Director of Development

Industry: Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR) / Franchising / Real Estate
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Halton Region
Salary: $160K - 170K

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Development to lead the real estate and restaurant expansion strategy for a growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand. This individual will play a key role in driving the company's growth through current restaurant openings, franchise development, site selection, and real estate negotiations.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in commercial real estate, franchising, and multi-unit restaurant development, with a proven ability to identify growth opportunities, negotiate favourable lease terms, and execute development plans that support long-term business objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded leader who understands the unique demands of the QSR industry and can manage the development process from initial site identification through to restaurant opening.

Key ResponsibilitiesReal Estate and Site Development

- Lead the company's real estate growth strategy, identifying opportunities for new restaurant locations in target markets.
- Oversee site selection, market analysis, demographic research, traffic patterns, and trade area assessments to evaluate potential locations.
- Identify and assess retail plazas, standalone locations, end-cap units, and other suitable properties for QSR operations.
- Lead commercial lease negotiations, including rental rates, lease terms, renewal options, tenant improvement allowances, exclusivity clauses, and other key provisions.
- Evaluate potential sites based on financial performance, operational feasibility, accessibility, visibility, and long-term growth potential.
- Build and maintain relationships with landlords, commercial real estate brokers, developers, property owners, and other industry stakeholders.

Franchise Development and Expansion





- Lead and execute development strategies to support franchise growth and expansion into new and existing markets.
- Work closely with franchisees to identify suitable locations and guide them through the real estate and development process.
- Evaluate franchise development opportunities and ensure proposed locations align with the company's brand standards and growth objectives.
- Collaborate with franchise partners to establish development timelines, site requirements, and project milestones.
- Support the development of franchise territories and market expansion plans.
- Ensure consistency in the execution of the company's real estate and franchise development strategy.

Project Management and Restaurant Openings

- Oversee the development process from site identification and lease execution through design, permitting, construction, and restaurant opening.
- Coordinate with internal teams, architects, contractors, consultants, landlords, and franchisees to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Monitor project budgets, schedules, and development costs, proactively addressing risks and delays.
- Work collaboratively with operations, construction, finance, and senior leadership to ensure new locations meet operational requirements.
- Identify opportunities to improve development processes, control costs, and accelerate restaurant openings.

Strategy and Business Growth

- Develop and implement short- and long-term real estate and restaurant expansion plans.
- Assess new markets and emerging opportunities to support sustainable, profitable growth.
- Prepare development forecasts, investment analyses, site evaluations, and business cases for senior leadership.




- Track key development metrics, including new site openings, pipeline activity, capital expenditures, and project timelines.
- Provide regular reporting on development progress, market opportunities, and potential risks.
- Stay informed of real estate market conditions, competitor activity, franchise trends, and changes affecting the QSR sector.

Qualifications and Experience

- 7–10+ years of progressive experience in real estate development, franchise development, or multi-unit restaurant expansion.
- Demonstrated experience within the quick-service restaurant, fast-casual restaurant, or broader foodservice industry.
- Strong understanding of franchising models and the operational and real estate requirements of franchise businesses.
- Proven experience identifying and securing sites for new restaurant locations.
- Extensive experience negotiating and reviewing commercial leases and real estate agreements.
- Experience managing multiple development projects simultaneously, from site selection through to opening.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience evaluating site economics, project budgets, and investment returns.
- Established relationships with commercial landlords, brokers, developers, and other relevant industry contacts are an asset.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and project management capabilities.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and manage competing priorities.

Key Competencies

- Strategic thinking and business development
- Commercial real estate and lease negotiation
- Franchise growth and market expansion
- Site selection and market analysis
- Financial analysis and investment evaluation
- Project management and execution
- Relationship building and negotiation
- Leadership and cross-functional collaboration

Pay: $160,000.00-$170,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Director of Development (Oakville)
🏢 The Administrative Alliance
📍 Oakville