International Development Director - APAC

Position summary

This role is accountable for shaping and delivering the restaurant expansion strategy for the assigned APAC market. It leads the development function, establishes and monitors standards across countries and licensee development work, and works toward yearly as well as long-term new restaurant opening goals.

The position supports strategic growth by building market development plans, coordinating with local franchise partners on new location pipelines, and steering development execution across the region. It also reviews licensee site development proposals, including trade area analysis, site evaluation, and participation in site approval decisions. In addition, the role provides direction on regional growth priorities and carries out corporate initiatives within the territory.

Key responsibilities

• Set the regional restaurant growth roadmap and justify development priorities across multiple countries, formats, channels, and licensees.
• Work with the General Manager and local licensee or operating teams to create market development plans.
• Improve unit-level economics through collaboration with architecture and design, finance, and operations partners.
• Define and rank the remodel plan for the region and other priority markets when needed.
• Guide franchisees in developing protected territories and improving brand reach using tools such as market mapping, hot-zone identification, and penetration analysis.
• Build and manage, with the General Manager, Country Director, and FBCs, the pipeline for openings, closures, relocations, and remodels while making required resources and outcomes visible.
• Roll out brand development processes with support from regional and corporate teams such as Franchise Administration and Legal.
• Strengthen and monitor the new site pipeline to support annual growth targets with current and new licensees aligned to the long-range plan.
• Review new restaurant site applications, including field visits, site assessments, and support for decision-logic preparation and review.
• Maintain relationships with industry, government, and brokerage contacts to generate strong site acquisition opportunities.
• Perform trade area assessments, tactical and strategic development planning, and site selection work to support sales and growth goals.
• Use market mapping, GIS tools, and related resources to analyze market priorities and penetration opportunities.
• Advise local licensees on occupancy cost, space, and revenue forecasts to improve unit economics and profitability.
• Handle additional duties or special projects as business needs change.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in restaurant, retail, or mall development.
• A business-related degree and/or MBA, along with a strong ability to negotiate and assess detailed financial proposals.
• Regional leadership experience in building multi-unit consumer businesses and franchise operations.
• A solid record of driving brand growth and understanding how a QSR+ brand fits into retail environments, including its opportunities and constraints.
• Strong bias for action, with the ability to adapt to changing conditions and still deliver results.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to influence cross-functional partners.
• Proven ability to build detailed analyses and presentations that support major decisions and strategies.
• Comfort presenting recommendations and performance updates to senior leaders, licensees, and other stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills across all management levels, both internal and external.
• Strong collaboration, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Creative and innovative problem-solving approach.
• Willingness to travel across Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Ability to work from a satellite office where available, from a home office, and in restaurant field environments.
• Capable of sitting for long periods and using a phone, keyboard, computer, and mouse for extended work sessions.
• Availability for travel up to 50% of the time.

Work environment and other conditions

The role may be based in a satellite office where available, at home, or in the field visiting restaurants. Regular travel is part of the job, with trips across the APAC region and travel needs reaching up to 50%.

Additional information

The company may change, add, or reassign responsibilities as needed, with or without prior notice, depending on business requirements.