The Opportunity:

Our client, a leading Canadian owned restaurant group, is seeking a Director of Real Estate to join their growing team. We’re looking for a dynamic leader to drive the evolution of our client’s real estate strategy, ensuring that their restaurant portfolio continues to thrive and expand across Canada. As the Director of Real Estate, you'll work hand-in-hand with senior leaders to shape bold, forward-thinking strategies that fuel growth, leveraging your deep market insights to identify prime opportunities and lead impactful lease negotiations. This role is perfect for a visionary who thrives on navigating complex challenges, values collaboration, and is passionate about optimizing real estate assets to support our client’s long-term success.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Responsible for overseeing all aspects of the real estate strategy process, market assessment, competition monitoring and portfolio optimization.
• Work closely with Senior Leadership Team to develop a long-term strategy for the real estate portfolio including sectors and geography targets that align with the overall growth strategy.
• Responsible for deep research and data gathering and analysis of thematic trends, economic conditions, relevant market data, real estate fundamentals etc. that have an impact on the real estate strategy and site selection.
• Lead process of lease negotiations for all existing and potential locations.
• Identify and implement collaborative opportunities with internal and external stakeholders that optimize the value of real estate through efficient space use.
• Act as primary contact for all contracted Real Estate Brokers and Landlord partners.

What You’ll Need To Be Successful:

• Post-secondary degree, preferably in Business Administration, Real Estate, Finance, or related field.
• 8-10 years’ experience in the real estate/leasing field with extensive knowledge of the Canadian commercial real estate market.
• Must be available for frequent travel.
• Full understanding of the requirements and processes of retail leasing.
• The confidence to communicate your ideas professionally, clearly and with respect with both peers and external partners.
• The ability to navigate ambiguity, manage change and coach others to successful attainment of personal and professional goals.
• Ability to self-manage, take initiative, and demonstrate exceptional collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in conducting market research, analyzing data, and identifying trends.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presenting findings and recommendations.