International Development Director - APAC

Position Overview

The International Development Director for the APAC region will spearhead the creation and execution of strategic growth plans for restaurant expansion across multiple countries in Asia-Pacific. This role leads the development department, ensuring standards compliance for site and licensee development, with accountability for meeting both yearly and long-term new restaurant opening targets. Success hinges on directing market expansion plans, developing pipelines collaboratively with franchise partners, and overseeing site development proposals in support of brand growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and justify a comprehensive restaurant development strategy across various countries, asset classes, distribution channels, and licensee partners within the region.
• Collaborate closely with General Managers and local licensees or operators to formulate detailed market development plans.
• Enhance profitability at the unit level by coordinating cross-functional initiatives with architecture, design, finance, and operations teams.
• Develop and prioritize a remodeling schedule for the APAC region and critical other markets as necessary.
• Provide strategic guidance to franchisees for managing reserved territories, maximizing brand market coverage through tools such as market mapping and saturation analysis.
• Establish and maintain a pipeline for restaurant openings, closures, relocations, and remodels in partnership with management and franchise business consultants, ensuring transparency of resources and outcomes.
• Oversee the implementation of brand development processes aligning regional efforts with corporate support functions like Legal and Franchise Administration.
• Promote and monitor a dynamic pipeline of new site developments to meet annual expansion targets consistent with the long-range growth plan.
• Review and lead site application processes including site visits, assessments, and approval support for licensees.
• Network extensively within the industry, government, and real estate brokerage contacts to generate opportunities for site acquisition.
• Conduct comprehensive trade area evaluations, strategic development plans, and site selections aimed at achieving sales and growth objectives.
• Leverage market mapping tools and geographic information systems to analyze market opportunities and penetration strategies.
• Advise licensees on cost occupancy, space planning, and revenue forecasting towards optimizing unit economic performance and profitability.
• Perform additional assignments or special projects as business needs evolve.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in development roles within restaurants, retail, or mall management sectors.
• Educational background includes a business-related degree and/or an MBA, with strong negotiation and financial proposal assessment skills.
• Experienced leader with regional multi-unit consumer business and franchise development expertise.
• Demonstrable success in brand expansion with a keen understanding of QSR+ brand relevance and performance within retail venues.
• Proven track record of delivering results promptly while adapting effectively to change.
• Team player with strong influencing capabilities across diverse functional groups.
• Proficient in creating detailed analyses and compelling presentations to support strategic decisions.
• Effective communicator able to present strategies formally to senior management and stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Fluent English language skills mandatory.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities suitable for internal and external management at all levels.
• Exceptional collaboration, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Innovative thinker and skilled problem solver.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively within Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand (up to 50% travel expected).

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Work settings may include satellite offices, home office, and field locations such as restaurants.
• Extended periods of sitting with computer and telephone use.
• Substantial travel requirements, often up to fifty percent of the time.

Additional Information

The employer reserves the right to modify duties or assign new responsibilities as needed without prior notice.