About OPA! of Greece
When we opened our first restaurant in 1998, OPA! set out to be a different kind of quick-service restaurant, one that combined delicious, wholesome Mediterranean cuisine with outstanding customer service.
More than 28 years later, our mission remains the same. Today, OPA! is one of Canada’s most recognized and widely loved restaurant brands, with more than 120 locations across the country.
As we continue to grow, our franchisees proudly deliver on our original promise of great Greek food and an exceptional customer experience in communities across Canada.
Position Summary
OPA! is seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Franchise Development & Leasing to support the continued expansion of the brand across Canada, with a strong focus on Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will lead real estate development and leasing initiatives, including identifying and securing new restaurant opportunities, negotiating lease agreements, organizing Discovery Days, supporting franchise growth initiatives, and managing development projects from site selection through restaurant opening.
The ideal candidate will bring strong commercial leasing, real estate, and franchise development experience within QSR, restaurant, retail, or franchise environments, along with the ability to build relationships, negotiate effectively, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, growth-focused organization.
Key Responsibilities
Development & Site Selection
- Identify and secure new restaurant opportunities across Canada, with a strong focus on Ontario and Atlantic Canada, including street-front, food court, and non-traditional locations.
- Evaluate market opportunities, demographics, traffic patterns, co-tenancy, occupancy costs, and competitive landscape to identify high-potential growth opportunities.
- Lead site tours, market reviews, and location assessments with franchisees and internal stakeholders.
- Prepare and present site recommendations, market analysis, financial analysis, and deal summaries to executive leadership.
Leasing & Real Estate
- Negotiate LOIs, lease agreements, renewals, relocations, assignments, and amendments.
- Review and negotiate lease terms including rent structures, tenant improvement allowances, exclusivity clauses, operating covenants, renewal options, assignment rights, and landlord obligations.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, brokers, and real estate partners.
- Manage critical lease dates, renewal timelines, and development schedules.
Franchise Development & Operations Support
- Support franchise growth initiatives, market planning, and expansion strategies across Canada.
- Organize and lead Discovery Days for prospective franchisees.
- Assist franchisees throughout the site selection, leasing, approval, and restaurant opening process.
- Coordinate with construction, operations, finance, and marketing teams to support successful restaurant openings and development timelines.
- Contribute to additional franchising and development initiatives as required.
Reporting & Relationship Management
- Maintain development pipelines, leasing reports, and project trackers.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and industry developments.
- Represent the OPA! brand professionally within the commercial real estate and franchise community.
- Work collaboratively across departments including operations, construction, finance, and legal.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in Business, Commerce, Real Estate, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in commercial leasing, real estate development, franchise development, or restaurant/QSR expansion.
- Strong experience negotiating commercial leases and Letters of Intent.
- Experience working within QSR, restaurant, retail, or franchise organizations preferred.
- Strong understanding of shopping centre, food court, street-front, and non-traditional retail environments.
- Proven ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.
- Strong network within commercial real estate and brokerage communities considered an asset.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Strong financial and analytical capabilities.
- High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and make sound business decisions.
- Strong understanding of lease economics and occupancy cost structures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Ability to travel within Canada as required.
Compensation & Incentives
OPA! offers a competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus opportunities tied to development and growth objectives.
While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $100,000.00-$115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
