Real Estate & Development - Senior Consultant

McDonalds U.A.E; Sharjah; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fast-food chain is seeking a candidate in the UAE to support restaurant expansion by identifying high-potential locations and managing site development. The successful candidate should have 3-5 years of experience in real estate or retail development, especially within the UAE. Proficiency in financial modeling, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement is crucial. This role offers a great opportunity for professional growth and the chance to contribute to the company's strategic development.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in real estate or retail development.
• At least 2 years in UAE-based real estate.
• Proven success in QSR expansion.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential new restaurant locations.
• Support real estate development and site evaluations.
• Prepare preliminary ROI assessments and compile Real Estate P&L data.
• Monitor rental costs and highlight optimization areas.
• Evaluate existing sites for improvement opportunities.

Skills

Financial acumen in real estate P&L

Negotiation skills

Analytical decision-making

Interpersonal and communication skills

Fluent in English

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate or Business Administration

MBA or post-graduate qualification in Real Estate or Finance

Tools

GIS tools

Project management software

Job description

Role Summary

Supporting McDonald's restaurant expansion across the UAE by identifying and securing high-potential locations, monitoring site development from concept to opening, and ensuring alignment with brand standards, commercial goals, and regulatory requirements. The role also contributes to the long-term profitability of the real estate portfolio—both existing sites and new builds—by evaluating location performance, rental efficiency, and development potential to maximize the value and contribution of every site.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in identifying and assessing potential new restaurant locations across the UAE.
• Support the real estate development process, including site evaluations, coordination of lease documentation, and tracking municipal approvals.
• Prepare preliminary ROI assessments and assist in compiling Real Estate P&L data to support business cases.
• Monitor and report on rental costs across the portfolio, highlighting areas for potential optimization.
• Support efforts to evaluate existing sites for improvement opportunities such as upgrades, relocations, or refurbishments.
• Contribute to financial analyses related to restaurant openings, relocations, or closures to support broader business decisions.
• Coordinate with landlords, developers, and relevant government entities under the guidance of senior team members.

Skills

• Advanced financial acumen in real estate P&L and ROI modelling.
• Strong negotiation, lease management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Analytical decision-making with a profit-focused mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is a strong plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, GIS tools and basic project management software experience is a bonus.

Professional Experience

• Proven success in retail/QSR expansion and real estate management within the UAE.
• Experience in real estate P&L, negotiating leases, and opening high-traffic store locations.
• Strong track record in portfolio performance improvement, site conversions, and closures based on business viability.
• Close engagement with local authorities to navigate permitting and compliance efficiently.

Technical Expertise

• Real estate financial modelling and ROI-based feasibility studies.
• Lease structuring and negotiation for retail/QSR sites in the UAE.
• Permitting and regulatory compliance (DM, DDA, Civil Defense, etc.).
• Portfolio cost management and strategic site optimization.
• Project development lifecycle management from site acquisition to handover.

Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, or Business Administration
• MBA or post-graduate qualification in Real Estate or Finance is an advantage.

Experience Range

3-5 years of relevant experience, including at least 2+ years in UAE-based real estate or retail development.