Franchise Governance & Compliance Manager in City of London

Franchise Governance & Compliance Manager

Wonderfield Operations - Head Office

Contract: Full Time Salary: 50,000 - 55,000 Contracted Hours: 40

About Wonderfield Group

Wonderfield Group is a leading food business operating across the UK, Ireland and Europe, bringing authentic, high-quality Asian cuisine to customers through multiple channels. As part of the global Zensho Holdings Group, we combine the strength of an international organisation with the agility and ambition of a fast-growing business.

Our portfolio includes well-loved brands such as YO!, Panku, Taiko Foods, Bento serving millions of customers through restaurants, retail kiosks, supermarket partnerships and food manufacturing.

From our iconic YO! restaurants and Panku retail kiosks across the UK and Ireland, to our expanding European retail partnerships and our award‑winning manufacturing business, Taiko Foods, we're passionate about creating fresh sushi, poke, bento, street food and Asian‑inspired meals that customers love.

Operating across the UK, Ireland and a growing number of European markets including Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and Poland, we're continuing to invest in innovation, our people and our brands as we expand our footprint across the continent.

Joining Wonderfield means becoming part of an ambitious, collaborative business where innovation is encouraged, careers can flourish and everyone has the opportunity to make a real impact. As we continue our exciting growth journey across the UK, Ireland and Europe, there's never been a better time to join us.

Franchise Governance Manager role is responsible for overseeing franchise governance, compliance, and contractual processes across the network. It manages franchise partner relationships on complex matters including disputes, entity changes, contractual breaches, and franchise exits, while ensuring compliance with franchise agreements and operational standards. The role also leads the continuous improvement of franchise processes, documentation, CRM systems, and automation initiatives to drive efficiency, risk management, and sustainable network growth.

What you will need

Experience in franchise management, compliance, legal governance or multi‑site operations.

Strong knowledge of contracts, compliance and dispute resolution.

Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Confident drafting formal correspondence, contractual notices and legal documentation.

Highly organised, analytical and detail‑focused, with strong case management skills.

A track record of improving processes, controls and operational efficiency.

Confident using CRM systems, automation and AI tools.

Commercially minded, balancing business needs, compliance and franchise relationships.

Able to work effectively with Operations, Legal, Finance, HR and senior leadership.

Experience in a franchised business.

Knowledge of UK franchise best practice.

Experience with CRM implementation or process automation.

A degree or equivalent experience in Business, Law or Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafts and manages formal Letters of Concern to franchise partners, utilising established templates while continuously enhancing and refining communications in line with network developments and business requirements.
• Prepares termination notices where franchise relationships are being concluded, including gathering supporting evidence, compiling breach timelines, and presenting clear, comprehensive summaries of contractual non‑compliance.
• Leads the management of mutually agreed franchise exits, including negotiation of exit terms and reconciliation of financial and operational matters such as supplier accounts, maintenance obligations, employee‑related liabilities, and damage claims.
• Manages franchise partner disputes, working collaboratively with Franchise, Operations, and wider business stakeholders to achieve commercially and legally appropriate resolutions.
• Maintains ownership of the Operations Manual, ensuring content remains current, compliant, and aligned with the applicable Franchise Agreement and operational requirements.
• Supports and continuously improves key franchise lifecycle processes, including Lead Generation, Franchise Sales, Onboarding, Transfers, and Renewals, with accountability for governance, data integrity, approvals, and operational efficiency.
• Owns the governance and administration of contractual deductions, ensuring consistent application, accurate monitoring, and full compliance with contractual obligations.
• Identifies and recommends enhancements to Franchise Agreements to support network growth, mitigate risk, and strengthen operational effectiveness.
• Oversees the review and approval process for franchise partner requests involving entity changes, including director appointments, shareholder changes, restructures, and contract transfers to new entities.
• Develops, implements, and manages the franchise compliance and fines framework, ensuring alignment with legal obligations, contractual requirements, and network standards.
• Leads the migration and optimisation of franchise processes within CRM platforms, including historical data management, process automation, and the integration of AI‑driven solutions to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Works closely with the Senior Franchise Partnerships Manager and Operations teams to coordinate the successful handover of new and transferred franchise locations, ensuring all contractual, operational, and timeline requirements are met.
• Designs, documents, and continuously improves franchise process flows, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, and industry best practice.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives across franchise governance, compliance, and operational processes to enhance franchise partner experience and support sustainable network growth.

We're proud to offer:

• Fantastic hybrid working environment
• Opportunity to grow your career alongside with us with available apprentice program
• Brilliant support services designed to enhance your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
• Annual discretionary bonus subject to business and overall performance
• Discretionary Life Assurance
• Discretionary Income Protection
• Private Medical Cash Plan
• Bespoke reward platform including access to retail, cinema & gym discounts.
• 50% off your food every time you dine with us for you and 3 friends.
• Contribute towards our award‑winning sustainability initiatives that delivers progress against 9 UN sustainability goals. We're committed to responsibly sourcing and all our seafood, therefore we only use source sustainable fish. All our packaging is recyclable and 80% of our packaging is already made from recycled plastic.
• Annual Awards ceremony celebrating our success and offering winning Managers free trips to Japan.

Wonderfield Europe at a glance

Operating across the UK, Ireland and Europe, we bring Asian‑inspired food experiences to customers through our brands YO!, Panku and Taiko Foods. From restaurants and retail kiosks to food manufacturing and retail partnerships, we combine innovation, quality and passion to deliver great food experiences every day.

About us:

Come roll with us and be part of something big.

Our Values

Think like an owner. Be passionate. Speak openly. Move fast, together.

Ready to Roll?

Come roll with us and play a key role by bringing people together to celebrate better food for everyone the Japanese way...

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