ABOUT SURMOUNT

SURMOUNT™ is an industry-leading full-service commercial real estate platform that provides comprehensive net-lease focused real estate solutions to investors, operators, and partners, globally. SURMOUNT offers a wide range of real estate-focused offerings, including Sale-Leaseback, Investment Sales Brokerage, Lease Advisory, Capital Markets, Development, and Principal Investments. Our clients and partners include private investors, REITs, private equity and financial sponsors, family offices, multi-unit franchisees, business owners, tenants, developers, and lenders.

SURMOUNT Development offers a fully integrated development platform for nationwide expansion. Our team supports our clients through every step in the development process, from site selection to project turnover.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We’re looking for a high-energy, results-driven dealmaker to be our new Development Associate.  This role is for someone who is confident they can turn lists of vacant land and underperforming buildings into profitable redevelopment projects. This is not a back-office research role; it’s an active, forward-facing position for someone who knows how to create a compelling site for our Clients and get deals moving.

You will identify, evaluate, and package opportunities for both our existing clients and new relationships, working directly with property owners, municipalities, and tenants to bring redevelopment concepts to life.

This role blends market research, site analysis, and creative problem-solving to generate viable development concepts for both existing and prospective clients. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the commercial net lease real estate industry and contribute to the growth of our company.

In addition to supporting our Redevelopment Projects, the Development Associate will also support our Site Selection Manager in identifying, evaluating, and acquiring strategic land parcels, existing buildings, and leases for our Client’s projects.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

·        Review lists of vacant land and buildings to determine suitability for redevelopment.

·        Conduct site visits (as needed) to assess physical condition, location attributes, and surrounding market dynamics.

·        Analyze zoning, land use regulations, and entitlement pathways for potential development concepts.

·        Research demographic trends, traffic counts, and competitive landscapes to assess market viability.

·        Prepare high-level feasibility studies and financial models, including preliminary cost estimates, potential revenue projections, and ROI scenarios.

·        Identify potential end-users, tenants, or buyers for redeveloped properties.

·        Develop tailored redevelopment proposals for existing clients to expand their portfolios.

·        Identify and approach prospective clients with curated opportunities aligned to their growth strategies.

·        Collaborate with brokers, municipalities, and internal development teams to advance viable opportunities.

·        Identify underutilized properties that can be repositioned for higher value through adaptive reuse, ground-up construction, or strategic partnerships.

·        Recommend creative deal structures to unlock value, such as joint ventures, sale-leasebacks, or land swaps

·        Assist with due diligence

·        Perform rental rate analysis; cultivate relationships with brokerage

·        Work with Site Selection Manager to conduct thorough market research to identify potential land and lease opportunities

·        Present new site recommendation packages for approval; manages Smartsheet with sites for client.

·        Collaborate with site selection team to structure deals that align with the company and Client’s financial goals and risk tolerance.

·        Negotiate LOIs, and serve as conduit for contracts with the client’s legal team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

·        5+ years in commercial real estate development, acquisitions/dispositions, brokerage, or capital markets.

·        Bachelor's degree (e.g., BA, BS) or equivalent combination of education and related experience in Finance/Accounting or related business field; Real Estate education / background preferred

·        Proven track record closing real estate transactions.

·        Strong market instincts and ability to identify high-value opportunities fast.

·        Skilled in zoning and entitlement strategies.

·        Exceptional negotiation, networking, and relationship-building skills.

·        Self-starter who thrives in an environment with aggressive growth targets.

·        Must have high proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel is a must.

·        Must be able to work independently, be reliable and organized.

·        Able to work effectively when the way forward is not obvious, and resilient in recovering from setbacks and skilled at finding detours around obstacles

·        Exceptional time and task management skills in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects with significant responsibilities and competing priorities

·        Excellent professional demeanor with the ability to work with a wide range of levels and management

·        Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Compensation is $65-75K base plus commission, to be discussed.