International Development Director

Position Summary The Director, International Development, will drive the creation and execution of the strategic restaurant growth plan for their respective regional market. The role is responsible for leading the development function, setting and monitoring standards for all countries and licensee development activities, and achieving annual and long-term new-restaurant development targets. This position achieves strategic growth objectives by driving the development, communication, and execution of market development plans; collaboratively building and managing new site pipelines with local franchisees; and effectively leading development efforts in the region. The role will also provide local review and support for the licensee’s site development proposal processes, including reviewing prospective trade areas and restaurant sites and participating in the site acceptance process. They will also provide strategic leadership and direction on in-region growth priorities and will be responsible for executing corporate initiatives within the territory.

Essential Functions May perform any or all of the following duties:

Provide strategic leadership to define and justify the restaurant development roadmap in the region across multiple countries, asset types, channels, and licensees

Facilitates creation of market development plans in close collaboration with the General Manager and local licensee(s) or operating entities

Drives on-going improvement in unit-level economics by working cross-functionally with relevant peers across architecture & design, finance, and operations

Clearly defines and prioritizes the remodel roadmap for the region and other critical markets as needed

Lead franchisees in strategically developing reserved territories, ensuring proper brand coverage and penetration. Utilizes available tools and technologies, such as market mapping, hot zone identification, and penetration and saturation analysis, to maximize the brand's growth trajectory.

Builds and manages, in collaboration with the General Manager, Country Director, and FBCs, the openings, closings, relocations, and remodels pipeline, providing visibility into the required resources and results of those planning efforts.

Implements and executes brand development processes in collaboration with regional and corporate functional resources (Franchise Administration, Legal, etc.)

Influences, tracks, and promotes a robust new site development pipeline to achieve annual goals with existing and new licensees that are aligned with the long-range-plan

Directs and reviews new restaurant site applications, including in-market visits, site reviews, and supports licensees in decision logic preparation and review.

Develops, maintains, and utilizes industry business, government, and brokerage contacts in ongoing support of development initiatives to generate high-quality site acquisition leads

Effectively conducts trade area assessments, tactical and strategic development plans, and site selection to accomplish sales and development goals

Utilizes professional market mapping techniques, GIS systems, and other resources and/or tools to analyze and develop market priority and penetration plans

Consults local licensees on the assessment of occupancy costs, space, and revenue forecasts that contribute toward optimum unit economics and profitability

Other duties and/or special projects as assigned in response to changing business conditions and/or requirements

Position Qualifications/Core Competencies

7+ years of experience in the development field of restaurants, retail, or mall management.

Business-related degree and/or MBA, proven ability to negotiate and understand detailed financial proposals

Demonstrated regional experience in a leadership role, developing multi-unit consumer-facing businesses and franchise operations.

Proven track record of brand growth with an ability to understand how a QSR+ brand fits into a retail space, its potential, and its limitations

Proven ability to drive results with a sense of urgency while exhibiting adaptability to changing circumstances

Ability to work as part of a team and influence cross-functional peers to deliver results

Demonstrable experience creating detailed analyses and presentations to justify critical actions and strategies

Comfortable presenting results and strategies in front of senior management, licensees, and other key stakeholders in a compelling and clear manner

Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Fluency in English is a position requirement

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, both internally and externally

Expert collaborator, ne