Director of Real Estate & Construction

Come join The Halal Guys, the leader and pioneer of American Halal Food. Launched 30 years ago as a halal street cart on 53rd & 6th in New York City, our beloved and iconic fast casual brand now boasts over 100 restaurants on three continents and upwards of 300 in development worldwide. In full growth mode, we have just launched the search for a Director of Real Estate and Construction to join our team at our corporate headquarters in Garden City, NY.

We are looking for a strategic and experienced Director of Real Estate and Construction to lead our growth and development efforts as we expand our fast casual restaurant footprint. This person will oversee the entire process of new store development—from market strategy and site selection to lease negotiations, design, and construction. The Director will lead a team of real estate and construction professionals and coordinate with external partners to ensure timely, cost-effective, brand-compliant store openings that meet our operational and financial objectives.

·        Lead New Store Development

Manage the full lifecycle of store development projects across the U.S., including site feasibility, design, permitting, construction, and handover to operations. Ensure all stores open on time, on budget, and in compliance with brand specifications.

·        Franchise Support & Coordination

Serve as the primary point of contact for franchisees during pre-opening stages. Address inquiries, guide them through development milestones, and ensure alignment with company standards and timelines.

·        Remodels & Maintenance Oversight

Plan and manage all store refurbishments and remodels. Oversee preventative maintenance programs across corporate stores and respond to facilities-related service needs.

·        Vendor & Contractor Management

Oversee third-party architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers, and permitting consultants. Build and manage relationships with external partners to drive project efficiency and quality outcomes.

·        Cost Control & Procurement Strategy

Identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure investment costs stay within approved budgets. Lead sourcing strategy for construction materials and services. Negotiate supplier and contractor agreements to maximize value and performance.

·        Site Selection & Lease Review Support

Collaborate with the real estate team on site selection and design feasibility. Review LOIs, franchise lease documents, and other development agreements to ensure accuracy and alignment with business objectives.

 ·        Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with internal departments, including operations, legal, finance, and marketing, to support store development goals and ensure seamless store openings.

·        Calendar & Communication Management

Maintain and regularly update the new store opening calendar to keep internal and external stakeholders informed of projected timelines. Participate in weekly cross-functional business updates.

·        Documentation & Reporting

Keep organized records of all correspondence and construction-related documents. Provide regular reporting on rollout progress, development budgets, and vendor performance.

·        Franchise Disclosure & Compliance Input

Provide annual updates and input for the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Ensure all development activities comply with regulatory and brand requirements.

·        Other Duties as Assigned

Support additional strategic initiatives or operational needs as required by leadership.

·        Bachelor’s degree in construction, Real Estate, Architecture, Business, or related field

·        5 years of construction/project management experience, preferably in retail or franchise settings

·        General contracting, team leadership, and PMP certification preferred

·        Proven ability to manage multiple projects, contractors, vendors, and project documentation

·        Knowledge of leases, budgeting, and multi-site facilities management

·        Strong skills in organization, time management, communication, and executive presentations

·        Adaptable, self-motivated, and committed to continuous improvement

·        Tech-savvy: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, project management tools (e.g., Procore, Tririga), and AutoCAD/REVIT (preferred)

·        Interior design or space planning experience is a plus

The Halal Guys believe our greatest asset is our employees. We offer competitive salaries and a full benefits package to include, including Medical, Dental/Vision, PTO, and paid holidays.

Job Type: Full-time (Not remote)

Location: Corporate Office

Pay: $120,000 Per Year