International Business Development Director

Role Overview

- The International Business Development Director will lead the global expansion of SOKO Cake Bake Brunch, focusing on building a scalable, high-quality international footprint through strategic partnerships, master franchise agreements, and selective joint ventures.

- This role goes beyond traditional business development. It is responsible for shaping how SOKO enters new markets, selecting the right partners, structuring high-value deals, and ensuring that every new location reflects the brand’s standards in both experience and performance.

- The position works directly with the CEO & Founder to translate SOKO’s vision into a global growth strategy, with a strong focus on long-term brand value, operational excellence, and financial sustainability.

1. Global Expansion Strategy & Market Selection

- Define and execute SOKO’s international expansion roadmap (priority markets: Australia, Middle East, Asia, North America)

- Conduct deep market analysis: consumer behavior, competitive landscape, cost structure, and regulatory environment

- Identify optimal entry strategies per market (master franchise, JV, or direct investment)

- Build 3–5 year expansion pipeline with clear rollout targets and milestones

2. Franchise & Joint Venture Structuring

- Lead sourcing, evaluation, and selection of master franchise partners and strategic investors

- Structure commercial terms:

• Master franchise fee

• Royalty structure

• Development commitments (multi-store rollout)

• Equity participation where applicable

• Lead negotiations end-to-end, ensuring strong alignment with SOKO’s long-term positioning

• Protect SOKO’s upside while maintaining partner motivation and scalability

3. Deal Execution & Market Entry

- Oversee full lifecycle of market entry:

• Pre-deal → Due diligence → Contract → Launch

• Coordinate with internal teams (operations, kitchen, design, marketing, supply chain) to localize and execute the concept

• Ensure first store in each market is delivered at flagship quality (design, workflow, customer experience)

• Personally oversee key openings for new markets

4. Financial Strategy & Investment Planning

- Build and validate financial models for each market:

• CAPEX requirements

• Revenue projections (daily, monthly, annual)

• Profit margins and payback period

• Evaluate partner financial capacity and operational readiness

• Work with CEO on investment strategy (including SOKO co-investment where relevant)

• Ensure deals meet minimum return thresholds and strategic value

5. Brand Control & Global Consistency

- Maintain strict control over:

• Location approval

• Store design and layout

• Menu core structure

• Key ingredients and supply chain

• Brand identity and marketing direction

• Ensure every SOKO location globally delivers a consistent, premium experience

• Balance localization with brand integrity

6. Supply Chain & Operational Alignment

- Work with internal teams to expand SOKO’s supply chain internationally

- Ensure core ingredients, pastry systems, and packaging are standardized across markets

- Support partners in sourcing and operational setup to meet SOKO standards

- Optimize cost structures while maintaining product quality

7. Partner Management & Performance

- Build long-term relationships with franchise partners and investors

- Monitor performance across markets:

• Revenue per store

• Profitability

• Operational standards

• Intervene and restructure when performance is below expectations

• Drive continuous improvement and expansion within each territory

8. Internal Leadership & Cross-functional Alignment

- Work closely with:

• CEO & Founder

• Operations Director

• Marketing & Brand Team

• Finance & Supply Chain

• Align all departments to support international rollout

• Build scalable internal processes for multi-market expansion

- 8–12+ years in international business development, franchise, or expansion (F&B / hospitality preferred)

- Proven experience in scaling brands across multiple cities or countries

- Strong commercial and negotiation skills (high-value deal structuring)

- Deep understanding of:

• Franchise models

• Restaurant operations

• Market entry strategies

• Strong financial acumen (P&L, ROI, CAPEX planning)

• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on

• Experience working with founders / entrepreneurial environments is highly preferred

• Fluent in English (additional languages such as Chinese or Arabic is a plus)

Key KPIs

- Number of new markets entered per year

- Number and quality of signed master franchise / JV deals

- Revenue contribution from international markets

- Speed and success of new store openings

- Average store performance (revenue + profitability)

- Compliance with SOKO brand and operational standards

Success Profile

This role is for someone who:

- Thinks like an investor, not just an operator

- Understands both brand and numbers

- Can negotiate aggressively while building long-term partnerships

- Is comfortable working in ambiguity and building structure from scratch

- Is driven to scale a premium hospitality brand globally