We have an exciting opportunity available for a VP of International Development.  This role is open to remote within the United States with travel up to 70%.   The VP of International Development owns the international development mandate across new market entry and expansion in existing markets. This role sources and diligences brand partners, negotiates development agreements, and drives disciplined market development strategy and planning to ensure growth at franchisees level. The role also leads the end-to-end development process in partnership with internal teams and franchisees, including market planning, site approvals, design, remodels for existing markets, and first store openings in new markets.Key Accountabilities Include:Market development strategy and pipeline managementBuild and maintain a prioritized pipeline of target markets, contiguous markets, and expansion priorities in existing markets. Develop market entry strategies and multiyear development roadmaps, including format strategy by location type, asset type, and site configuration. Monitor external conditions that impact development decisions, including macroeconomic conditions, foreign exchange implications, trade barriers, and real estate market dynamicsPartner sourcing, diligence, and governanceIdentify, source, and qualify new brand partners for international growth.Lead partner diligence across operational capability and financial capacity to fund initial and ongoing development.Prepare and present new franchisee applications and partner recommendations to the Executive Review Committee.Build and maintain relationships with banks, real estate brokerages, third party brokers, and relevant industry associations to represent the brand and expand the partner pipeline.Direct company participation in international franchise expos, including development of sales materials and collateral, and hands on participation as needed by geography.Development agreements and development obligationsLead negotiation of development agreements with new and existing partners, aligning obligations to market potential and partner capability.Ensure existing franchisees meet or exceed development obligations, and drive actions when commitments drift. Partner with the ADQ Legal department to ensure development and legal processes are followed, and that local registration and compliance obligations are met.Development execution, real estate, and build enablementLead the international development process across site selection and approval, closure approval, renewals, and franchisee approvals, consistent with company process.Lead design, real estate and site selection, and construction enablement for international franchisees, in partnership with internal stakeholders and franchisees.Direct leadership of project management for first sites in new markets, including opening readiness and coordination across functions and the franchisee.Coordinate site selection work, including in market site visits when required, and preparation of site approval reviews supported by analysis and market conditions.Franchise finance and transactionsLead the international development finance scope, assessing franchisee financial health, capital structures, and growth readiness.Partner with new franchisees to build business plans and capital and financial models, and to align development pace to returns and funding realities. Lead transactional work tied to development outcomes, including acquisitions, divestitures, investments, and workouts, coordinating with internal partners as required.Fees and cross functional coordinationAssist with collection of area and store fees across international markets, working with internal partners as appropriate.Coordinate effectively with internal departments to deliver outcomes on time, including Concept Development, Marketing, Supply Chain, R and D, and Legal.DECISION RIGHTS AND ACCOUNTABILITYAccountable for building the market and partner pipeline, and for bringing partner recommendations and supporting diligence to the Executive Review Committee.Accountable for negotiation of development agreement terms, and for ensuring internal legal and compliance processes are followed before execution.Accountable for running the development approval process (site approvals, closures, renewals, franchisee approvals) and for escalating decisions that require committee or executive approval per company process.MEASURES OF SUCCESSHigher quality partner pipeline, with partners that have the operational depth and financial capacity to develop and sustain growth.Signed development agreements that match market potential and partner capability, with clear obligations and enforceable follow-through.First sites in new markets opened with disciplined planning and cross functional coordination, without avoidable surprises in real estate, build, or compliance. Franchisee capital plans and growth readiness assessed early, and development plans adjusted before problems show up in execution.Existing development obligations tracked and enforced, with early intervention when performance drifts.ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIESSpecial projects as assigned. The US national base salary range for this position is $246,937 - $308,671. This position is also eligible for a bonus. The base salary range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location and relevant education or experience.
