Real Estate & Development - Senior Consultant

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.