International Business Development Manager (Retail)

A newly created International Business Development Manager position has just been made available with a growing Lifestyle Retailer brand. This role is to manage franchise partners to further expand the brand overseas.

A leading lifestyle retailer is seeking an International Business Development Manager to play a pivotal role in driving its global franchise development, strategic partnerships, and market expansion. This opportunity offers you the chance to work closely with a knowledgeable team, supporting the growth of a brand renowned for contemporary design and accessible comfort across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. You will be at the forefront of international business development, coordinating partner relationships, executing market entry plans, and contributing to the ongoing success of retail rollouts in new territories. The organisation values flexibility, training opportunities, and supportive leadership, ensuring you are empowered to make a meaningful impact while developing your professional skills in a nurturing environment.

• You will be instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint across existing and emerging global markets by supporting franchise development and strategic partnership initiatives.
• The role provides extensive exposure to international business operations, offering hands-on experience in market research, commercial proposal preparation, and partner onboarding.
• Enjoy flexible working opportunities and access to training programmes that foster both personal growth and collaborative teamwork within a supportive network.

What you'll do:

As an International Business Development Manager, you will immerse yourself in the day-to-day operations of global franchise management, working collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless communication between all parties. Your responsibilities will span from conducting thorough market research to preparing compelling commercial proposals that attract new partners. You will coordinate meetings with retail groups and investors, manage store rollout logistics for new markets, and maintain a robust pipeline of business development opportunities. Success in this role requires you to be highly organised, responsive to partner needs, adept at gathering market intelligence, and committed to supporting both pre- and post-launch activities. By leveraging your interpersonal skills and attention to detail, you will help drive international expansion while fostering positive relationships across diverse markets.

• Maintain daily communication with international franchise partners to ensure alignment on development plans and timely progress updates.
• Coordinate with internal teams to address operational requirements and support franchise partners throughout the lifecycle of their engagement.
• Conduct comprehensive market and competitor research to identify potential opportunities for expansion into new regions.
• Gather detailed information on prospective partners, including retail groups, investors, and franchise candidates, to inform partnership decisions.
• Prepare engaging presentations and commercial proposals tailored to prospective partners’ needs and expectations.
• Organise meetings with potential partners, facilitate discussions, and follow up diligently on partnership negotiations.
• Support the execution of market-entry activities by coordinating store rollouts against agreed timelines and managing logistical requirements.
• Maintain an updated pipeline of business development opportunities, tracking progress from initial qualification through negotiation and onboarding.
• Assist the team lead in preparing commercial proposals and supporting negotiations with prospective partners.
• Provide ongoing support to franchise partners post-launch, ensuring their continued satisfaction and success within the network.

What you bring:

The ideal International Business Development Manager brings a wealth of experience in managing franchise networks or supporting international business operations. Your background demonstrates an ability to connect empathetically with partners from different regions while navigating the intricacies of market entry strategies. You possess advanced organisational skills that allow you to juggle multiple responsibilities without compromising quality or timeliness. Your communication style is considerate yet persuasive—whether preparing commercial proposals or facilitating meetings with potential investors. You are motivated by collaborative teamwork, eager to share knowledge within a communal environment that values mutual support. Your adaptability ensures you remain responsive as new markets emerge or operational challenges arise. Above all, your commitment to ongoing professional development aligns perfectly with the company’s ethos of nurturing talent through training opportunities.

• Your proven experience in international business development or franchise management equips you with the ability to navigate complex cross-border projects.
• Your strong interpersonal skills enable you to build trust-based relationships with partners from varied cultural backgrounds.
• Your proficiency in conducting market research allows you to gather actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making.
• Your organisational abilities ensure you can manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
• Your excellent written and verbal communication skills empower you to prepare persuasive presentations and commercial proposals for prospective partners.
• Your collaborative approach helps you work effectively within a supportive team environment where knowledge sharing is valued.
• Your responsiveness ensures timely follow-up on partnership discussions and operational requirements.
• Your adaptability enables you to thrive in dynamic environments where priorities may shift as new opportunities arise.
• Your commitment to continuous learning means you actively seek out training opportunities that enhance your professional capabilities.
• Your sensitivity towards diverse cultures supports inclusive business practices during international expansion.

What sets this company apart:

This established lifestyle retailer has built its reputation on combining contemporary design with everyday comfort at accessible prices. With a growing presence across Southeast Asia and the Middle East—and ambitious plans for further international expansion—the company offers employees unique exposure to global retail operations. Its inclusive culture emphasises collaboration among teams, supported by leadership that prioritises employee wellbeing through flexible working arrangements and ongoing training programmes. Employees benefit from being part of a network that values knowledge sharing, communal growth leadership, and supportive mentorship. The organisation’s commitment to diversity ensures under-represented voices are heard as it expands into new markets. Joining this company means becoming part of a forward-thinking team dedicated not only to business success but also personal fulfilment through shared achievements.

What's next:

If you are ready to contribute your expertise in international business development within a collaborative environment that values growth leadership and inclusivity, this is your opportunity to make an impact on a global scale.

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—take the next step towards joining an organisation where your talents are nurtured and your contributions truly matter.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C