Franchise & Expansion Manager

ranchise & Expansion Manager **Al Farooj Fresh** Position Summary The Franchise & Expansion Manager is responsible for driving the growth of Al Farooj Fresh through franchise development and company-owned outlet expansion across the UAE, GCC, and international markets. The role focuses on identifying new business opportunities, recruiting and managing franchise partners, negotiating commercial agreements, supporting new store openings, and ensuring brand standards are consistently maintained. Key ResponsibilitiesFranchise Development * Develop and implement the franchise expansion strategy for the UAE, GCC, and international markets. * Identify, evaluate, and secure qualified franchise investors and strategic partners. * Conduct franchise presentations, business meetings, and negotiations with potential franchisees. * Prepare and manage franchise agreements in coordination with the legal team. * Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective franchise partners. Business Expansion * Identify high-potential markets and locations for new restaurants and kiosks. * Conduct market research, feasibility studies, competitor analysis, and financial evaluations. * Develop expansion plans aligned with the company's strategic objectives. * Coordinate with landlords, developers, and shopping mall management for new site acquisitions. Franchise Support * Manage the complete franchise onboarding process. * Coordinate pre-opening activities, including restaurant setup, training, recruitment, and operational readiness. * Ensure franchisees comply with Al Farooj Fresh brand standards, SOPs, quality, and food safety requirements. * Conduct regular business reviews and operational audits to support franchise performance. Business Development * Develop relationships with investors, developers, and commercial real estate companies. * Represent Al Farooj Fresh at franchise exhibitions, trade shows, and networking events. * Identify strategic partnerships to accelerate regional and international growth. * Monitor industry trends and recommend new market opportunities. Financial & Commercial Management * Prepare business cases, investment proposals, and financial forecasts. * Monitor franchise fees, royalties, and commercial performance. * Evaluate the profitability and return on investment (ROI) of expansion projects. * Support annual expansion budgets and revenue forecasts. Project Management * Lead cross-functional teams during restaurant openings. * Coordinate with Operations, HR, Finance, Marketing, Procurement, and Construction teams. * Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to company standards. Reporting * Prepare monthly expansion reports for senior management. * Monitor KPIs related to franchise sales, new openings, revenue growth, and market penetration. * Present expansion strategies and progress updates to executive management. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality Management, or a related field (MBA is an advantage). * Minimum 5-8 years of experience in franchise development, business expansion, in QSR/F&B operations. * Proven experience expanding restaurant brands through franchising. * Strong knowledge of franchise business models and commercial negotiations. * Experience in the UAE and GCC markets; international expansion experience is highly desirable. * Excellent communication (Arabic is a plus), negotiation, and presentation skills. * Strong financial and analytical capabilities. * Willingness to travel extensively within the UAE, GCC, and international markets. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) * Number of franchise agreements signed annually. * Number of new restaurants successfully opened. * Expansion into new cities and countries. * Franchise sales and royalty revenue growth. * Speed of project completion versus target timelines. * Franchisee satisfaction and retention. * Compliance with brand standards and operational audits. * Return on investment (ROI) for expansion projects. * Growth of Al Farooj Fresh's regional and international presence. Preferred Experience * QSR or restaurant franchise expansion. * Multi-country franchise management. * International business development. * Site selection and lease negotiation. * Restaurant project management. * Franchise operations and brand management. Pay: AED5,434.84 - AED20,437.83 per month Work Location: In person