Senior Development Manager

Jobtailor; Dubai; On-site; AED 240,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Dubai seeks a Senior Development Manager to lead franchised store expansion across the Middle East. You will validate location strategy, oversee the pipeline, and ensure timely delivery with stakeholders informed of risks and blockers.

Your role drives profitable growth through strong vendor management and adherence to brand standards. You will leverage 8+ years in retail development, excel in cross-functional collaboration, and push for continuous improvement in store concept and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Business Admin, Economics, or related field.
• 8+ years of Business Development experience in retail with real estate expertise.
• Strong understanding of Middle East market and culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage complex transactions with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Understand competition, trade zones, and customer behavior to validate locations and asset types for store openings.
• Own and monitor the new store pipeline ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder updates.
• Provide solutions to enhance pipeline quantity and quality.
• Challenge business model to lower hurdle sales in partnership with internal teams and franchisees.
• Ensure portfolio remains fresh with remodels and relocations as trade zones change.
• Develop franchisee capabilities through tools, trainings, and best practices.
• Ensure brand standards for new builds and refurbishments are met.
• Coordinate suppliers, vendors, and consultants to deliver profitable expansion on time.
• Stay informed on industry developments and Capex efficiencies.
• Coordinate approvals across functions during remodel and new store processes.
• Ensure Franchise Partners meet global equipment standards.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning

Job description

Responsibilities

• In the field, understanding competition, trade‑zones and customer behaviors, you challenge & ultimately validate location and asset types chosen by franchisees to integrate them into the new store pipeline.
• You own and monitor the new store pipeline ensuring its timely delivery while maintaining key stakeholders informed of progress and blockers.
• You provide solutions to enhance new store pipeline – both quantity and quality.
• You constantly challenge the business model to lower hurdle sales of new stores - this is done in partnership with internal design team, Operations team, Restaurant Excellence team, Equipment team and Franchisees.
• You ensure that the restaurant portfolio is kept “fresh”, ensuring that remodels are done and relocation executed when required by change of trade zones.
• You continuously enhance franchisee capabilities by providing tools, trainings and share best‑practices.
• You ensure franchisees adhere to brand standards for new builds and refurbishment programme.
• You steer and develop suppliers, vendors and consultants in order to deliver profitable expansion in time.
• You keep abreast of Restaurant industry practices both within Yum & competitors regarding development plans, design standards and Capex efficiencies.
• You coordinate and ensure all related function approvals during remodel and new store approval processes.
• You ensure all Franchise Partners are meeting with global equipment standards.
• The Senior Development Manager is the most senior manager in the Department, reporting to and working closely with, the Sr Director development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field from a reputable institution.
• 8+ years of Business Development experience in retail, with proven retail real estate expertise.
• Strong business and cultural understanding of the Middle East market.
• Strong commercial acumen, project management, and process‑oriented approach.
• Ability to work effectively across functions, influence stakeholders at all levels, and manage complex transactions with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex business issues to senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical capabilities, with the ability to evaluate risks, opportunities, and business scenarios.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners, suppliers, clients, and cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and achieving results independently.