Real Estate Development Manager

Overview

Real Estate Development Manager - QSR experience a must

Reports To: Senior Manager, Real Estate Development

Location: Greater Toronto Area. Hybrid

Industry: Multi-Unit Restaurant and Retail Development

Our client is a well-established and rapidly growing multi-unit restaurant organization operating nationally across several well-known quick service and fast-casual brands. Backed by strong financial partners and a proven leadership team, the organization is executing an aggressive expansion strategy with hundreds of new locations planned over the coming years.

The culture is entrepreneurial, collaborative, and performance-driven. Team members are empowered to take ownership, think strategically, and make meaningful contributions to long-term growth. This is an organization that values people, partnerships, and disciplined execution.

The Real Estate Development Manager plays a critical role in supporting the company’s national expansion strategy. This individual is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and securing real estate opportunities for new restaurant development and redevelopment within an assigned territory.

This role requires strong market insight, financial and analytical rigor, and the ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners including developers, brokers, landlords, and municipal authorities.

• Identify and evaluate trade areas for new restaurant development and remodel opportunities
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with developers, brokers, and industry partners to ensure access to high-quality site opportunities
• Inspect and assess potential sites with consideration to traffic patterns, demographics, competition, and market penetration
• Prepare detailed site selection packages for senior leadership, including preliminary site plans, development costs, and projected financial performance
• Analyze commercial real estate activity to assess property values and market conditions
• Lead negotiations related to property acquisitions and lease agreements, including offers and counteroffers
• Collaborate with legal partners on non-standard lease and purchase terms
• Oversee zoning, entitlement, and development approval processes
• Respond to public inquiries related to development plans when required
• Provide strategic input to senior leadership on real estate and leasing strategies
• Monitor real estate and franchising trends to support long-term planning

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Construction, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of five years of corporate real estate development experience
• Experience supporting QSR, fast-casual, or multi-unit retail environments
• Strong working knowledge of real estate contracts, development processes, and site selection principles
• Demonstrated negotiation skills with the ability to evaluate risk and make sound commercial decisions
• Solid financial acumen, including budgeting and cost analysis
• Strong communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• High level of organizational and time management capability
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office tools

• Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus
• Employer-supported savings and retirement programs
• Comprehensive employer-paid group benefits, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and employee assistance services
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement, with the ability to work remotely up to two days per week
• Wellness initiatives including fitness reimbursement
• Paid parking and transit support options
• Team-building events and a collaborative work environment

About Harbinger Network Inc:

Harbinger Network Inc. is a Canadian-based firm that serves companies across Canada and USA, a diverse Network of Recruiters, and expertise in over 10 major disciplines. Our mission is to connect exceptional professionals with organizations across North America, delivering talent that integrates seamlessly and makes an immediate impact.

To apply for the position of Real Estate Development Manager in confidence, please submit your resume to:

Tony Labora, President
Contact phone number:  Ext 101
Contact email address:
To learn more about Harbinger Network visit  or contact us at .

Disclosure:

This posting represents an active and genuine vacancy with one of Harbinger Network’s clients and is not for speculative or pipeline recruitment. Harbinger Network and/or our Clients may use AI-assisted tools to support the screening and evaluation of applications; however, these tools are not intended to replace the Hiring Manager’s judgement or decision-making in the hiring process.