Expansion Manager
Posted 2 weeks ago
Expansion Manager
Salary: Negotiable
Start: ASAP
Location: Germany - hybrid with Munich based office in the future
Languages: German and English
I am working with an exciting client who is launching a new quick service restaurant brand in Germany and they are looking for anExpansion Managerto build the site pipeline across Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria.
You will identify, assess, and secure high-potential locations for both in-line and drive-thru restaurants, working closely with development, real estate, and operations to enable a fast, high-quality market roll-out.
This is a field-based, growth-focused role for a QSR/retail development specialist who is comfortable owning their territory end-to-end.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor the commercial real estate market and competitive landscape across your assigned federal states (Thuringia, Saxony, Bavaria), mapping priority trade zones and catchment areas.
- Identify high-traffic locations for new restaurants, including:
- In-line urban and retail locations (approx. 300–400 sqm).
- Land plots and standalone buildings suitable for drive-thru formats.
- Conduct market walks, site visits, and property viewings; analyse traffic flows, visibility, accessibility, parking and co‑tenancy.
- Build and maintain relationships with landlords, brokers, developers, and commercial property owners to secure a strong funnel of opportunities.
- Prepare site proposals, business cases, and presentation materials for internal approval, including qualitative assessments and basic commercial analysis.
- Coordinate and collect all documentation required for lease execution and handover to legal and construction teams.
- Collaborate with development, operations, and finance to ensure sites meet brand, technical, and financial criteria, supporting on-time, on-budget openings.
Requirements
- At least 4 years’ experience inretail network development, food service (HoReCa/QSR), or franchisingin Germany, preferably in a multi-site context.
- Proven track record of opening at least10 point-of-sale locations(restaurants, cafés, or retail units) from scratch.
- Solid understanding of German urban planning, zoning, and commercial permitting procedures.
- Knowledge of regional specifics and local market dynamics in Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria.
- Fluent German (minimum C1) and good English skills for effective interaction with municipalities, landlords, and internal stakeholders.
- Category B driving licence and regular access to a car.
- High willingness to travel (up to 60% of working time) across the three federal states to source, assess, and secure locations.
Nice to Have
- Hands-on experience inQSR franchisingin Germany and familiarity with typical store formats and operating requirements.
- Established network with shopping centre developers, commercial property managers, and construction contractors in the region.
- Understanding of German franchise law, including pre-contractual disclosure and transparency obligations.
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