Senior Development Manager

About the Role

At KFC, individuality and inclusivity are celebrated, encouraging every team member to bring their full, authentic self to work. The Senior Development Manager (SDM) is a key leadership role responsible for driving profitable growth by expanding the restaurant footprint through new store openings, remodeling, and relocations as needed. The SDM partners closely with franchisees to develop and manage a robust pipeline to meet company expansion goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth field analysis to understand competition, trade zones, and consumer behavior, validating location and asset selections proposed by franchisees alongside real estate, construction, and management teams.
• Oversee the new store pipeline, ensuring timely delivery and communicating progress and challenges to relevant stakeholders.
• Innovate to enhance the quantity and quality of new store development opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams including design, operations, restaurant excellence, and equipment to optimize the business model and reduce new store sales hurdles.
• Maintain a refreshed restaurant portfolio by managing remodels and relocations driven by evolving trade zones.
• Enhance franchisee capabilities by delivering tools, training, and sharing best practices.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards for new construction and refurbishment projects.
• Lead vendors, suppliers, and consultants to deliver profitable expansion within planned timelines.
• Stay informed on industry trends within Yum and competitors regarding development strategies, design standards, and capital expenditure efficiencies.
• Coordinate approvals across functional areas during store remodels and new build processes.
• Guarantee that Franchise Partners meet global equipment standards.
• As the senior-most manager in the department, report to the Senior Director of Development and collaborate extensively across functions including operations, marketing, supply chain, HR, finance, and quality assurance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Business Administration, Economics, or related fields from a recognized institution.
• Over 8 years of experience in business development within retail, with demonstrated expertise in retail real estate.
• Strong understanding of Middle Eastern market dynamics and cultures.
• Proven commercial acumen, project management capabilities, and process-driven mindset.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Exceptional communication skills, effectively articulating complex business topics to senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the capacity to assess risks, opportunities, and business scenarios critically.
• Organized, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Track record of building and nurturing strong relationships with partners, suppliers, clients, and teams.
• Commitment to continuous professional development, learning, and autonomous result delivery.

Additional Information

This is a full-time role based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The position reports to the Senior Director Development and requires onsite presence. The role collaborates with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to support franchise growth and operational excellence.