Vice President – International Development

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Thailand.

📋 Description

• Take ownership of the international development initiative focusing on new market entries and the expansion of existing markets.

• Identify and evaluate potential brand partners.

• Negotiate development agreements effectively.

• Propel market development strategies and planning to facilitate growth at the franchisee level.

• Oversee the entire development process with internal teams and franchisees, which includes market planning, site approvals, design, remodels, and the opening of initial stores.

• Create and sustain prioritized pipelines for target and expansion markets.

• Formulate market-entry strategies and multiyear development roadmaps.

• Keep track of macroeconomic conditions, foreign exchange rates, trade barriers, and dynamics in the real-estate market.

• Identify, source, assess, and recommend new international brand partners.

• Lead partner evaluations regarding operational capabilities and financial strength.

• Present franchisee applications and partner recommendations to the Executive Review Committee.

• Maintain relationships with banks, real-estate brokerages, third-party brokers, and industry associations.

• Represent the brand at international franchise expos and prepare sales materials.

• Direct negotiations and enforce obligations of development agreements.

• Collaborate with the Legal team on development, registration, and compliance processes.

• Manage site selection, approvals, closures, renewals, and franchisee approvals.

• Supervise design, real estate, site selection, and construction facilitation.

• Oversee project management for initial sites in new markets and coordinate readiness for openings.

• Organize market site visits and prepare reviews for site approvals.

• Evaluate the financial health, capital structures, and growth readiness of franchisees.

• Develop business plans, capital plans, and financial models with franchisees.

• Lead transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, investments, and restructurings.

• Assist in the collection of area and store fees.

• Coordinate with Concept Development, Marketing, Supply Chain, R&D, and Legal teams.

• Complete special projects as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree is required, or equivalent education and experience in lieu of a degree.

• A Master’s degree in Business, Finance, or Commerce is preferred.

• Over 12 years of senior-level experience in international restaurant franchising, including development, franchise finance, and M&A/transactions.

• Experience in QSR or fast-casual sectors is preferred, ideally across various global concepts at scale.

• Familiarity with domestic franchising is beneficial.

• Background in finance, banking, legal, or transactional work is advantageous.

• Experience living or working internationally is a plus.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Capability to build and assess business plans and financial models linked to returns and capital plans.

• Strong sales, negotiation, and deal-making abilities.

• An established international franchising network.

• Cross-cultural fluency and international awareness.

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams under tight deadlines.

• Capacity to work independently and achieve results without extensive oversight.

• Ability to collaborate across a matrixed organization and coordinate cross-functional efforts.

• Working knowledge of FCPA and Sarbanes-Oxley expectations.

• Willingness to travel frequently, up to 70%, sometimes with short notice.

• Ability to obtain a passport and necessary visas.

• Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends.

• Proficiency in communicating with international stakeholders across different time zones.

• Ability to travel by airplane on long-haul flights up to 16 hours and conduct market site visits.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

🏝️ Benefits

• Eligibility for bonuses.

• Medical insurance coverage.

• Dental insurance options.

• 401(k) matching program.

• Paid time off benefits.

• Volunteer time opportunities.

• Parental leave provisions.

• Hybrid work schedule available for most positions at the Bloomington headquarters.

• Initiatives promoting inclusion and belonging.