Expansion Manager

Overview

We seek a dynamic and commercially oriented Expansion Manager to drive our franchise growth by overseeing the partner-to-site mapping process. This role activates once franchise partners are onboarded by the Business Development team and involves selecting suitable commercial properties, liaising with multiple stakeholders, and steering the expansion to site finalization.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of franchise partners after onboarding, serving as the main liaison between partners and Real Estate teams throughout site identification and closure.
• Understand partners' investment capabilities, target micro markets, and business goals to identify fitting opportunities.
• Align approved partners with strategically viable sites based on potential, catchment area, and investment compatibility.
• Engage regularly with partners to ensure consistent updates and a smooth expansion experience.
• Lead efforts to accelerate partner-to-site mapping, minimizing partner aging and boosting conversion rates.
• Scout and assess commercial properties in designated micro markets including conducting market surveys and competitor analyses.
• Evaluate locations based on access, visibility, demographics, competitor presence, catchment potential, and commercial viability.
• Organize partner site visits and facilitate negotiations with landlords and brokers covering rent, deposits, lease terms, and landlord responsibilities.
• Compile thorough site evaluation reports, business cases, and recommendations for internal decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with Business Development, Real Estate, Design, Projects, Legal, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure deadlines are met.
• Monitor and track partners and site progress through all expansion phases, proactively resolving obstacles.
• Maintain seamless communication among partners, landlords, and internal teams until site handover and lease are finalized.
• Keep precise records of partner pipelines, site statuses, and overall expansion progress.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional relationship building and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strong negotiation and persuasive skills.
• Sound commercial and analytical judgement to assess business opportunities.
• Advanced problem-solving skills with an ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including presentation abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Flexibility to travel frequently for market research and partner engagement.

Preferred Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, Real Estate, or a related discipline.
• Between 2 to 5 years’ relevant experience in Business Development, Franchise Development, Retail or Commercial Real Estate Expansion, Channel Sales, or Strategic Partnerships.
• Previous work with franchise operations, retail brands, fitness, quick service restaurants, healthcare, or other multi-location businesses is advantageous.

Performance Metrics

• Speed of partner-to-site matching process.
• Management of partner aging and health of the partner pipeline.
• Timelines for site closure and lease finalization.
• Number of successful partner to site conversions.
• Quality and accuracy of site evaluations and business cases produced.
• Achievement of expansion goals within assigned markets.

Candidate Profile

We desire a candidate who thrives on building partnerships, tackling commercial challenges, and steering expansion through strategic management. The ideal person will be highly proactive, detail-oriented, commercially savvy, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, goal-driven setting with a strong sense of ownership.