Expansion Manager

Salary: Negotiable

Reference: EP

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 an Expansion Manager to 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) and 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 in retail network development, food service (HoReCa/QSR), or franchising in Germany, preferably in a multi-site context.
Proven track record of opening at least 10 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 in QSR franchising in 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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