Assistant Manager Real Estate

Job Overview

The Assistant Manager Real Estate will lead the development and execution of strategies to drive expansion for diverse brands within Americana Restaurants, collaborating closely with brand teams. This role involves negotiating development agreements with franchisors that align with the company's growth targets and managing the equity property portfolio to control costs and explore asset management opportunities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify and acquire new site locations across operating markets, overseeing site selection and ensuring smooth handover to construction teams.
• Develop and implement the real estate strategy aligned with overall business objectives within the market.
• Stay informed on strategic market developments and coordinate with Market Planning teams.
• Maintain an advanced pipeline of site opportunities to support anticipated growth.
• Analyze market insights to make informed decisions safeguarding company interests.
• Oversee lease negotiations, including rental reductions, and lease signing processes.
• Take direct responsibility for company expansion within assigned regions.
• Scout sites, negotiate financially sound deals, assess planning feasibility, and manage legal and planning processes involved in acquisitions.
• Prepare Investment Committee (IC) tour documents and reports for approval related to new openings.
• Keep updated Trade Zone Files and pipeline reports for ongoing company developments.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key landlords, development firms, retailers, hotel groups, and investment funds to enhance development prospects.
• Manage and minimize property-related cost inflation across the restaurant portfolio, challenging property expenses such as rent, service charges, rates, insurance, and dilapidation claims and engaging specialists when needed to negotiate advantageous settlements.
• Develop detailed profiles for each store including legal and utility documentation.
• Oversee efficient disposal of closed or surplus stores based on market conditions.
• Lead rent reviews, lease renewals, and appeals relating to property ratings, aligning strategies with internal budgets and market standards to optimize negotiation outcomes.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management or a related discipline.
• Between 5 to 8 years of relevant experience post-graduation, preferably in multi-unit real estate development.
• Demonstrates highly professional integrity and consistent confidence in decision-making.
• Resilient and able to handle conflicts and manage relationships with experienced franchise partners effectively.
• Process-oriented with extensive commercial insight and strong determination.
• Deep understanding of retail or hospitality sector trends and market dynamics.
• Solid knowledge of local property laws, tax implications, and financial statement analysis for property management.
• Expertise in lease negotiations, asset management, and triple-net lease arrangements.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and consensus-building capabilities.
• Strong strategic thinking and business judgment.
• Skilled in problem analysis and formulating strategic solutions.
• Specific experience in locating and approving or conducting direct lease negotiations for new tenant sites, ideally within food and beverage sector.
• Candidates with backgrounds primarily in administrative, business development, residential property, or sales roles will not be considered.