Commercial Real Estate Specialist

Location: Germany

Start: ASAP

Salary: Negotiable

Languages: German and English

My client is launching a new quick service restaurant brand in Germany and are seeking an experienced Commercial Real Estate Specialist to support rapid network development across Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria.

You will partner closely with development and operations teams to secure, structure, and protect the real estate platform that underpins our growth in the QSR segment.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Site Acquisition

• Perform legal due diligence on potential sites (land and built properties) to confirm suitability for QSR operations and compliance with German planning and commercial regulations.
• Analyse and mitigate tenant risks in lease and land agreements, proposing balanced, business-oriented solutions.
• Draft, negotiate, and review commercial lease agreements for high-street, retail park, and drive-thru locations, including addenda, extensions, and terminations.
• Lead negotiations and manage pre-litigation claim procedures with landlords and counterparties when required.
• Oversee registration of long-term leases with the land registry where applicable.

Construction & Contracts

• Draft and negotiate construction, fit-out, and related service contracts for restaurant development.
• Ensure alignment of all real estate and construction documentation with brand technical requirements and QSR operational needs.

Templates, Standards & Procedures

• Develop, adapt, and maintain standard agreement templates (leases, preliminary leases, long-term leases, agency agreements, utilities and service contracts).
• Contribute to internal policies and procedures relevant to development, real estate, and facility management.
• Prepare legal opinions and recommendations for senior management on development and portfolio matters.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as legal partner to the development, expansion, finance, and operations teams, balancing growth objectives with robust risk management.
• Represent the company in negotiations with landlords, municipalities, and other external stakeholders across target regions.

Requirements

• University degree in law (Staatsexamen or equivalent), with strong practical experience in real estate law.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in real estate development for retail chains, QSR/hospitality, hotels, restaurants, or franchising in Germany.
• Proven record of successfully closing lease agreements for at least 25 retail or commercial units.
• In-depth knowledge of German urban planning law (BauGB) and commercial permitting procedures.
• Familiarity with the regional specifics of Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to align legal structures with fast-paced QSR business needs.
• Languages: Native-level German (C2) and good command of English (minimum B2).