Best Workplaces™ in Retail & Hospitality 2025

Real Estate Manager

Reports to: Senior Real Estate Manager

At COBS Bread, we are growing our bakery network and looking for a commercially minded Real Estate Manager to join our Growth team. You will identify, assess and secure high-potential retail locations across Canada, helping our franchise partners find the right sites for long-term success.

Reporting to the Senior Real Estate Manager, you will combine market research, strong industry relationships and lease negotiation expertise to move opportunities from site identification through to signed leases. You will work closely with franchisees, regional leaders and internal teams to prepare site recommendations and support new bakery openings.

Site Selection and Market Research

Identify, qualify and pursue high-potential real estate opportunities across Canada.

Conduct market research, including demographic analysis, traffic patterns and market evidence, to assess locations and support site recommendations.

Prepare and present detailed site packages for Senior Leadership approval in collaboration with internal teams.

Lease Negotiations and Documentation

Work with brokers to negotiate lease offers and terms within COBS Bread parameters.

Prepare lease analysis reports and obtain franchisee and Regional Director agreement to proposed terms.

Work with COBS Bread’s legal counsel to finalize lease documentation.

Construction and Pipeline Coordination

Coordinate with the Construction and Design team and landlords on signed leases and sites moving forward, providing accurate landlord information and supporting required approvals.

Arrange site surveys with the Construction and Design team and support new bakery construction and refurbishments.

Initiate and conduct regular meetings with Regional Directors and the Franchising team to review pipeline activity and site availability.

Work with other departments to manage end-of-lease closures and bakery surrenders.





Maintain current knowledge of the retail property market and retail lease legislation through site visits, industry publications, professional networking, ICSC activities and conferences.

Build effective relationships with franchisees, regional management, leasing agents, landlords and legal counsel.

A university degree or equivalent in Property, Business or a related discipline.

Strong commercial acumen and in-depth knowledge of the retail and real estate industries.

Strong knowledge of lease legislation and retail leases, supported by excellent negotiation skills.

An established network of relationships with landlords, developers and brokers.

Experience in quick-service restaurants, fast-casual dining or franchising is preferred.

Experience using analytical tools and real estate market software to compile and analyze research data and prepare reports.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Teams and OneNote.

Ability to travel within assigned markets for site visits, landlord meetings, franchisee meetings and town halls.

Flexible work arrangements with a combination of working in the Support Office and remotely

Competitive salary, bonus, and vacation plan

A great Extended Health & Dental Benefit, Group RRSP Matching, and Health and Lifestyle spending account

Paid sick and personal leave days

Paid day for community service and volunteer time

We are an equal chance employer and value diversity at our company.

With over 190 locations, COBS Bread serves fresh and delightful baked goods to communities across Canada. Any unsold items are donated daily to various local charities and food banks. The company's success can be attributed to the quality of our product, the development of our people and our warm and friendly customer service.

Together we have grown to more than 700 bakeries across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. The entire network employs over 15,000 people, serving more than 2.1 million customers each week.

Contribute to something meaningful to our team, customers, and community.

Accommodation is available upon request for applicants and employees with disabilities.

📌 Real Estate Coordinator Retail (Toronto)
🏢 COBS Bread
📍 Toronto