Director of Real Estate Development (Miami, FL)

Director of Restaurant Real Estate Development

NextStep Recruiting has partnered with a growing restaurant organization to identify a Director of Restaurant Real Estate Development based in South Florida, ideally near Miami. This is a direct-hire opportunity requiring extensive travel throughout Florida and potentially additional Southeast markets. The position will focus on identifying, securing, and developing new restaurant locations as the organization executes an aggressive expansion strategy.

This position is ideal for a highly proactive real estate professional with a proven track record of driving new restaurant development. The right candidate will be comfortable identifying opportunities before they hit the market, building relationships with landlords and developers, and aggressively pursuing sites that support long-term growth. This is a hands-on, market-facing role for someone who enjoys being in the field and creating opportunities rather than waiting for brokers to bring them deals.

Required:

• 5+ years of commercial real estate development or site acquisition experience with direct exposure to quick-service (QSR), fast-casual, or similar restaurant brands

• Proven success independently sourcing, evaluating, negotiating, and securing new restaurant locations, including ground-up developments, conversions, inline spaces, or drive-thru formats

• Strong knowledge of Florida real estate markets, trade area analysis, site selection, and restaurant development requirements

• Aggressive, self-directed approach to building a pipeline of new sites through relationships with landlords, developers, brokers, and property owners

• Willingness to travel extensively, potentially approaching 100%, with the ability to manage multiple development opportunities simultaneously

Preferred:

• Bilingual English and Spanish communication skills

• Established relationships with restaurant developers, landlords, brokers, and property owners throughout Florida, particularly South Florida

• Experience expanding restaurant concepts into new geographic markets, including Georgia or other Southeastern states

• Strong lease negotiation experience, including LOIs, lease agreements, renewals, and landlord work letters

• Understanding of restaurant construction, permitting, financial analysis, site economics, and development timelines

This is an opportunity for an ambitious restaurant real estate professional to play a significant role in a growing brand's expansion. The Director will have direct involvement in identifying future restaurant locations, building the development pipeline, and helping shape the organization's footprint across Florida and beyond.