Business Development Associate

About the Role

We are looking for a dynamic, results-driven Business Development / Expansion Executive with a proven background in QSR (Quick Service Restaurants), retail operations, and market research. In this role, you will spearhead our network expansion by identifying, evaluating, and securing strategic locations for dark stores, kitchen fulfillment centers, and retail outlets.

Drawing from experience with top-tier brands (such as California Burrito, Chaayos, or Blue Tokai), you will bring hands-on expertise in market recce, competitor analysis, and end-to-end site setup to accelerate our growth footprint.

Key Responsibilities

1. Market Recce & Competitor Research

· Identify high-potential micro-markets and catchment areas for expansion through extensive market research and on-ground recce.

· Evaluate location viability by analyzing foot traffic, consumer demographics, target audience behavior, and competitor mapping.

· Deliver data-driven insights and comprehensive feasibility reports for prospective real estate properties to executive leadership.

2. Site Selection & Lease Negotiation

· Source optimal commercial spaces tailored to the unique structural needs of retail outlets, dark stores, and cloud kitchens.

· Lead end-to-end negotiations with landlords, property owners, and real estate brokers to secure favorable lease terms, rentals, and agreement closures.

· Verify regulatory compliance for all selected locations, ensuring adherence to local zoning laws, power load limits, water supply capabilities, and logistical access.

3. Site Setup & Cross-Functional Operations

· Manage end-to-end execution of store and kitchen setups, ensuring timely project delivery from site handover to launch day.

· Collaborate cross-functionally with project management, supply chain, and operations teams to guarantee layout optimization and infrastructural readiness.

· Oversee vendor relationships to streamline basic fit-outs, asset installation, and quality control during the setup phase.

4. Strategic Business Development

· Drive growth initiatives and build strategic partnerships to scale our geographic footprint rapidly across target territories.

· Track post-launch performance metrics of new sites in coordination with operational teams to measure expansion ROI.

Requirements & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

· Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Real Estate, or a related field.

· Experience: 3 to 8 years of proven success in Business Development, Network Expansion, or Operations.

· Industry Background: Direct experience within the QSR, Retail, Cloud Kitchen, or Quick-Commerce/Dark Store ecosystems.

· Brand Track Record: A hands-on background working with established, fast-scaling food chains or retail brands (e.g., California Burrito, Chaayos, Blue Tokai, or similar networks).

Core Competencies & Skills

· Real Estate Acumen: Advanced skills in commercial property sourcing, market recce, and lease negotiations.

· Analytical Thinking: Strong capability in demographic mapping, competitor analysis, and financial feasibility reporting.

· Project Execution: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple site setups simultaneously under tight deadlines.

· Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills with a relationship-first mindset for managing landlords, brokers, vendors, and internal teams.

Pay: ₹50,000.00 - ₹75,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Leave encashment
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Provident Fund

Work Location: In person