Associate Manager, Strategic Development

JOB SUMMARY

The Associate Manager, Strategic Development for Habit Burger & Grill is a key contributor to the brand’s growth strategy, responsible for supporting strategic market planning, pipeline development, and financial evaluation of new restaurant opportunities across North America. 

This role blends analytical rigor, cross-functional partnership, and clear business storytelling to guide capital investment decisions. You will lead financial assessments of prospective developments, help shape the growth roadmap, and present recommendations directly to Habit leadership. This is a high-impact role that supports Habit’s evolving real estate strategy, including end cap, in-line, conversion, and freestanding assets.

Reporting to the Head of Real Estate & Franchising, you will collaborate closely with real estate and development teams, and drive alignment with franchisee and brand leaders. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead financial analysis of new store opportunities in the development pipeline, including IRR, ROI, cash-on-cash, and payback period.
• Prepare and present proposed developments to brand and executive leadership for approval.
• Identify and communicate strategic growth opportunities across the U.S.
• Develop and maintain financial and spatial models to support capital allocation and market prioritization.
• Partner with real estate and development teams to align market intelligence with pipeline activity.
• Represent trade area dynamics and forecasting in development decision-making.
• Conduct market tours and evaluate trade areas to inform long-term investment strategy.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Passion for restaurant growth, market strategy, and development analytics
• Strong ability to synthesize data and build clear, persuasive business cases
• Executive presence and confidence presenting to senior leaders
• Knowledge of real estate development processes and key financial metrics
• Collaborative and proactive approach with cross-functional stakeholders

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Real Estate, Economics, Geography, or related field; MBA a plus
• 5+ years of experience in market planning, strategic development, real estate finance, or a related role
• Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint; experience with GIS/mapping tools 
• Experience in the restaurant, retail, or franchise industries strongly preferred

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $118,600 to $135,000 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job-related factors.

At Yum! Brands and at The Habit Restaurants, LLC, one of our core values is to Believe in ALL People. This means seeing the value in everyone and unlocking their full potential to be their best self. The Habit Restaurants, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs.

US Job Seekers/Employees - Click here to view the “Know Your Rights” poster and supplement and the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

Employment eligibility to work with Yum! in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.

BENEFITS

Competitive base pay with benefits including:

• Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus additional sick days
• Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday
• Up to 10 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating holidays
• The company provided Recharge Days to unplug and reenergize
• Competitive bonus program for eligible roles
• Recognition-based culture.

FAMILY BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits including prescription drug benefits & 100% preventative care starting on Day 1
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance Program available to all employees and their dependents
• Generous parental leave
• Onsite Childcare through Bright Horizons

ADDITIONAL PERKS:

• 401(k) benefit plan with a 6% matching contribution
• Up to 2 Paid Days to Volunteer for any non-profit or charitable organization important to you
• Access to LinkedIn Learning

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Team Members may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.