Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field
10+ years of international business development or global franchise sales experience
Proven success in securing and closing international licensee or franchise opportunities
Strong knowledge of retail operations and franchise models
Understanding of international franchise regulations and financial risks
Professional fluency in English
Willingness to travel internationally up to 60%
Responsibilities
Proactively source and secure master franchisees and area developers for multi-unit growth
Lead commercial negotiations and execute agreements with legal and executive teams
Analyze market data to prioritize countries and build entry strategies
Manage the opportunity pipeline from outreach to first store opening
Serve as the primary liaison during new partners' first year
Monitor store development and unit performance while coordinating support
Protect brand equity by addressing commercial and operational risks
Benefits
International travel opportunities
Collaboration with cross-functional teams
Engagement with executive leadership
Potential for professional growth in a global market
Opportunity to shape country entry strategies
Full Job Description
About This Role
The International Business Development Manager leads growth across assigned global markets by identifying and securing qualified master franchisees, area developers, and licensees capable of multi unit expansion. You will shape country entry strategies, manage complex commercial negotiations, and move opportunities from initial interest through signed License and Distribution Agreements. You will also guide new partners through first store opening and the first year of the relationship, helping strengthen unit performance, royalties, and long term network growth. This role partners closely with Legal, executive leadership, and cross functional teams and reports to the Director, Business Development. The preferred work location is Panama or the United States, with international travel up to 60 percent.
What You'll Do
Proactively source, evaluate, and secure well capitalized master franchisees, area developers, and licensees capable of multi unit growth
Lead commercial negotiations and execute letters of intent and License and Distribution Agreements with Legal and executive leadership
Analyze market data, competitors, regulations, demographics, and financial potential to prioritize countries and build entry strategies
Manage the opportunity pipeline from initial outreach through approval, financing support, signing, site selection, and first store opening
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Serve as the primary corporate liaison during each new partner's first year and lead Monthly Performance Reviews
Monitor store development, unit performance, compliance, and royalty growth while coordinating cross functional support
Protect brand equity by identifying and addressing commercial, legal, financial, and operational risks.
Who You Are
You are a global business development leader who builds trusted relationships and turns market opportunities into sustainable multi unit growth. You combine commercial judgment, financial and legal acumen, and cultural awareness to navigate complex international partnerships.
Required Skills
Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field
10 or more years of progressive international business development or global franchise sales experience within a major multi unit brand
Proven success securing and closing international licensee or franchise opportunities
Strong knowledge of retail operations, franchise models, capitalization, financing, and lease negotiations
Understanding of international franchise regulations, cross border tax considerations, and currency and financial risk
Professional fluency in English
Ability to travel internationally up to 60 percent
Preferred Skills
Master's degree in business, marketing, or a related field
Proficiency in Spanish or another major global language
Established network of investors, real estate developers, and multi unit operators, preferably in Latin America
WORK AUTHORIZATION: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.
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Compensation Details:
$120000 -$150000 per year
About Ace Hardware Corp
Ace Hardware Corporation is a hardware retailers' cooperative based in Oak Brook, Illinois, United States. It is the world's largest hardware retail cooperative, and the largest non-grocery American retail cooperative.
