Market Development Manager, North Asia

About the role

KFC is looking for a Market Development Manager within its North Asia team. You will drive aggressive restaurant growth across a portfolio of franchise markets in North Asia, with focus on Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mongolia. You will own the Net New Unit pipeline and help markets reach their full potential. The role is designed to develop high-potential leaders into future Development leaders within KFC and Yum!, reports to the North Asia CDO and bridges strategy from leadership to the department.

Key responsibilities

• Secure contracted growth through multi-year Development Agreements with franchise partners, aligned with BU leadership and approved by KFC Global
• Develop and run organic growth strategies with franchise partners, including sub-franchisee recruitment, new occasion-based formats and closure mitigation
• Run inorganic growth strategies and transformation projects in high-potential markets
• Build relationships with Franchisee Development organizations and act as liaison between franchisees and KFC North Asia
• Manage the Net New Unit pipeline to drive new store openings and remodel targets, and oversee franchise execution against KFC Asia development processes
• Partner with the Partner Market Manager and Market Planning Lead to assess franchise business models, market potential and competition
• Lead the internal Market Growth Plan and Annual Operating Plan workstream
• Build franchisee capability through conferences, workshops, colleges and market visits, and deploy regional and global best practices

Required profile

• Degree in Business or Finance, or MBA graduate
• 12-15 years of experience in M&A, strategy, commercial or planning roles
• Relevant experience in Strategy Consulting, QSR, Retail, FMCG, Real Estate or Leasing
• Previous business experience in Asia required; experience in the assigned markets highly valued
• Strong business and commercial acumen, strategic thinking and data-backed insights
• Stakeholder management, executive maturity, team leadership and clear communication

Required skills

• Advanced financial business modelling
• High proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel
• Relevant language proficiency is advantageous