Senior Manager, Franchise Real Estate and Development

Department: Development / Real Estate

Location: Philadelphia, PA (will consider partial remote, with preference to local)

 

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Franchise Real Estate Development leads end-to-end activities related to market planning, site feasibility and site selection to deliver high-performing new units and renewals across Rita’s franchise system. This role partners closely with franchisees, coaching and advising throughout the process, while coordinating with Operations, Construction / Design, Legal, Finance, and Franchise Sales. The Senior Manager uses tools such as Sitewise (Whitespace) and Sitewise (sales forecasting and site analytics) to identify and validate opportunities, negotiates key deal terms and prepares executive-ready approval memos to secure internal approvals and drive disciplined, on-plan growth. If you want to be part of an Iconic Brand that is spreading Ice- Custard and Happiness to the world please read on.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Market Strategy, Pipeline & Partner Management

  • Lead DMA (Designated Market Area) and trade area whitespace analysis using Sitewise (and similar platforms) to prioritize target geographies aligned with brand growth strategy.
  • Build, manage and maintain a robust real estate pipeline that supports annual opening targets; track progress from lead through executed LOI/lease and opening.
  • Prepare and lead DMA and site tours with franchisees, brokers, and developers.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with real estate brokers, developers, and retail center owners to increase deal flow and improve market intelligence.
  • Collaborate with Franchise Sales on market planning, trade area coverage, and site-level vetting in support of new franchise awards.

Site Selection, Analytics & Financial Evaluation

  • Partner with franchisees to identify, evaluate, and prioritize prospective sites in approved territories.
  • Conduct comprehensive site evaluations using Sitewise, GIS/demographic datasets, traffic patterns, co‑tenancy, access/visibility, competitive landscape, cannibalization risk, and operational considerations.
  • Assess sales and performance potential, unit-level economics, and long-term viability, benchmark against brand standards and underwriting criteria.
  • Prepare and present site packages (maps, analytics, comps, rent details, TI, key assumptions) to internal review committees for approval.

Deal Making, Negotiations & Lease Administration

  • Advise and coach franchisees on LOI terms, lease negotiations, renegotiations, and rent reductions.
  • Review LOIs and leases (including amendments/versions) and support comments with franchisees and counsel.
  • Monitor the status of leases through full execution, and manage/oversee the lease renewal tracking system, communicating renewal timelines and option exercises to franchisees.

Approvals, Governance & Reporting

  • Create clear, concise approval memoranda (PowerPoint/Excel) summarizing market rationale, analytics (Sitewise outputs), financial assumptions, risks/mitigations, and final recommendations for senior management and board review.
  • Present sites to internal site review/approval committees; document decisions and conditions.
  • Update the Development Report and Real Estate Reports for bi‑weekly leadership updates and monthly Board reviews.
  • Provide store opening forecasts and pipeline projections for Senior Management and cross-functional planning.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of real estate standards, policies, and best practices across the system.

Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Work closely with Operations, Construction/Design, Legal, Finance, and Franchise Sales to ensure seamless handoffs and on-time openings.
  • Demonstrate success implementing new strategies and procedures across real estate and construction to improve speed, quality, and returns.

 

Required Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business, Architecture / Engineering, Project Management, or related field or or equivalent practical experience.
  • 4-10 years of progressive experience in retail/restaurant site selection, real estate development, or related functions; franchise and QSR / Retail experience strongly preferred.
  • Proven track record supporting lease negotiations, site approvals and delivering against opening targets in multi‑unit systems.
  • Working knowledge of franchising requirements and processes (e.g., FDD, Franchise Sales, etc.).

 

Skills & Competencies

  • Analytical expertise with site selection and performance modeling tools (e.g., Sitewise or equivalents), GIS platforms, and whitespace analytics (e.g., Sitewise or equivalents).
  • Strong understanding of lease structures, real estate economics (base rent, CAM, TI / allowances), and key risk provisions.
  • Excellent communication and executive presentation skills; able to influence decisions and present to senior leadership and boards.
  • Project management strength, able to prioritize, manage multiple deals and deadlines, and drive outcomes within budgets and timelines.
  • Effective coach and mentor to franchisees and cross-functional partners; relationship-driven and franchisee focused.
  • Problem solving orientation with a continuous improvement mindset; forward-thinking and proactive.

 

Tools & Systems

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) with advanced proficiency for approval memos and pipeline reporting.
  • Sitewise (or similar analytics / whitespace), GIS / demographic tools.

 

Additional Information

  • Ability to travel domestically (up to 20%).
  • Must be able to lead and participate in productive, cross‑functional meetings and build high‑performing working relationships.
  • Other duties as requested directed or assigned.