Founded by the Carney brothers more than 60 years ago, Pizza Hut is the world’s largest pizza company, operating over 18,000 stores in more than 100 countries, including about 1,500 in 25 European markets. Our European headquarters are based at the Restaurant Support Centre (RSC) in Borough, London.
About the role
Franchise Development Manager – join our UK, Germany and France Development team to support Pizza Hut’s ambitious growth plan over the next three to five years and beyond. In this role you will drive the recruitment of growth‑mindful franchisees and partner with existing franchisees to optimise their estate, reporting directly to the Head of UK Development.
Key responsibilities
- Act as the first point of contact for franchise development activity in the UK, building strong relationships with franchisees to positively influence their estate and performance, while supporting annual development goals.
- Manage and support all phases of the franchise lifecycle and new store opening forums, including chairing the weekly cross‑functional meeting, setting the agenda, assigning actions and ensuring follow‑up with relevant stakeholders.
- Track, report and forecast the annual development pipeline, including associated risks, across the UK, Germany and France.
- Ensure all new development aligns with market strategy, asset strategy processes and the franchise policy manual.
- Support brand standards across existing Huts and ensure contract renewals, remodels and transfers are managed effectively.
- Advise and support franchise recruitment efforts to maintain a strong pipeline of growth‑mindful partners, including identifying and onboarding new franchisees.
- Support closure mitigation through negotiation and asset relocation.
- Support the wider Development team with planning, business reviews and ad‑hoc projects as needed.
- Work closely with the respective Heads for each Market to ensure alignment on projects, progress and required actions.
- Moderate travel of around 25% may be required, including travel across the UK, Germany and France.
Working relationships
- Pizza Hut RSC: Development, Finance, Legal, Franchise Business Managers/Operations, Marketing, Restaurant Excellence and IT.
- Franchisees: owners, development leads and other functional leaders.
- Third parties/vendors: consultants, landowners, commercial agents, developers, landlords, local planning departments and local authorities.
Experience and qualifications
- BA/BS degree in property/development, finance, business or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Knowledge of the UK, German and French markets would be advantageous.
- Strong understanding of the QSR landscape, property standards and market trends.
- A strong network across franchising and property is preferred.
- Minimum of three to five years’ relevant franchise development experience, with evidence of organisational impact and increasing responsibility. QSR or retail experience is preferred.
- Proven capability across key development disciplines, including market planning analysis, site selection, real estate contract negotiation and estate management.
- Excellent project management skills and a proven track record of delivery.
- Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, Word and real estate‑related tools is beneficial.
- Ideal characteristics include energy, proactivity, strong interpersonal skills, professionalism and sound commercial judgement.
- Fluent English is required; German or French as a second language would be beneficial but is not essential.
What we can offer you
- Hybrid working, with three days a week in our London office.
- Generous pension, with up to 7.5% company contribution.
- Private healthcare, with the option to add family cover.
- Annual holiday allowance starting at 25 days, with the option to buy or sell up to five additional days each year.
- After five years’ service, annual holiday allowance increases to 30 days.
- Flexible and voluntary benefits, including dental insurance, health screening and gym discounts.
As an equal opportunity employer, Pizza Hut values individuality and diversity. We recruit regardless of background, age, ethnicity, colour, gender, disability, sexual or religious orientation, or marital status.
If this sounds like you and you are keen to join a global, dynamic and ambitious company where you can thrive, we would love to hear from you.
Franchise Development Manager employer: Pizza Hut
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