Head of Franchise Growth & New Business

Boardroom Appointments; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Boardroom Appointments in South Africa seeks an Executive Head New Business to lead strategic growth, developing market plans and overseeing franchise development across domestic, Africa, and international territories. The role requires driving site acquisitions, managing leases, negotiations, and regulatory compliance, coordinating cross-functional teams, and reporting to Exco.

This senior leadership position emphasizes strategic thinking, leadership, and strong stakeholder management to expand

Qualifications

• Matric exemption is required.
• Diploma / Degree in Business Management or equivalent.
• Degree in Law is preferable.
• Basic understanding of contract drafting & commercial law is beneficial.
• Foster the Team approach to Development within South Africa, Africa, and Internationally.
• Develop, maintain, and execute a strategic market plan for a defined territory and manage new store growth goals.
• Manage a defined territory with market knowledge and growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Identify potential sites for new restaurant development and manage a team of Area Real Estate Managers.
• Coordinate lease agreements and ensure legal compliance in entering leases.
• Oversee negotiations with franchises for sale or closure and manage external stakeholder processes.
• Develop a compliance framework and monitor adherence to legal processes.
• Lead end-to-end projects for franchise openings, property development, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide updates to Exco on ongoing legal projects and risk management.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Market development

Franchise development

Education

Matric exemption

Diploma / Degree in Business Management

Degree in Law (preferable)

Job description

About the job Executive Head New Business

Executive Head New Business

Qualifications:

• Matric exemption
• Diploma / Degree in Business Management (knowledge of how a business operates)
• Degree in Law (preferable)
• Basic understanding of contract drafting & commercial law (beneficial)
• Foster the Team approach to Development within South Africa, Africa, and Internationally
• Develop, maintain, and execute a comprehensive, strategic market plan for a defined territory and manage aggressive new store growth goals
• Manage a defined territory, maintaining strong market knowledge and understanding of coverage gaps, opportunities, trends, projected home/work/shop growth, competition, and other factors influencing real estate decisions
• Manage a team of Area Real Estate Managers to identify potential sites for new restaurant development
• Manage the Projects and Design teams in line with The Company Brand CI and brand equity
• Vision Planning: Gather and analyze information on the potential of the market and each restaurant in the assigned geographical area
• Assist with presentation of site packages to management for approval
• Coordinate the presentation of development opportunities to Operators or strategic Partners

Manage Lease Agreements:

• Oversee and manage the legal team in selecting suitable sites for franchisers, including conducting feasibility studies
• Oversee engagements with potential and current landlords
• Ensure the legal department develops a checklist for requirements to be met in entering lease agreements
• Develop a process outlining roles of different departments in the lease agreement process (e.g., franchise/manufacturing, finance, legal), including lease extensions or relocations
• Provide monthly reports on leasing and insurance expenses related to company properties and assets
• Remedy contractual breaches in relation to leases and terminate agreements as necessary
• Lead discussions/engagements in franchise/landlord disputes, as requested by Exco or the CEO
• Store lease agreements on The Company's online portal and provide access to internal stakeholders

Manage Negotiations and Relations with Stakeholders:

• Oversee negotiations with franchises that are for sale or closed down through the legal department
• Ensure the legal department develops a checklist for the sale process
• Oversee negotiations related to external stakeholder processes
• Ensure the legal department facilitates the payment of joining fees and other required fees into The Companys accounts
• Ensure the legal department collates all documents/statements handed over by franchisers/landlords
• Ensure the legal department engages with creditors and/or debtors accordingly
• Ensure franchisers undergo The Company training
• Develop processes and oversee negotiations related to recouping outstanding fees from landlords
• Initiate the legal recovery process for fees (including debt collection services)
• Report on debt related to franchisers/landlords and recovery rates

Manage Compliance Standards:

• Develop a compliance framework, recommending procedures for operations (lease agreements, contracts, etc.)
• Develop a process for monitoring compliance levels in The Company (adherence to legal processes)
• Promote compliance standards through training within The Company
• Report compliance levels and achievements to Exco/auditors
• Continuously improve compliance processes and standards

Projects:

• Develop and execute the property expansion strategy in alignment with organizational goals, managing property acquisition and development of new franchise locations
• Lead the end-to-end process of new franchise openings, from property selection to successful launch, ensuring all regulatory and safety requirements are met
• Design and oversee property developments maintaining high customer safety standards while promoting cost efficiency
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders
• Drive cost efficiencies in property development and maintenance to support competitive startup costs and franchise development
• Oversee project timelines and risk management to ensure successful franchise openings and grade expansions
• Oversee all legal projects, including vetting information and plans related to relocation, approvals, and negotiations
• Provide updates to the Senior/Exco team on legal projects in progress
• Appoint resources for projects in alignment with operational requirements and budget
• Meet objectives and timelines related to projects
• Flag projects at risk of missing approved timelines and indicate reasons for delays