Project Lead, Restaurant Development

This role is responsible for managing and expediting the Restaurant Development ("RD") process in Canada from site identification through grand opening, as well as serving as the Asset Management representative for the Canadian market. With real estate, development and construction understanding, plus system knowledge, this is role is the RD Canadian Project Lead and liaison to Financial Services, Budget/Planning, New Market Entry Team(s), External Communications and necessary DTT teams (such as Tririga, LIS and Oracle Cloud).

This individual must be highly organized and an exceptional communicator with the ability to influence across multiple levels of the organization, including senior leaders in various departments, impacting not only short-term but long-term strategic decisions. Excellent project management skills are core to the role, and with continued buildout in Canada, this ambitious achiever will assess what element(s) of our system or process need to be adapted to local requirements and partner appropriately with the necessary stakeholders internally at Chick-fil-A, as well as external partners.

As our restaurant pipeline grows, the property management responsibilities will increase; this role manages and addresses Operator-Franchisee concerns and any conflicts respective of real property or mall premises, and advises organizational stakeholders on property matters governed by underlying real estate documents. Due to the complexities of international expansion, critical thinking, initiative, strong follow up and the ability to figure out solutions, despite unknowns and challenges, is imperative. This role offers incredible value to the team as we pursue the organization's goals of Chick-fil-A being a healthy, purpose-driven, global brand.

Responsibilities
Lead effective & efficient communication:

• Primary point of contact for RD's active Canadian locations
• Direct and foster partnership with internal and external partners, and Operators; including but not limited to onboarding external partners and participating in their annual performance reviews/post project audits
• Influence and collaborate with teams to request and manage due diligence – including but not limited to site investigation, environmental testing and reporting, surveys, signage, release for design
• Restaurant Development's Canadian team liaison with cross functional teams, such as Financial Services International Execution Team, New Market Entry Team, External Communications, and Budget/Planning

Financial Stewardship

• Coordinate and support RD Canada's planning and budget (inclusive of all facets of RD - New Restaurant Real Estate, Development & Construction, Asset Management, Facilities & Equipment and Restaurant Design)
• Involved in profit and loss statement analysis, provides insight to spend as it influences when and how treasury purchases currency, and assists Global Mobility as the approver/gatekeeper for RD's International/Country specific travel, engaged in travel assessment/communication due to tax implications to staff and corporate, and approver/gatekeeper of certain permissions to RD International resources within Sharepoint). Related to these items, attune to the unique currency, potential conversion rates and how that impacts budget, spend, reports
• Spearheads RD Canada's input for dynamic resourcing requests and quarterly Business Reviews
• Maximize financial stewardship and obtain required approvals (including but not limited to: New Restaurant Real Estate and Development & Construction (D&C) budget partnership; Deal Cost Workbook (DCWB) and Pre-Construction Review (PCR), and Budget Tracking support; abstract analysis; oversee payments per contractual obligation during site acquisition; Landlord reimbursement and bond resolution/close-out

Project Management

• Proactively track & manage new restaurant deal process, including accuracy of data, critical dates, and pipeline
• Manage follow-up to ensure the resolution of development issues, compliance of contractual obligations, and the completion of necessary tasks
• Execution -achieving results through others by leveraging Broker(s) and Development & Construction Consultant(s)
• Determine best practice and formulate a process for Canadian requirements within our document management and project management related systems; requires partnering with the appropriate representatives in DTT, Financial Services, and GIS. Also, this role influences and implements processes for Chick-fil-A Canadian entity-related payments.

Asset Management

• Maintain the value of Chick-fil-A's International/Country Specific real estate portfolio by evaluating and leveraging property and operational rights and obligations
• Ability to review and understand legal documents such as leases, estoppels and landlord notices and proceed appropriately, working with Legal partners
• Advisor for Operator concern(s) particularly related to the asset and its impact to operation(s)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Project Management or equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5-7 years related work experience
• Project Management or equivalent experience, preferably in real estate, development, design, construction and/or international relations/business
• Strong project management experience
• Highly organized and efficient
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in various technology platforms, such as, Microsoft (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams and Sharepoint, Smartsheet, Triiga and Pinpoint
• Familiarity with legal documents related to development, construction and real estate
• Team player that values both relationships and results, is evident in the work
• Growth mindset

Minimum Years Of Experience
5

Travel Requirements
20%

Required Level Of Education
Bachelor's Degree