Vice President of Development

Job Description

This Vice President of Development is responsible for driving the strategic growth and expansion of Hai Hospitality’s restaurant portfolio both domestically and internationally. The position focuses on sourcing and securing new development opportunities through leases, management, and licensing agreements, while building strong relationships with developers, hotel partners, and global operators. Working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners, this role helps identify high-potential markets, shape expansion strategy, and ensure each new location aligns with Hai’s brand, financial goals, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate, structure, and secure new restaurants through management, lease and license agreements;
• Assist the CDO in analyzing new markets and whitespace nationally for new restaurant leases;
• Build and nurture relationships with hotel developers, owners and brands to help Hai secure license/management deals in lifestyle and luxury hotel properties in the United States;
• Build and nurture relationships with international restaurant operators and developers to begin the process of Hai’s international development;
• Identify appropriate sub-markets and spaces for Uchi restaurants in international markets;
• Assist Hai and its investor partners in crafting an international entry and expansion strategy;
• Collaborate with Hai’s existing network of third-party real estate providers to continue to build Hai’s development pipeline;
• Parter with Hai’s internal design, construction, operations, culinary and finance teams to ensure every new restaurant location/design/space blends functional and commercial strength with brand alignment and excellence;
• Assist in the preparation of financial proforma, sales projections, business plans, deal approval memos and investment analysis;
• Represent Hai at key industry events
  
  

Candidate Profile

• 15 years of experience in restaurant license/lease/management deals preferably with relevant experience in securing F&B spaces within hotels;
• Experience with international growth and license/management deals;
• Understanding of fine-dining concepts as well as lifestyle and luxury hospitality;
• Proven track record of building development pipelines;
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with a passion for value creation and scaling a business into new markets;
• Understanding of real estate and data analysis;
• A refined creative sensibility and appreciation for culinary innovation, design and culture;
• Entrepreneurial, confident, agile and with high EQ capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment;
• Position involves significant travel but can be based remotely.
  
  

Skills Key To Success

• Roll-up-the-sleeves attitude with the ability to adapt, grow and change with the business.
• Curious by nature and seeks out new and better solutions to current standards and practices. As “why” when necessary.
• Team Player (a “we” vs. “me” attitude).
• Humble and kind, yet with a competitive mindset. Wants to win.
• Good communication skills – seeks feedback and enjoys continuous improvement environments.
• Promotes communication and cooperation among teams to create a spirit of unity in the organization.
• Can manage multiple projects and priorities - above average organizational and time management skills.
  
  

Our Arizona and Florida locations participate in E-Verify. For more information below, please follow the links below:

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• E-Verify Participation Poster
  
  

Hai Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.