Director of Real Estate and Construction, Portfolio

The Director of Real Estate and Construction, Portfolio is responsible for owning and executing the company’s real estate and construction strategy, including management of the real estate portfolio, oversight of all construction projects, and delivery of veterinary facilities that meet company standards for quality, cost, and schedule. This role provides strategic leadership and direct accountability for site selection, lease execution, capital deployment, and project delivery in support of the company’s growth and operational objectives.

• Appropriately hires, trains, and develops teammates
• Provides coaching and feedback to improve skills, performance, and efficiency
• Sets clear objectives and performance expectations and holds the team accountable
• Provides leadership and stability during periods of organizational change
• Delegates with clearly defined responsibility, authority, and decision rights

• Demonstrates consistent, effective written and verbal communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Establishes, builds, and maintains effective working relationships across departments and with outside partners
• Practices attentive and active listening
• Gives and receives feedback in a timely and constructive manner

• Demonstrates strong understanding of how the business operates financially and operationally
• Champions innovative ideas and continuous improvement initiatives
• Applies functional and technical expertise to complex real estate and construction decisions
• Makes sound decisions using analysis, experience, judgment, and awareness of enterprise-wide impacts

• Consistently meets agreed upon business goals, timelines, and budgets
• Aligns team priorities with company growth and operational objectives
• Develops and executes clear strategies, tactics, and deadlines to drive results
• Regularly evaluates team effectiveness and implements improvements as needed

• Leads with respect, integrity, and accountability
• Treats others with empathy and professionalism
• Exemplifies and reinforces WAG values through leadership actions
• Collaborates with teams to focus on solutions and outcomes
• Demonstrates a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset

• Own and manage the company’s real estate portfolio, including acquisitions, dispositions, leases, and renewals
• Lead negotiations for new leases, renewals, and real estate transactions in partnership with Legal and Compliance
• Direct and oversee all portfolio construction projects, ensuring delivery on schedule, within approved budgets, and in accordance with company standards
• Develop and execute strategic plans for facility expansion, relocations, and capital improvements
• Partner closely with Design and Preconstruction teams to ensure consistent scope definition, cost control, and constructability
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal real estate, zoning, and construction regulations
• Own and lead the project governance process for new and existing projects, coordinating with Design, Preconstruction, Finance, Operations, and other stakeholders
• Monitor and report on project progress, budgets, risks, and timelines to senior leadership through established governance forums
• Identify and implement opportunities for cost savings, process efficiencies, and standardization across the portfolio
• Build and manage relationships with developers, landlords, brokers, consultants, and construction partners
• Travel up to 30%

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in real estate and construction management
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-site real estate portfolios and large-scale construction programs
• Proven ability to lead lease negotiations, capital planning, and complex construction projects
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and project management skills
  
  Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to real estate and construction
  
  How You’re Supported

  As part of…