We believe Running Changes Everything. If you believe that, too, we want to talk. With more than 280 stores and a robust e-commerce site, Fleet Feet is the largest running retailer in the country. Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it’s a privilege to serve and to deliver unmatched service and support when outfitting every customer. We run together to solve problems, reach goals, encourage others and champion our brand.   

Fleet Feet is seeking an experienced and results-driven Vice President of Store Development & Real Estate to lead the company’s expansion strategy, real estate portfolio, and store development function across the United States. This executive will play a critical role in driving both company-owned and franchised growth—managing site strategy, lease negotiations, design and construction, and facilities operations.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this leader will also oversee franchise sales and partner closely with new and existing franchisees on real estate strategy and site development, while leading a team that supports these functions  The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in retail real estate and construction, along with a strong understanding of franchise development and cross-functional leadership. 

The position is based at Fleet Feet’s headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina.

If you're passionate about leading growth, developing high-impact teams, and leaving a mark on retail’s future, apply today and help us bring the Fleet Feet brand to more communities across the country.

Retail Strategy & Market Expansion

• Develop and execute a long-range retail development roadmap focused on U.S. expansion, with planning initiatives to support future international growth.
• Identify and prioritize markets for new store openings—both company-owned and franchised—based on robust market, demographic, and financial analysis.
  
• Oversee the company’s real estate pipeline, aligning location growth with brand standards and operational readiness.
  
• Optimize location selection and territory planning through the use of GIS, mapping, and market intelligence tools.

Franchise Sales & Real Estate Support

• Lead the full franchise development process, including lead generation, candidate qualification, deal structuring, and onboarding.
  
• Collaborate with external legal counsel to ensure proper execution of franchise agreements and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
  
• Advise franchisees on real estate strategy, including site selection, lease negotiations, and market planning to support scalable portfolio development.
  

Real Estate Management

• Oversee all real estate functions, including site acquisition, lease negotiation, lease renewals, and landlord relations for company-operated stores.
  
• Guide franchisees through key real estate decisions, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and performance criteria.
  
• Maintain strong partnerships with brokers, landlords, and other external real estate professionals.
  

Store Development & Construction

• Lead the end-to-end development of new retail locations, from initial site selection through design, construction, and handoff to operations.
  
• Ensure design quality, permitting compliance, cost efficiency, and timely execution in collaboration with external architects, contractors, and construction teams.
  
• Maintain and refine company-wide store design standards to ensure consistency and brand alignment.
  

Facilities Oversight

• Direct the company’s facilities management strategy, including vendor oversight, contract negotiation, and service delivery across all company-owned locations.
  
• Ensure timely, cost-effective maintenance operations that support store functionality, safety, and customer experience.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures

• Partner with the CFO to evaluate and support M&A opportunities including franchise buybacks, asset sales, and new market entries.
  
• Conduct site and asset due diligence in conjunction with finance and legal teams.
  
• Contribute to the strategic assessment and integration planning of acquired locations.
  

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and develop a high-performing team across the real estate, construction, and facilities disciplines.
  
• Collaborate closely with Retail Operations, Finance, Marketing, and IT to ensure alignment, transparency, and execution across all development initiatives.
  
• Interface with external legal counsel on all matters related to real estate transactions and franchise sales compliance.
• Provide consistent executive-level reporting on pipeline performance, project milestones, and strategic growth targets.

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Construction, Architecture, or a related field (MBA or JD preferred)
  
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in retail real estate, store development, and/or franchise operations
  
• Proven success managing site strategy, lease negotiations, and multi-unit development across diverse markets
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead and grow high-performing teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
  
• Experience in franchise sales and development, including agreement execution and franchisee support
  
• Proficiency in GIS, market planning, and development management tools (e.g., Buxton, FranConnect, Esri)
  
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and executive communication skills
• Ability to travel as needed (up to 50%) to support site visits, negotiations, and project oversight

• Mission-driven culture: At Fleet Feet, we believe Running Changes Everything — and we live that every day through our commitment to community, health, and purpose.

• Impact at scale: You’ll lead strategic growth for the largest running retailer in the U.S., shaping the physical footprint of a nationally beloved brand.

• Leadership visibility: This is a highly influential, executive-level role reporting directly to the CEO.

• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with diverse teams and franchise partners to drive shared success.

• Career advancement: Be a part of a growing, entrepreneurial environment where your vision and leadership matter.

• Work-life balance: Enjoy a collaborative and supportive HQ culture based in Carrboro, NC.

At Fleet Feet, we provide more than just a job. We offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make a meaningful impact. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, and more
• 401(k) with 4% employer match and immediate vesting (available to part- and full-time employees age 21+ at company-owned stores)
• Training and advancement opportunities across the Fleet Feet brand
• Professional development programs, including mentorship, employee resource groups, and monthly learning sessions
• Community involvement and service initiatives supporting local engagement
• Discounts on training programs and products
• Supportive, passionate teammates who live the mission every day
• See the full offering in our Fleet Feet Benefits Summary for full-time employees working 30+ hours/week

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe having teams in which everyone brings their whole self to Fleet Feet is key to our success. We encourage people of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. Our dedication to inclusion is reflected in our hiring practices, workplace culture, and community engagement.

Fleet Feet utilizes E-Verify in all corporate and company-operated stores as part of the hiring process.