non-weather).
• Occasionally exposed to extreme heat or cold (non-weather).
• Occasionally works around airborne particles.
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move at least 100 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Specialized equipment, machines, or vehicles used: Ladder, forklift, and motor vehicle. 

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