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PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
As a member of the Development and Construction team, you will assist and support the execution of the Company’s Real Estate Strategy through real estate acquisition/development for new builds, relocations and upgrades across Ontario and/or British Columbia for the KFC, Taco Bell, Starbucks and Burger King brands.
SCOPE AND MAGNITUDE:
Soul Restaurants has over 230 Restaurants and Cafes throughout Canada with the majority being in Ontario. The Manger, Real Estate will have accountability for managing the real estate portfolio for Soul Foods Group and will work with Soul’s key stakeholders, brand partners and external partners to co-ordinate and deliver the company’s growth objectives.
POSITION FUNCTIONS:
• Develop market plans to provide a detailed expansion strategy, including extensive research of the markets both internally and externally – presenting to Senior Executives/Board Members for approval and input – and maintaining these market plans in line with the ever-changing sector.
• Leverage network and expertise, along with regular market visits, to identify, source and acquire sites for Soul Foods Group, working with our favoured agents and external partners, managing negotiations from LOI to lease agreement
• Network, consult and manage both internal Soul Foods Group stakeholders and external parties including KFC, Starbucks, Taco Bell and Burger King franchisor representatives. Building relationships, providing insight into our development growth plans
• Analysis of comparable data and provided external market information, ensuring a thorough understanding of the current property/industry sector
• Provide timely and effective engagement and communication with all stakeholders on each project.
• Help develop, manage, present to board Soul Foods Group pipeline from approval to completion of legal
• Track upcoming developments and create a strong future pipeline
• Partner with cross functional internal partners as required (Operations, Finance – Commercial, IT & HR) to ensure overall engagement and alignment in site acquisition
• Liaise with Soul Foods Group, franchisor and licensor design and construction teams, external architects and other professionals, and the Soul Brand Operations leadership teams to validate and align on projects, consulting our franchisors/licensors on all Acquisition and Development as applicable
• Identify opportunities to optimise, improve time and cost efficiency of the real estate process and implement through process reviews. Ensure all necessary consents are obtained for works. Validate and ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory (Government) and brand (Franchisor/Licensor) • Liaise with the finance and construction team submit for consideration the costs and budgets required for each project, effectively reviewing and managing costs at each project stage.
• Knowledge share to ensure Soul Foods Group are delivering sustainability in both remodels and new store openings.
• Provide support to Facilities, Construction and operations teams with lease interpretations and liaising with Landlord’s Property Management teams for successful resolutions of any issues
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports
POSITION IMPACT:
• Directly impact the growth and expansion of the Soul Foods Group businesses by meeting annual Development commitments in line with Soul Foods Group expansion plans for new restaurant openings and relocations. Facilitate the strong flow of communication between all external and internal stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget and the real estate portfolio is managed effectively Working Relationships: List positions or external contacts with whom this position interacts regularly.
• Development Functional Team
• Finance, Operations and key Functional Teams
• External partners (landlord, property managers) and vendors as required
• Restaurant and Cafe Employees
• Franchisor Development and Design teams
Specialised or Technical Knowledge/Skills Education
• College Diploma or University-level education with a specialization in real estate, legal, construction or urban planning Experience
• Minimum 5 years of relevant development experience
• Overall familiarity and working experience with all phases of the real estate development process, including site acquisitions, design development, leasing, construction, and property/asset management
• Strong attention to detail
• Highly effective communication and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel with ability to put together presentations that describe the real estate project, create and organize charts/economic proformas
• Flexibility to travel and hold a valid Driver’s License
• Excellent planning and time management
• Team player and able to execute alone
• Proven analytical ability