Senior Development Manager

About the Role

KFC takes pride in its original character, valuing the uniqueness of each employee—"The Originals." This culture thrives on diversity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their authentic selves with passion and energy. As a Senior Development Manager (SDM), you will drive business growth by expanding profitable restaurant locations and overseeing remodeling and relocation projects to keep stores fresh and relevant.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze competition, trade zones, and customer behavior by conducting fieldwork to validate potential store locations and asset types alongside franchise partners including real estate, construction, and general management teams.
• Own and supervise the new store development pipeline, ensuring on-time delivery while keeping stakeholders informed on progress and obstacles.
• Develop strategies to improve both the quantity and quality of new store openings.
• Collaborate with internal teams (design, operations, restaurant excellence, equipment) and franchisees to optimize the business model and reduce sales hurdles for new stores.
• Maintain and update the restaurant portfolio by managing remodels and relocations as needed due to shifts in trade zones.
• Enhance franchisee capabilities through providing effective tools, training sessions, and sharing industry best practices.
• Ensure franchisees comply with brand standards during new store construction and refurbishment programs.
• Lead and manage suppliers, vendors, and consultants to meet expansion goals efficiently and profitably.
• Stay updated on industry practices, competitive development plans, design standards, and capital expenditure efficiencies within Yum and competitors.
• Coordinate and secure all necessary approvals from relevant departments during remodel and new store processes.
• Confirm all franchise partners adhere to global equipment standards.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Development and support interactions among internal functions such as Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, QA, HR, Finance, as well as franchise general managers and external consultants.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Business Administration, Economics, or related fields from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in business development focused on retail, with demonstrated expertise in retail real estate.
• In-depth understanding of the Middle East market’s business and cultural environment.
• Strong commercial insight, project management skills, and a systematic, process-driven mindset.
• Capability to collaborate effectively across departments, influence different levels of stakeholders, and handle complex deals independently.
• Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, to clearly present complex business matters to senior management internally and externally.
• Advanced critical thinking and analytical skills to assess risks, prospects, and various business conditions.
• Highly organized, flexible, and efficient at juggling multiple priorities in a fast-moving setting.
• Proven track record of building and sustaining strong partnerships with franchisees, suppliers, clients, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to continual professional development and delivering results autonomously.