We are representing a global, private equity-backed quick service restaurant and franchise brand entering a significant international growth phase. The business operates in a lean, entrepreneurial environment with ambitious expansion plans across Europe, the Middle East, and India.

This is a critical, first-in-role hire within the international team and will play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term growth strategy of the business.

The Development Director will lead franchise development and new market entry across Europe as the primary region of focus, while also overseeing and supporting expansion initiatives across the Middle East and India. This role will be responsible for identifying, negotiating, and securing high-quality franchise partners and development agreements across multiple markets.

This is a highly visible leadership role with a clear progression pathway into a future Chief Development Officer – International position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead franchise development and new market entry across Europe, while supporting growth across the Middle East and India.
• Identify, evaluate, and secure best-in-class franchise partners aligned with long-term brand and commercial objectives.
• Lead complex negotiations and development agreements from initial engagement through to execution.
• Build, manage, and leverage a strong international network of investors, franchise partners, and commercial stakeholders.
• Assess market opportunities, white space, and partner capability to drive scalable and sustainable growth.
• Work closely with internal teams across marketing, operations, supply chain, and QA to ensure successful market entry and franchise performance.
• Provide market intelligence, commercial analysis, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Act as a key representative of the business with external partners across multiple regions.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in multi-unit expansion is non-negotiable.
• Strong franchise development experience within QSR is highly preferred.
• Candidates from multi-unit retail or commercial real estate development backgrounds will also be considered.
• Demonstrated success in international new market entry, particularly across Europe.
• Exposure to the Middle East and/or India markets is highly advantageous.
• Exceptional negotiation capability with the gravitas to operate confidently at senior stakeholder level.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with the ability to assess deal viability and partner quality.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate effectively in a lean, fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe, the Middle East, and India.

What’s On Offer:

• Senior leadership role with significant ownership and influence.
• Direct exposure to executive leadership and private equity stakeholders.
• Clear career progression into a future Chief Development Officer. (International role).
• Competitive salary package with performance-based bonus.
• Flexible location: Either Europe or Dubai.

If you are a senior franchise development leader with a strong track record in multi-unit expansion and international market entry, particularly across Europe, and are looking for a role with genuine scale, influence, and long-term growth potential, I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you for your application. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.

Please note that by applying to this role, your profile will be searchable in our database. Our Recruiters will contact you should another suitable role become available.