Manager, Development

Church's Texas Chicken

. Lead due diligence for new restaurant sites from initial review through entitlement approval and permit issuance .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeAtlanta • Texas • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in site development, entitlements, and permitting processes, with a strong focus on compliance and risk management. Proficient in managing cross-functional teams and external consultants to ensure project alignment with jurisdictional requirements and operational needs.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Site Development ExperienceEntitlement ManagementZoning Ordinance KnowledgeProject Tracking ProficiencyStrong Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Civil Site Plan EvaluationGeotechnical Report AnalysisUtility Study ReviewRisk AssessmentBudget Management

Soft Skills

LeadershipCollaborationPresentation Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeAutoCADBluebeamGIS

Industry Keywords

Permitting ProcessesLand Use ApprovalsMulti-Site Retail DevelopmentConditional Use PermitsADA Site Requirements

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead due diligence for new restaurant sites from initial review through entitlement approval and permit issuance
Review Site Investigation Reports from architects, civil engineers, and consultants for completeness, accuracy, and unresolved risk
Evaluate sites for jurisdictional compliance, feasibility, and development risk
Manage entitlement and permitting strategy with local jurisdictions, including pre-application meetings, submittal packages, and hearing schedules
Carry approved projects to permit issuance, coordinating building, site, health, fire, and utility permits and managing review cycles and comment responses
Direct the internal design team and outside vendor partners through diligence, design, and permitting
Engage land use attorneys when zoning changes, variances, conditional use permits, or other special approvals are required
Develop and review conceptual site plans aligned with prototype standards and jurisdictional requirements
Identify constraints impacting cost, schedule, operations, or constructability
Drive alignment between prototype standards, municipal requirements, and operational needs
Partner with Real Estate during site selection and approval
Hand off permitted sites to Design + Construction with budget and schedule inputs
Track milestones and permit status across the pipeline and escalate risks early
Travel approximately 20% for site visits, jurisdictional meetings, and public hearings, including occasional evening hearings

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience
5+ years in site development, entitlements, or permitting for multi-site retail, restaurant, convenience, or commercial rollout programs
Ability to read and evaluate civil site plans, surveys, geotechnical reports, and utility studies
Working knowledge of zoning ordinances, land use approvals, variances, and municipal permitting processes
Experience managing external consultant teams and holding them to schedule and scope
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting risk and recommendations to senior leadership
Proficiency with project tracking tools and Microsoft Office
AutoCAD, Bluebeam, or GIS familiarity a plus
Preferred: prototype-driven restaurant or QSR development experience, multi-state entitlement work, public hearing or design review presentation experience, and familiarity with drive-thru, stormwater, and ADA site requirements
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal employment opportunity employer
Reasonable accommodation for essential job functions
Office or remote-based work arrangement
Approximately 20% travel for site visits, jurisdictional meetings, and public hearings