Project Program Manager Jobs in Tennessee

INTRODUCTION

We are seeking a driven, highly organized, and strategic Real Estate Development Manager to lead new store growth initiatives across assigned markets. This role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and executing retail real estate opportunities from site selection through store opening.

The ideal candidate is both a hunter and an operator - someone who can source quality opportunities, build strong broker and landlord relationships, coordinate cross-functional consensus, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and navigate a fast-paced approval/opening environment with discipline and urgency.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and secure high-quality retail locations that align with company growth objectives and market strategy.
• Manage the full development lifecycle from initial site identification through store opening.
• Conduct market analysis, trade area evaluation, competitor mapping, and demographic review to prioritize opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, landlords, developers, municipalities, and key stakeholders.
• Negotiate letters of intent, purchase agreements, leases, renewals, easements, and related real estate documents.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Research, Construction, Legal, Finance, Operations, and Leadership teams throughout the approval and development process.
• Prepare and present real estate opportunities to various approval committees and executive leadership.
• Manage project timelines, entitlement coordination, permitting, and overall deal progression to ensure timely execution.
• Maintain accurate pipeline reporting, site tracking, and forecasting within internal systems.
• Travel regularly throughout assigned territory to tour sites, evaluate markets, meet stakeholders, and oversee active projects.
• Exercise strong judgment and financial discipline when evaluating opportunities, ensuring quality growth over volume-driven decisions.
• Consistently generate pipeline activity while balancing strategic market planning and execution.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Real Estate, Business, Finance, Urban Planning, or related field.
• 3–10+ years of experience in retail real estate, commercial brokerage, development, site selection, or related field.
• Proven experience negotiating retail leases and/or purchase agreements.
• Strong understanding of trade area analysis, demographics, traffic patterns, and retail site fundamentals.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a high-volume environment.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Self-motivated with a high level of accountability, urgency, and professionalism.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel extensively within assigned territories 70%.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Competitive and results-oriented.
• Strong negotiator and relationship builder.
• Comfortable operating independently in the field.
• Highly organized with excellent follow-up habits.
• Strategic thinker with strong real-world business judgment.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Consistently builds and maintains a healthy pipeline of viable sites.
• Demonstrates strong market knowledge and strategic territory planning.
• Drives deals forward proactively while maintaining quality standards.
• Communicates effectively across departments and leadership levels.
• Balances aggressive growth goals with disciplined site selection.
• Operates with ownership mentality and strong follow-through.

Since opening our first store in 1979, AutoZone has grown into a leading retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories across the Americas. Our customer-first mindset and commitment to Going the Extra Mile define who we are, for both our customers and AutoZoners. Working at AutoZone means being part of a team that values dedication, teamwork, and growth. Whether you're helping customers or building your career, we provide tools and support to help you succeed and drive your future.

BENEFITS AT AUTOZONE

AutoZone offers thoughtful benefits programs with one-on-one benefits guidance designed to improve AutoZoners’ physical, mental and financial well-being.

All AutoZoners (Full-Time and Part-Time):

- Competitive pay
- Unrivaled company culture
- Medical, dental and vision plans
- Exclusive discounts and perks, including an AutoZone in-store discount
- 401(k) with company match and Stock Purchase Plan
- AutoZoners Living Well Program for free mental health support
- Opportunities for career growth

Additional Benefits for Full-Time AutoZoners:

- Paid time off
- Life, and short- and long-term disability insurance options
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts with wellness rewards
- Tuition reimbursement

Minimum age requirements may apply. Eligibility and waiting period requirements may apply; benefits for AutoZoners in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may differ. Learn more about all that AutoZone has to offer at Careers.AutoZone.com.

We proudly support Veterans, Active-duty Service Members, Reservists, National Guard and Military Families. Your experience is highly valued, and we encourage you to apply to join our team.

ONLINE APPLICATION:

An online application is required. Click the Apply button to complete your application. For step-by-step instructions on how to apply visit careers.autozone.com/candidateresources.

AutoZone, and its subsidiary, ALLDATA are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other legally protected categories.