Real Estate Acquisition Consultant

About the role

McDonalds is seeking an experienced Real Estate Acquisition Consultant to lead the acquisition of new restaurant sites, primarily drive‑thrus, across the northern region of the UK. You will manage the full acquisition lifecycle for both freehold and leasehold properties, ensuring timely and on‑budget delivery of new openings.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of new restaurant openings and pipeline sites within the assigned region.
• Research the local property market, maintain relationships with agents, developers and local authorities, and identify potential opportunities.
• Negotiate acquisition terms, secure operational support, and align sales forecasts with finance and operations.
• Prepare financial appraisals, business cases and acquisition papers for senior executive approval.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects and planning consultants to obtain planning consent and optimise site design.
• Ensure quality‑control standards for all real‑estate transactions, including cost, deliverability, location and ROI.

Required profile

• Proven experience in commercial property acquisition, preferably within the retail or restaurant sector.
• Strong understanding of freehold and leasehold transactions and planning processes.
• Ability to conduct financial modelling and develop comprehensive business cases.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly within the northern region for site visits and meetings.

Required skills