Job Description

Overall Purpose of the Position:

To lead and execute TradeOn's property development strategy across new restaurant openings, remodels, relocations and asset optimisation. The Development Manager ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, meeting brand standards, while driving expansion and maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the property portfolio. This role enables TradeOn's growth and operational excellence by securing and developing sites that are commercially viable, brand-compliant, and operationally efficient, aligned with the company's expansion plan.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs) & Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

Strategic Planning & Portfolio Growth

Leading the development pipeline in alignment with company growth targets and franchisor directives. Conducting and reviewing site feasibility studies, financial appraisals, and IRR analysis to ensure optimal return on investment. Recommending new sites, relocations, and re-investment opportunities with supporting business cases. Partner with Operations and various stakeholders to identify strategic trade areas and brand positioning opportunities. Introducing innovative development strategies and methodologies to improve speed, cost-efficiency, and quality.

Project Delivery & Execution

Managing the end-to-end delivery of new builds, remodels, and maintenance projects. Overseeing design development, permitting, tendering, and construction execution to ensure compliance with brand standards. Managing CAPEX budgets, procurement, cost control, and project scheduling. Ensuring quality assurance, H&S, and environmental compliance on all projects. Driving operational readiness and handover coordination with the Operations team. Identifying and mitigating risks across development projects to prevent delays and cost overruns. Leveraging project management and design tools to streamline workflows and reporting. Maintaining contractor and supplier databases with performance metrics.

Stakeholder and Partner Management

Building strong relationships with landlords, municipalities, consultants, and contractors. Negotiating favourable lease terms and development agreements in partnership. Coordinating with relevant departments to ensure seamless integration of new and remodeled restaurants. Maintaining and growing a high-performance contractor and supplier database with quality, safety, and cost benchmarks. Ensuring all developments comply with municipal, environmental, and brand regulations. Maintaining documentation and audit trails for approvals and inspections. Engaging legal and compliance teams to validate lease and construction agreements.

Financial Management

Preparing and managing CAPEX forecasts for all development initiatives. Monitoring project expenditures and driving value engineering without compromising standards. Supporting post-opening performance reviews to validate feasibility assumptions and ROI outcomes. Reporting on capital utilization and performance metrics.

Leadership & People Development

Leading and developing a high-performing development team that delivers excellence across multiple projects. Promoting collaboration, accountability, and professional growth within the function. Implementing succession planning and cross-training to strengthen internal capacity. Driving company values and performance culture within the team. Coordinating effectively with cross-functional teams to align development plans and resolve integration issues. Facilitating regular communication and feedback across departments to ensure project alignment.

Ideal Requirements

Tertiary qualification in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture and/or a related field. Postgraduate qualification in Business, Property Development or Project Management will be an advantage. Minimum 5 years' experience in property or development project management, including at least 2 years in a managerial or senior role. Comprehensive knowledge of construction, building systems, municipal approval processes, building codes and health & safety regulations Ability to interpret drawings and apply project management principles to deliver practical, cost-effective developments across the full project lifecycle. Proven ability in contractor and vendor management, including tendering, negotiation, and performance oversight. Proficiency in MS Project, AutoCAD (or equivalent), and advanced MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint) for project reporting and analysis. Valid driver's license and willingness to travel nationally.
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Key Personal Inherent Characteristics

Strategic Thinking:

Applies strategic thinking to anticipate market trends, identify site opportunities, and align development priorities with TradeOn's long-term growth objectives.

Execution Excellence:

Delivers multiple development projects efficiently -- on time, within budget, and to brand and quality standards - while maintaining operational readiness.

Commercial Acumen:

Demonstrates sound commercial judgment by managing CAPEX, evaluating project feasibility, and ensuring profitable, sustainable investments.

Leadership & Teamwork:

Leads cross-functional teams with clarity and purpose, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a culture of continuous performance improvement.

Adaptability:

Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced QSR environment by adapting to changing priorities and applying innovative solutions to improve speed, quality, and cost efficiency.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement:

Acts ethically and transparently in all dealings, upholding company values, brand standards, and legal compliance across every stage of development

Join Our Team at TradeOn!

Location:

Cape Town, Western Cape

Contract Type:

Permanent

Application Deadline:

06 November 2025

If you do not receive feedback within one month of your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.

TradeOn reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement or not fill the vacancy at any stage of the recruitment process.

We are committed to achieving our employment equity goals, which will be considered throughout the recruitment process.

By submitting your application, you consent to TradeOn processing your personal information for recruitment purposes. This includes consideration for the advertised role and other suitable opportunities within the organisation. TradeOn complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and your information will be used solely for lawful and legitimate recruitment activities.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Application Question(s):

What is your notice period? What are your gross salary expectations (before deductions)? How many years of experience do you have in property or development project management? Have you held a managerial or senior role in development project management for at least 2 years? Are you familiar with construction processes, building systems, municipal approval procedures, building codes, and health & safety regulations? Can you interpret architectural and engineering drawings and apply project management principles to deliver cost-effective developments? Do you have experience managing contractors and vendors, including tendering, negotiation, and performance oversight? Are you proficient in advanced MS Office tools (Excel and PowerPoint) for project reporting and analysis? Are you willing and able to travel nationally for project-related work? Have you managed end-to-end delivery of construction or development projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and contractor oversight? Have you coordinated with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated development projects?
Work Location: In person