Head of Franchise - UK Wide

We are seeking an outstanding Head of Franchise to lead the next phase of expansion for our Client's restaurant business across the UK. This is a pivotal senior leadership appointment with responsibility for driving franchise sales, securing new franchise partners, delivering an ambitious restaurant opening programme and maximising the commercial and operational performance of the existing franchise network. The ambition is to open 18–20 new restaurants every year, creating a significant opportunity for an experienced franchise leader to take ownership of the expansion strategy.

We are looking for a commercially driven, entrepreneurial and results-focused individual who understands how to build a successful franchise network, attract high-quality franchise partners and deliver sustainable, profitable growth. You will have responsibility for the entire franchise lifecycle, from generating leads and securing new franchise agreements through to site development, restaurant openings, operational support and ongoing franchisee performance. This is not simply a franchise sales or operations role. It is an opportunity to lead and grow an entire franchise business.

THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the senior leadership team, you will take overall responsibility for franchise development, sales, operations and commercial performance across the UK. Your primary objective will be to deliver the agreed expansion strategy of 18–20 new restaurant openings annually, whilst ensuring that the existing franchise estate continues to grow in sales, profitability and operational standards.

• FRANCHISE SALES & NETWORK EXPANSION
• You will lead the franchise recruitment and sales strategy, taking responsibility for generating new business and converting opportunities into successful franchise partnerships. Key responsibilities:
• Develop and deliver a UK-wide franchise expansion strategy targeting 18–20 new restaurant openings annually.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective franchise partners.
• Proactively identify, approach and recruit high-quality franchise operators and investors.
• Lead the complete franchise sales process, from initial enquiry through qualification, presentations, negotiations and signed agreements.
• Identify new territories, markets and opportunities for expansion.
• Develop relationships with franchise brokers, business networks, commercial agents and potential investors.
• Assess prospective franchisees for financial capability, operational experience and cultural fit.
• Negotiate commercial terms and work with professional advisers on franchise agreements.
• Work with property and development teams to identify and secure suitable restaurant locations.
• Ensure new franchise partners progress efficiently from initial commitment through to restaurant opening.
• FRANCHISE OPERATIONS & PERFORMANCE
• You will take full responsibility for the operational success and commercial performance of the existing franchise network. Key responsibilities:
• Manage and develop relationships with all franchise partners.
• Drive sales growth, profitability and operational performance across the estate.
• Monitor restaurant performance through financial reporting, KPIs and regular business reviews.
• Work with franchisees to improve sales, margins, labour productivity and cost control.
• Ensure consistent brand standards, food quality, customer experience and operational compliance.
• Undertake regular restaurant visits and operational performance reviews.
• Identify underperforming restaurants and implement targeted improvement plans.
• Ensure franchisees receive the training, guidance and support required to operate successful businesses.
• Oversee franchisee onboarding, new restaurant launches and operational integration.
• Ensure consistent execution of marketing initiatives, menus, pricing and operational procedures.
• Maintain strong franchisee relationships whilst ensuring accountability against agreed business standards.
• COMMERCIAL & STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
• As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will help shape the wider business strategy and take ownership of the financial and commercial success of the franchise operation. Responsibilities will include:
• Delivering the annual franchise expansion and restaurant opening targets.
• Developing franchise revenue and profitability.
• Establishing clear sales, operational and financial KPIs.
• Managing franchise development budgets and forecasting.
• Monitoring network sales, restaurant profitability and franchise income.
• Identifying opportunities to increase revenue and improve operating margins.
• Developing scalable systems and processes to support continued expansion.
• Working closely with finance, marketing, operations, property and development teams.
• Providing regular performance reports and strategic recommendations to the board and senior leadership team.

ABOUT YOU

You will be an established senior franchise professional with significant experience in the restaurant, QSR, casual dining or wider hospitality sector. We are particularly interested in candidates who have successfully driven franchise expansion and have a demonstrable track record of opening multiple new locations. You will ideally have:

• Significant experience in a senior franchise development or franchise leadership role.
• A proven track record of recruiting franchise partners and securing new franchise agreements.
• Experience delivering substantial multi-site restaurant expansion programmes.
• Strong operational experience managing an existing franchise network.
• A detailed understanding of franchise business models and commercial economics.
• Experience driving restaurant sales, profitability and operational improvements.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation and relationship management skills.
• Strong financial awareness and the ability to interpret business performance.
• The ability to lead, motivate and hold franchise partners accountable.
• A highly commercial, entrepreneurial and results-driven approach.
• The flexibility to travel extensively throughout the UK.

SALARY & PACKAGE

Basic salary: £100,000–£120,000 per annum, depending on experience and track record. In addition: Performance-related bonus linked to franchise expansion and commercial results. Senior leadership team position with direct access to the board. Significant influence over the strategic direction of the business. Opportunity to lead a major UK-wide restaurant expansion programme. The chance to build and develop a substantial franchise network.

If you have the experience, commercial ability and drive to secure new franchise partners, deliver 18–20 restaurant openings annually and maximise the performance of an existing restaurant network, we would like to hear from you.