Director International Development – EMEA

About the role

The Director International Development – EMEA will lead franchise expansion and new market entry across Europe, the Middle East and India. Reporting to senior leadership, the role is responsible for identifying high‑quality partners, negotiating development agreements and driving sustainable growth for a quick‑service restaurant brand.

Key responsibilities

• Lead franchise development and entry into priority European markets (UK, France, Spain, Germany, Netherlands) and India.
• Support and grow the franchise pipeline in the Middle East, securing future growth commitments.
• Identify, assess and secure franchise partners aligned with long‑term brand objectives.
• Negotiate and execute complex commercial agreements from initial contact to signing.
• Build and maintain an international network of investors, franchise partners and strategic stakeholders.
• Conduct market assessments, white‑space analysis and partner evaluations to ensure scalable growth.
• Collaborate with internal marketing, operations, finance, legal, supply‑chain and quality teams to guarantee successful market entry.
• Provide regular market insights, commercial analysis and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Represent the business in external partner and investor engagements.

Required profile

• Proven experience in multi‑unit expansion, preferably within QSR franchise development.
• Successful track record of international market entry, especially across Europe.
• Exposure to Middle‑East and/or India markets is a plus.
• Strong negotiation ability and comfort engaging senior stakeholders and investors.
• High commercial and financial acumen with capability to assess deal viability.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, able to thrive in a fast‑paced, growth‑focused environment.
• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe, the Middle East and India.
• Senior leadership experience with direct exposure to executive and private‑equity stakeholders.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive base salary plus performance‑based bonus.
• Flexible location – based in Europe or Dubai with satellite and home‑office options.
• Opportunity to progress to a Chief Development Officer – International role.
• Dynamic, international environment with significant ownership over growth strategy.