Site Selection Associate

Job Title:          Site Selection Associate

Department:     Retail

Reports To:      Managing Partner, Retail

Classification:  Exempt

Updated:           January 2026

Position Summary

The Site Selection Associate is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and securing optimal real estate locations for national and regional build-to-suit retail clients. This role combines market analysis, field research, relationship management, and negotiation to deliver high-quality sites that meet client-specific criteria and long-term growth strategies. The ideal candidate brings commercial real estate expertise, deep knowledge of retail market dynamics, and excellent communication skills.

Essential Functions:

Market Research & Strategy

• Conduct comprehensive market analyses to identify trade areas that match client demographics, traffic patterns, and growth goals.
• Monitor emerging markets, competitive activity, and retail trends to proactively recommend new opportunities.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of viable sites based on client expansion plans.

Site Identification & Due Diligence

• Prospect potential building sites through field canvassing, broker networks, municipality relationships, and data-driven tools.
• Evaluate parcels for suitability, including zoning, access, visibility, parcel configuration, utilities, and entitlement risk.
• Coordinate and review surveys, environmental reports, geotechnical studies, and other due-diligence materials.

Client & Stakeholder Coordination

• Work directly with retail clients to refine site criteria, expansion strategies, and project priorities.
• Prepare and present comprehensive site packages, including maps, aerials, demographic reports, feasibility assessments, and financial outlines.
• Serve as the primary liaison between clients, landlords, developers, brokers, municipalities, and internal teams.

Negotiation & Transaction Management

• Lead negotiation of LOIs and purchase agreements in alignment with client requirements.
• Coordinate with legal, construction, design, and development teams to ensure smooth transition from site approval to project kickoff.
• Track and manage deal timelines to meet client schedules and performance expectations.

Competencies:

• Strong understanding of zoning, permitting, land acquisition, and development processes.
• Proven ability to analyze market data (demographics, traffic counts, psychographics, etc.).
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple active markets and projects simultaneously.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with mapping and real estate tools (e.g., GIS, ESRI, CoStar, Placer, LoopNet).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Required

• 3–5+ years of experience in commercial real estate, preferably in retail site selection, development, or tenant representation.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance, Urban Planning, or related field.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position with normal working hours Monday through Friday, working 40 hours per week. However, as business needs become necessary, after-hours, holidays, or weekends may be required.

Travel

Frequent travel is required for this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory duties for this position.

Work Environment

This job operates both in a professional office environment and onsite supervision. Must also be willing to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, industrial settings, and construction sites. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully: The employee is regularly required to talk or listen effectively. The employee is frequently required to sit, squat, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision and Distance vision. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.    

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

EEO Statement

The Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. 

In addition to federal law requirements, The Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Company expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of The Company’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.