Vice President of Development

Hai Hospitality•Austin, TX

3d•Remote

About The Position

This Vice President of Development is responsible for driving the strategic growth and expansion of Hai Hospitality’s restaurant portfolio both domestically and internationally. The position focuses on sourcing and securing new development opportunities through leases, management, and licensing agreements, while building strong relationships with developers, hotel partners, and global operators. Working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners, this role helps identify high-potential markets, shape expansion strategy, and ensure each new location aligns with Hai’s brand, financial goals, and operational excellence.

Requirements

15+ years of experience in restaurant license/lease/management deals preferably with relevant experience in securing F&B spaces within hotels
Experience with international growth and license/management deals
Understanding of fine-dining concepts as well as lifestyle and luxury hospitality
Proven track record of building development pipelines
Strong financial and commercial acumen with a passion for value creation and scaling a business into new markets
Understanding of real estate and data analysis
A refined creative sensibility and appreciation for culinary innovation, design and culture
Entrepreneurial, confident, agile and with high EQ capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment
Position involves significant travel but can be based remotely

Responsibilities

Source, negotiate, structure, and secure new restaurants through management, lease and license agreements
Assist the CDO in analyzing new markets and whitespace nationally for new restaurant leases
Build and nurture relationships with hotel developers, owners and brands to help Hai secure license/management deals in lifestyle and luxury hotel properties in the United States
Build and nurture relationships with international restaurant operators and developers to begin the process of Hai’s international development
Identify appropriate sub-markets and spaces for Uchi restaurants in international markets
Assist Hai and its investor partners in crafting an international entry and expansion strategy
Collaborate with Hai’s existing network of third-party real estate providers to continue to build Hai’s development pipeline
Parter with Hai’s internal design, construction, operations, culinary and finance teams to ensure every new restaurant location/design/space blends functional and commercial strength with brand alignment and excellence
Assist in the preparation of financial proforma, sales projections, business plans, deal approval memos and investment analysis
Represent Hai at key industry events