Real Estate Lawyer (m/f/d)

About the Company

Our client is the European subsidiary of a leading KFC franchisee that operates one of the fastest-growing international-format restaurant chains.

Our client's goal is to scale KFC’s presence in Germany, open modern restaurants, and build a strong operational team working in accordance with international QSR standards.

Our client is launching their restaurant brand in Germany from the ground up and seek a Real Estate Lawyer to own the entire HR function from day one. You will play a pivotal role in enabling the successful launch of KFC restaurants across Thuringia, Saxony, and Bavaria — from pre-opening recruitment and trade union negotiations to building compliant HR infrastructure and on-boarding founding teams. This is a strategic, hands-on position for an HR professional who thrives in start-up environments and is ready to shape the people foundation of our client's German expansion.

The current work arrangement is remote/travel-based.

The future office will be located in one of the cities in Thuringia, Saxony, or Bavaria.

Responsibilities

Supporting the Development Department:

• Conducting legal due diligence on real estate properties, land plots, and premises to assess suitability for quick-service restaurant operations.
• Liaising with landlords regarding restaurant and land lease agreements:

1. Analyzing contract terms for tenant risks and mitigating them through balanced, compromise-based solutions;
2. Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing commercial lease agreements for properties and land plots;
3. Leading negotiations, proposing amendments/addendums, drafting supplementary agreements, and handling lease terminations;
4. Managing pre-litigation claim procedures;
5. Representing the company in negotiations with landlords and counterparties.

• Registering long-term lease agreements with the land registry (where required by law).
• Drafting and negotiating construction contracts for restaurant development purposes.
• Developing and adapting standard lease templates and related agreements (preliminary leases, long-term leases, agency agreements, utility service contracts, etc.).
• Participating in the development of internal procedures relevant to functional responsibilities.
• Preparing legal opinions upon management request and performing other assignments as directed by the supervisor.

• University degree in law (Staatsexamen or equivalent) with practical experience in real estate law;
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in real estate development within retail chains, QSR/hospitality, hotels, restaurants, or franchising sectors in Germany;
• Strong communication skills and ability to balance business interests with legal risk management;
• Proven track record of successfully closing lease agreements for at least 25 retail/commercial units;
• In-depth knowledge of German urban planning regulations (BauGB) and commercial permitting procedures;
• Familiarity with regional specifics of target federal states: Thuringia, Saxony, Bavaria;
• Languages: Native German (C2), English (minimum B2).

Our Client Offesr:

• Working hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM;
• Fully remote work format initially; transition to office-based work possible by year-end (office location to be established in one of the target states, preferably Thuringia or Saxony);
• Full social security coverage in accordance with German law (statutory health insurance, pension insurance, long-term care insurance, unemployment insurance);
• Opportunity to work within a dynamic, ambitious company operating a globally recognized brand;
• Clear career progression path and professional development opportunities within the organization. 

Upon progression to the next stage of the selection process, candidates will be required to submit the following documentation:

• A one-page case study describing a real estate project you are proud of (lease transaction, acquisition/disposal, or litigation matter);
• Detailed CV highlighting key projects and achievements in real estate development;
• Copy of your law degree diploma;
• References from previous employers (recommended);
• Work samples (optional but encouraged)
• 2–3 anonymized lease agreements you have drafted/negotiated; example of a legal opinion on a real estate matter; description of a major project (deal structure, your role, outcome).