Franchise Development Manager

Job SummaryThe Franchise Development Manager – Emerging Markets is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and developing franchise opportunities in high-growth international markets, with a primary focus on Asia, Latin America, and Africa. This role supports the company's international expansion by sourcing qualified franchise partners, conducting market assessments, coordinating market entry activities, and managing the franchise development process from prospecting through execution.Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, the Franchise Development Manager will help expand the company's international footprint while ensuring new franchise partnerships align with the company's brand standards, growth objectives, and operational capabilities.Responsibilities and duties Franchise Development§ Identify and qualify prospective franchisees, master franchisees, and strategic business partners in target markets.§ Develop and maintain a pipeline of franchise opportunities across emerging markets.§ Support negotiations with prospective partners and assist in the preparation of franchise agreements.§ Build and maintain strong relationships with investors, franchise candidates, consultants, and industry contacts.§ Effectively assess Franchisee store operational execution utilizing scorecard-based evaluations consistent with the Payless process.Market Analysis§ Conduct market research to evaluate new country opportunities, competitive landscapes, consumer trends, and retail potential.§ Prepare market assessments, business cases, and financial analyses to support expansion decisions.§ Monitor economic, regulatory, and retail developments in target regions.Market Entry Support§ Coordinate the franchise development process from initial contact through store opening.§ Collaborate with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Legal teams to support successful market launches.§ Share best practices from Payless Retail Operations to deliver great customer shopping experience and customer service model.§ Provide guidance and direction to Franchisee, working with Store Design and Procurement, to ensure appropriate store unit capacity, fixtures & placement, site lines, visual requirements in enhancing the customer shopping experience.§ Train franchisee on payless brand operational standards and processes to ensure on-going compliance with those core standards§ Assist franchise partners during onboarding and ensure timely completion of development milestones.§ Monitor project timelines and follow up on key deliverables.Relationship Management§ Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective franchise partners during the development process.§ Maintain regular communication with franchise prospects and existing international partners.§ Support franchise partners in understanding brand standards, business expectations, and development requirements.Reporting & Performance§ Maintain accurate records of franchise development activities and market opportunities.§ Prepare reports, presentations, and forecasts for senior management.§ Track key performance indicators related to franchise pipeline, market development, and new store openings.          Required Experience, Skills and Qualifications Education§ Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, International Business, Marketing, Finance, or a related field.§ MBA or postgraduate studies are considered an asset.Experience§ 5–8 years of experience in franchise development, business development, international sales, retail expansion, or related commercial roles.§ Experience working with franchise or multi-unit retail business models.§ Exposure to international markets, particularly in Asia, Latin America, or Africa.§ Experience in footwear, fashion, apparel, retail, or consumer goods industries is preferred.Required Skills§ Strong business development and relationship management skills.§ Excellent negotiation and communication abilities.§ Analytical skills with the ability to evaluate market opportunities and financial viability.§ Project management and organizational skills.§ Ability to manage multiple projects across different countries and time zones.§ Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.§ Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.Preferred Competencies§ Commercial mindset with strong customer and partner orientation.§ Ability to work independently while collaborating across cross-functional teams.§ Strong cultural awareness and adaptability in international business environments.§ Results-oriented with excellent follow-through and attention to detail.§ Curiosity about global retail trends and emerging consumer markets.Travel Requirements§ International travel up to 40–60% of the time.§ Frequent travel within Asia, Latin America, Africa, and other target markets as required.Languages§ Fluent English (required).§ Spanish (required).§ Portuguese is highly desirable.§ Additional languages such as Mandarin, French, or Arabic are a plus. Reports to: Head of Franchising & US Ops Salary $110,000 per yearBenefits: competitive package - Medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, legal insurance 401 (k).