Senior Development Manager

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Yum Brands is seeking a Senior Development Manager in Dubai to lead profitable restaurant expansion by owning and accelerating the new-store pipeline with franchisees, driving remodels and relocations as markets shift, and ensuring adherence to brand standards. The role requires 8+ years of retail business development with real estate expertise, deep Middle East market understanding, strong project management, stakeholder influence across functions, and a data-driven mindset. To apply, tailor your resume to quantify pipeline wins and multi-site delivery, emphasize collaborations with franchisees, Real Estate, Design, and Operations, and showcase cross-functional leadership. Craft a concise cover note linking your experience to KFC’s Originals culture and apply through the portal.

At KFC, we pride ourselves on being original. We even named our recipe after it. But for us, the answer to the question is simple. Be You. Everyone at KFC is different. Unique. It’s what makes us special - our people, The Originals. And we welcome you to join us. Bring your individuality. Bring your grit and energy. Bring your spirit. Your story. Your drive and your passion. Every piece of you. Bring it. Even the parts you don’t like. Because we value our people no matter what. That’s just how our inclusive culture works – everyone has a seat at our table. We’ll feed your potential and we’ll support you to be your best self, to make a difference, and have fun. Together, we can be part of something truly extraordinary. All you have to do is Bring It!
SDM is responsible for delivering growth through profitable restaurant expansion and always-fresh restaurants (remodels and relocations of stores when required). In partnership with our franchisees, SDM builds and monitors the pipeline for store openings aiming at achieving the Company expansion program

MAKE A DIFFERENCE… with your role’s responsibilities

•  In the field, understanding competition, trade-zones and customer behaviors, you challenge & ultimately validate location and asset types chosen by franchisees to integrate them into the new store pipeline. This is done in partnership with our franchisees (Real estate, construction, General Mgt.) and with our market mapping expert
•  You own and monitor the new store pipeline ensuring its timely delivery while maintaining key stakeholders informed of progress and blockers
• You provide solutions to enhance new store pipeline – both quantity and quality
• You constantly challenge the business model to lower hurdle sales of new stores - this is done in partnership with internal design team, Operations team, Restaurant Excellence team, Equipment team and Franchisees, 
•  You ensure that the restaurant portfolio is kept “fresh”, ensuring that remodels are done and relocation executed when required by change of trade zones
• You continuously enhance franchisee capabilities by providing tools, trainings and share best-practices
• You ensure franchisees adhere to brand standards for new builds and refurbishment programme
• You steer and develop suppliers, vendors and consultants in order to deliver profitable expansion in time
• You keep abreast of Restaurant industry practices both within Yum & competitors regarding development plans, design standards and Capex efficiencies
• You coordinate and ensure all related function approvals during remodel and new store approval processes
• You ensure all Franchise Partners are meeting with global equipment standards 
• The Senior Development Manager is the most senior manager in the Department, reporting to and working closely with, the Sr Director development. 
• The person in this position will also support and interact with other functions within the business unit (Operations, Marketing, Restaurant Excellence, Supply Chain, R&D/QA, Human Resources, and Finance) as well as franchise General Managers and their teams, domestic counter parts, senior development executives, consultants and vendors.
  
   

BRING YOUR BEST SELF… with your top-notch qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field from a reputable institution.
• 8+ years of Business Development experience in retail, with proven retail real estate expertise.
• Strong business and cultural understanding of the Middle East market.
• Strong commercial acumen, project management, and process-oriented approach.
• Ability to work effectively across functions, influence stakeholders at all levels, and manage complex transactions with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex business issues to senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical capabilities, with the ability to evaluate risks, opportunities, and business scenarios.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners, suppliers, clients, and cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and achieving results independently.

  
  Ready to join? Click APPLY to start your Original journey!