Benefits:

Dental insurance

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

Opportunity for advancement

Layne's Chicken Fingers is a fast-growing restaurant brand known for its delicious Soon to be Famous chicken fingers, signature sauces, and fun, friendly atmosphere. As we expand across new markets, we’re looking for a strategic and driven Real Estate Manager to support our franchise partners in identifying and securing top-tier locations that align with our brand vision.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly driven Real Estate Manager who will play a key role in supporting Layne’s franchise growth strategy by guiding franchisees through the site selection process, evaluating market opportunities, and ensuring alignment with brand standards. This role requires strong real estate acumen, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative mindset to work closely with franchisees, brokers, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

Partner with franchisees to identify and evaluate potential restaurant sites across target markets.

Conduct market research, demographic analysis, and trade area assessments to support site selection.

Review and provide feedback on site packages submitted by franchisees and brokers.

Coordinate and support the LOI and lease/purchase negotiation process, ensuring alignment with company standards.

Collaborate with internal teams (Construction, Development, Franchise Sales, Operations) to facilitate site approvals and development timelines.

Support franchisees to maintain a pipeline of potential sites and provide regular updates to leadership.

Develop and maintain relationships with commercial brokers, landlords, and developers to identify new opportunities.

Ensure all selected sites meet Layne’s brand, operational, and financial criteria.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, or related field.

2+ years of experience in commercial real estate, preferably in franchise development or multi-unit retail/restaurant expansion.

Strong understanding of site selection, lease/purchase negotiation, and market analysis.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively with franchisees and cross-functional teams.

Highly organized with strong project management skills.

Willingness to travel to evaluate sites and meet with stakeholders

Ideal Candidate Attributes

Franchise-focused: Experienced in supporting franchisees through site selection and development.

Real estate savvy: Deep knowledge of commercial real estate and QSR/retail markets

Strong communicator: Builds trust and alignment across franchisees, brokers, and internal teams.

Organized & efficient: Manages multiple projects and timelines with precision.

Brand-driven: Passionate about maintaining Layne’s standards and customer experience in every location.