Job Description

The Opportunity:
Our client, a leading name in Canada's quick-service restaurant scene, is looking for a Real Estate Manager to join their team at the Corporate Office in Toronto, Ontario.
This is a great opportunity for someone who's passionate about real estate and loves the idea of directly shaping the future of a growing, iconic Canadian brand. You'll play a key role in managing and expanding a large national portfolio, overseeing both lease renewals and new store growth initiatives across the country.
If you're someone who enjoys negotiation, relationship-building, and seeing your work come to life in the form of new locations opening their doors, this is the kind of role where you can truly make an impact. You'll join a team that values collaboration, fresh ideas, and the drive to continuously improve - all while working in a supportive, fast-moving environment.
What You'll Be Doing:

• Take ownership of a large, diverse real estate portfolio, managing 30-50 lease renewals each year.
• Conduct market research and analysis to ensure each renewal reflects fair market value and aligns with business objectives.
• Negotiate key business terms with landlords and agents to secure the best possible outcomes.
• Work closely with internal teams - including Legal, Construction, and Operations - to ensure every agreement is documented and executed accurately.
• Help identify and dispose of surplus or underperforming locations to optimize occupancy costs.
• Be a trusted resource for the Property Administration team, stepping in to assist with escalated landlord issues or lease-related troubleshooting.
• Partner with the Director of Real Estate to identify prime new store locations across Canada for multiple brands within the client's portfolio.
• Build strong relationships with developers, brokers, and landlords to uncover great real estate opportunities.
• Negotiate commercial terms for new leases, relocations, conversions, and other strategic projects.
• Collaborate with Franchising, Construction, and Operations teams to evaluate potential sites and gain executive approvals.
• Conduct site visits and assess locations to ensure they meet the company's standards and growth strategy.

What You'll Need To Be Successful:

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in a restaurant or retail real estate environment - ideally with a multi-unit or franchise organization.
• Solid understanding of Canadian commercial real estate markets and trends.
• A confident communicator who can navigate discussions with everyone from independent landlords to institutional owners.
• Comfortable using Excel, Word, and database tools, with bonus points for experience in Magnify, JD Edwards, or CoStar.
• Ability to evaluate data, identify patterns, and make sound recommendations that drive business growth.
• A natural relationship-builder who works well with cross-functional teams.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects at once.
• You take initiative, think proactively, and can work independently in a fast-paced setting.

Skills Required