Diploma / Degree in Business Management (knowledge of how a business operates)
Degree in Law (preferable)
Basic understanding of contract drafting & commercial law (beneficial)
Strategy:
Foster the Team approach to Development within South Africa, Africa, and Internationally
Develop, maintain, and execute a comprehensive, strategic market plan for a defined territory and manage aggressive new store growth goals
Manage a defined territory, maintaining strong market knowledge and understanding of coverage gaps, opportunities, trends, projected home/work/shop growth, competition, and other factors influencing real estate decisions
Manage a team of Area Real Estate Managers to identify potential sites for new restaurant development
Manage the Projects and Design teams in line with The Company Brand CI and brand equity
Vision Planning: Gather and analyze information on the potential of the market and each restaurant in the assigned geographical area
Assist with presentation of site packages to management for approval
Coordinate the presentation of development opportunities to Operators or strategic Partners
Manage Lease Agreements:
Oversee and manage the legal team in selecting suitable sites for franchisers, including conducting feasibility studies
Oversee engagements with potential and current landlords
Ensure the legal department develops a checklist for requirements to be met in entering lease agreements
Develop a process outlining roles of different departments in the lease agreement process (e.g., franchise/manufacturing, finance, legal), including lease extensions or relocations
Provide monthly reports on leasing and insurance expenses related to company properties and assets
Remedy contractual breaches in relation to leases and terminate agreements as necessary
Lead discussions/engagements in franchise/landlord disputes, as requested by Exco or the CEO
Store lease agreements on The Company's online portal and provide access to internal stakeholders
Manage Negotiations and Relations with Stakeholders:
Oversee negotiations with franchises that are for sale or closed down through the legal department
Ensure the legal department develops a checklist for the sale process
Oversee negotiations related to external stakeholder processes
Ensure the legal department facilitates the payment of joining fees and other required fees into The Companys accounts
Ensure the legal department collates all documents/statements handed over by franchisers/landlords
Ensure the legal department engages with creditors and/or debtors accordingly
Ensure franchisers undergo The Company training
Develop processes and oversee negotiations related to recouping outstanding fees from landlords
Initiate the legal recovery process for fees (including debt collection services)
Report on debt related to franchisers/landlords and recovery rates
Manage Compliance Standards:
Develop a compliance framework, recommending procedures for operations (lease agreements, contracts, etc.)
Develop a process for monitoring compliance levels in The Company (adherence to legal processes)
Promote compliance standards through training within The Company
Report compliance levels and achievements to Exco/auditors
Continuously improve compliance processes and standards
Projects:
Develop and execute the property expansion strategy in alignment with organizational goals, managing property acquisition and development of new franchise locations
Lead the end-to-end process of new franchise openings, from property selection to successful launch, ensuring all regulatory and safety requirements are met
Design and oversee property developments maintaining high customer safety standards while promoting cost efficiency
Manage relationships with key stakeholders
Drive cost efficiencies in property development and maintenance to support competitive startup costs and franchise development
Oversee project timelines and risk management to ensure successful franchise openings and grade expansions
Oversee all legal projects, including vetting information and plans related to relocation, approvals, and negotiations
Provide updates to the Senior/Exco team on legal projects in progress
Appoint resources for projects in alignment with operational requirements and budget
Meet objectives and timelines related to projects
Flag projects at risk of missing approved timelines and indicate reasons for delays