Junior Development Manager

Kencorp; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading QSR company based in Johannesburg is seeking a Property Development Manager to oversee site identification, project management, and stakeholder collaboration. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of experience in property development, strong negotiation skills, and a degree in related fields. Responsibilities include managing capital expenditure, ensuring compliance with regulations, and delivering projects on time and within budget. Extensive travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in property development, construction project management, or commercial real estate, preferably within QSR, retail, or hospitality sectors.
• Proven track record managing multiple site developments simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of architectural drawings, construction processes, municipal regulations, and retail property trends.
• Experience negotiating leases and dealing with landlords/property developers.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel extensively.

Responsibilities

• Identify potential QSR store locations in alignment with expansion strategy.
• Manage the full property development cycle for new stores, rebuilds, and remodels.
• Plan and execute multiple opening projects in parallel across different regions.
• Partner with Operations, Finance, Marketing, HR, and Supply Chain to ensure new store readiness.
• Prepare and manage capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets for each project.

Skills

Strong Project & Timeline Management

Commercial & Financial Acumen

Negotiation & Vendor Management

Strategic Site Planning

Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills

Excellent Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Detail-Oriented with Strong Organisational Skills

Ability to Manage Multiple Projects Under Pressure

Education

Degree or diploma in Property Development, Construction Management, Architecture, Project Management

Job description

Responsibilities

1. Site Identification & Evaluation

Identify potential QSR store locations in alignment with expansion strategy.

Conduct market research, demographic analysis, traffic flow studies, and competitor mapping.

Evaluate commercial viability and prepare site feasibility reports.

Negotiate lease terms, rentals, and agreements with landlords and property developers.

Property Development & Project Management

Manage the full property development cycle for new stores, rebuilds, and remodels.

Oversee project timelines, budgets, and quality standards to ensure successful delivery.

Coordinate architectural design, engineering specifications, layouts, and brand compliance.

Liaise with contractors, suppliers, architects, and municipal authorities.

Ensure all projects meet local building regulations, zoning requirements, and safety standards.

Multi-Store Rollout Management

Plan and execute multiple opening projects in parallel across different regions.

Develop store development schedules and monitor critical-path milestones.

Standardise development processes for consistency across all new sites.

Conduct post-opening reviews and implement continuous improvement measures.

Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Operations, Finance, Marketing, HR, and Supply Chain to ensure new store readiness.

Provide regular updates to senior leadership on project progress, budgets, and risks.

Maintain strong relationships with property owners, developers, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

Financial Management

Prepare and manage capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets for each project.

Monitor project costs, approve variations, and ensure cost-effective delivery.

Prepare ROI analyses and provide input on long-term property strategy.

Ensure all developments meet financial performance expectations.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure adherence to brand standards, design guidelines, and operational requirements.

Oversee permitting, licensing, and compliance documentation.

Conduct site inspections to ensure construction quality and brand alignment.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in property development, construction project management, or commercial real estate, preferably within the QSR, retail, or hospitality sectors.

Proven track record managing multiple site developments simultaneously.

Strong understanding of architectural drawings, construction processes, municipal regulations, and retail property trends.

Experience negotiating leases and dealing with landlords / property developers.

Degree or diploma in Property Development, Construction Management, Architecture, Project Management, or related field.

Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel extensively.

Strong Project & Timeline Management

Commercial & Financial Acumen

Negotiation & Vendor Management

Strategic Site Planning

Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills

Excellent Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Detail-Oriented with Strong Organisational Skills

Ability to Manage Multiple Projects Under Pressure