POSITION SUMMARY

The Real Estate Director is a franchise-focused, relationship-driven role supporting the expansion of our franchise system across assigned territories. This position is not transactional real estate — it is a coaching, partnership, and support role designed for someone who excels at guiding franchise partners through market planning, site identification, development pacing, and real estate approvals.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in franchise growth, understands how to influence without authority, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where communication, relationships, and strategic guidance are essential.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Franchise Partnership & Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for franchisees throughout the real estate and development process.
• Build strong, trust-based partnerships with franchise owners, operators, and broker teams.
• Guide franchisees through territory planning, sequencing, and market strategy.
• Provide coaching, accountability, and clear communication to help franchisees meet development milestones.
• Balance franchisee goals with long-term brand strategy and development criteria.

Market Planning & Site Identification

• Support franchisees with market tours, site walks, and comparative site analysis.
• Evaluate opportunities using retail fundamentals: visibility, access, traffic patterns, co-tenancy, demographics, and competitive positioning.
• Maintain and refine market development plans to identify opportunities, gaps, and strategic sequencing.

Real Estate Process Management

• Oversee LOI submission standards and ensure franchisee packages are complete and aligned with brand criteria.
• Prepare and present real estate committee packages with proformas, maps, analytics, and supporting materials.
• Provide guidance on landlord negotiations (without acting as the dealmaker).
• Review and assess sites for operational functionality, brand alignment, and long-term viability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Ensure clear documentation and communication of updates, milestones, and risks.
• Maintain accurate data across internal systems and platforms.

External Relationship Management

• Build a strong network of brokers, landlords, and developers across assigned markets.
• Represent the brand at ICSC and other industry events to expand visibility and strengthen local relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 10+ years of franchise development, franchise real estate, or multi-unit retail/restaurant expansion experience (restaurant/QSR preferred).
• Proven experience supporting franchisees through market planning and site evaluations.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of retail real estate fundamentals.
• Ability to manage multiple pipelines in a high-growth environment.
• High emotional intelligence, professionalism, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to travel 40–60%.
• Understanding of franchise agreements, development schedules, and territory structures.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Every franchisee’s success begins with real estate. This role ensures our franchise partners have the support, structure, coaching, and partnership needed to make strong market decisions and meet development obligations. The Real Estate Director becomes a trusted advisor and an extension of the franchisee’s team—protecting the brand while driving strategic and sustainable growth.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Real Estate Director is a franchise-focused, relationship-driven role supporting the expansion of our franchise system across assigned territories. This position is not transactional real estate — it is a coaching, partnership, and support role designed for someone who excels at guiding franchise partners through market planning, site identification, development pacing, and real estate approvals.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in franchise growth, understands how to influence without authority, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where communication, relationships, and strategic guidance are essential.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Franchise Partnership & Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for franchisees throughout the real estate and development process.
• Build strong, trust-based partnerships with franchise owners, operators, and broker teams.
• Guide franchisees through territory planning, sequencing, and market strategy.
• Provide coaching, accountability, and clear communication to help franchisees meet development milestones.
• Balance franchisee goals with long-term brand strategy and development criteria.

Market Planning & Site Identification

• Support franchisees with market tours, site walks, and comparative site analysis.
• Evaluate opportunities using retail fundamentals: visibility, access, traffic patterns, co-tenancy, demographics, and competitive positioning.
• Maintain and refine market development plans to identify opportunities, gaps, and strategic sequencing.

Real Estate Process Management

• Oversee LOI submission standards and ensure franchisee packages are complete and aligned with brand criteria.
• Prepare and present real estate committee packages with proformas, maps, analytics, and supporting materials.
• Provide guidance on landlord negotiations (without acting as the dealmaker).
• Review and assess sites for operational functionality, brand alignment, and long-term viability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Ensure clear documentation and communication of updates, milestones, and risks.
• Maintain accurate data across internal systems and platforms.

External Relationship Management

• Build a strong network of brokers, landlords, and developers across assigned markets.
• Represent the brand at ICSC and other industry events to expand visibility and strengthen local relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 10+ years of franchise development, franchise real estate, or multi-unit retail/restaurant expansion experience (restaurant/QSR preferred).
• Proven experience supporting franchisees through market planning and site evaluations.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of retail real estate fundamentals.
• Ability to manage multiple pipelines in a high-growth environment.
• High emotional intelligence, professionalism, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to travel 40–60%.
• Understanding of franchise agreements, development schedules, and territory structures.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Every franchisee’s success begins with real estate. This role ensures our franchise partners have the support, structure, coaching, and partnership needed to make strong market decisions and meet development obligations. The Real Estate Director becomes a trusted advisor and an extension of the franchisee’s team—protecting the brand while driving strategic and sustainable growth.