Franchise Governance & Compliance Manager

YO! Sushi UK Ltd; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

YO! Sushi UK Ltd is hiring a Franchise Governance & Compliance Manager in Ipswich. This full-time role (40 hours per week) oversees franchise governance, compliance, and contractual processes across the network, including disputes, entity changes, and exits.

You will drive process improvements, manage CRM and automation initiatives, and collaborate with Operations, Legal, Finance and senior leadership to ensure consistent standards and sustainable network growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in franchise management or multi-site operations.
• Strong knowledge of contracts, compliance and dispute resolution.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Confident drafting formal correspondence and legal documentation.
• Highly organised, analytical and detail-focused with strong case management.
• Proven track record of improving processes and controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee franchise governance, compliance and contractual processes across the network.
• Manage franchise partner relationships on disputes, changes and exits, ensuring compliance with agreements.
• Lead improvements in processes, documentation, CRM systems and automation to drive efficiency and risk management.

Skills

Franchise management

Compliance & governance

Negotiation

Drafting formal notices

Organised & analytical

Process improvement

CRM systems & automation

Commercial mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Business/Law/Operations degree

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Franchise Governance & Compliance Manager

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, GB, IP1 1

Contract: Full Time

Salary: 50,000 - 55,000

Contracted Hours: 40

About Wonderfield Group

Wonderfield Group is a leading food business operating across the UK, Ireland and Europe, bringing authentic, high-quality Asian cuisine to customers through multiple channels. As part of the global Zensho Holdings Group, we combine the strength of an international organisation with the agility and ambition of a fast-growing business.

Our portfolio includes well-loved brands such as YO!, Panku, Taiko Foods, Bento serving millions of customers through restaurants, retail kiosks, supermarket partnerships and food manufacturing.

From our iconic YO! restaurants and Panku retail kiosks across the UK and Ireland, to our expanding European retail partnerships and our award-winning manufacturing business, Taiko Foods, we're passionate about creating fresh sushi, poke, bento, street food and Asian-inspired meals that customers love.

Operating across the UK, Ireland and a growing number of European markets including Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and Poland, we're continuing to invest in innovation, our people and our brands as we expand our footprint across the continent.

Joining Wonderfield means becoming part of an ambitious, collaborative business where innovation is encouraged, careers can flourish and everyone has the opportunity to make a real impact. As we continue our exciting growth journey across the UK, Ireland and Europe, there's never been a better time to join us.

Job Role

The Franchise Governance Manager role is responsible for overseeing franchise governance, compliance, and contractual processes across the network. It manages franchise partner relationships on complex matters including disputes, entity changes, contractual breaches, and franchise exits, while ensuring compliance with franchise agreements and operational standards. The role also leads the continuous improvement of franchise processes, documentation, CRM systems, and automation initiatives to drive efficiency, risk management, and sustainable network growth.

What you will need

• Experience in franchise management, compliance, legal governance or multi-site operations.
• Strong knowledge of contracts, compliance and dispute resolution.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Confident drafting formal correspondence, contractual notices and legal documentation.
• Highly organised, analytical and detail-focused, with strong case management skills.
• A track record of improving processes, controls and operational efficiency.
• Confident using CRM systems, automation and AI tools.
• Commercially minded, balancing business needs, compliance and franchise relationships.
• Able to work effectively with Operations, Legal, Finance, HR and senior leadership.

Desirable

• Experience in a franchised business.
• Knowledge of UK franchise best practice.
• Experience with CRM implementation or process automation.
• A degree or equivalent experience in Business, Law or Operations.