Head of New Business Development - United Kingdom

Subway; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global restaurant brand is seeking a Head of New Business Development to drive restaurant expansion in the UK. This role involves developing sales strategies, securing franchise partnerships, and leading negotiations. Ideal candidates should have significant experience in restaurant operations and business development, with strong leadership and negotiation skills. The position offers competitive benefits, including insurance plans and a mobility allowance.

Benefits

Insurance Plans (Medical/Life)

Pension

Competitive Bonus

Mobility Allowance

Tuition Reimbursement

Company Holidays

Volunteering time

Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of experience in restaurant operations and/or business development.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Creative with strong negotiating skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the business development strategy to expand market presence across the UK.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key landlords and stakeholders.
• Create robust development agreements, balancing franchisee profitability.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership presence

Financial acumen

Project management skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

Job description

Head of New Business Development – United Kingdom

Region : Near London area in United Kingdom

Ready for a fresh, new career? Look no further because one of the world’s most iconic brands can help you get there.

Why Join Us?

At Subway, “better” is baked into our DNA. We are a brand that believes in continued improvement … in our lives, our businesses, and our planet. From the handshake that started our very first sandwich shop to earning our position as one of the world’s leading restaurant brands, we’ve always embraced change and the path ahead. And today, we\u2019re making better living way easier.

Our purpose is about more than the food we serve in our restaurants. It’s centered on fueling healthy businesses and healthier lives. It is one of the most exciting times to join the Subway team and contribute to our transformational journey.

About the Role

Working closely with a variety of stakeholders, the Head of New Business Development will build our new sales strategy with the objective of growing our restaurant count through profitable restaurant development. They will be responsible for delivering the strategy designed to attract and secure new Franchisees across UK and Ireland spanning workstreams including Advertising, PR and Digital in line with our Real Estate Strategy.

If you feel that this is the role for you, and you are successful with your application, be ready to be Bold, Empowered, Accountable, and ready to have Fun in a fast paced and agile working environment.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Growth
  • Develop and execute the business development strategy to expand market presence across the UK.
  • Support the identification of opportunities for new restaurant sites, franchise partnerships, and strategic alliances.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to monitor market trends, competitor activity, and consumer behaviors to inform decision-making. Provide reports as requested and create appropriate action plans to mitigate impact of competitors.
• Partnerships & Franchising
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key landlords, developers, franchise partners, and lenders.
  • Negotiate and structure partnership agreements that deliver long-term value.
  • Support the franchise recruitment and onboarding process, ensuring alignment with brand standards.
• Commercial Delivery
  • Create robust development agreements, fostering new opportunities, balancing franchisee profitability with operational feasibility.
  • Work closely with internal and external stakeholders on projects in line with AOP.
  • Lead agreement negotiations and hold accountability for meeting growth KPIs.
• Leadership & Influence
  • Provide clear direction to cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment on growth objectives.
  • Influence senior stakeholders with clear, data-driven recommendations.
  • Act as a brand ambassador, representing the company in industry forums, property networks, and external engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field preferred.
• 5 to 8 years of experience in restaurant operations and/or business development
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience
• Creative with strong negotiating (sales) skills. Sound commercial awareness.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence direct team and broader stakeholders.
• Financial acumen focusing on franchisee profitability.
• Ability to use a variety of tools/sources as part of analysis (e.g. P&L assessments).
• Excellent project management skills including establishing strategy, goals, execution and reporting. Goal focused.
• Strong communication & presentation skills - Adaptable and open working style with ability to establish trust and credibility quickly
• Organized, a self-starter with the ability to multi-task

What do we Offer?

• Insurance Plans (Medical/Life)
• Pension
• Competitive Bonus
• Mobility Allowance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Holidays
• Volunteering time
• And Many More….