Vice President- International Development

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

(Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a VP of International Development. This role is open to remote within the United States with travel up to 70%. The VP of International Development owns the international development mandate across new market entry and expansion in existing markets. This role sources and diligences brand partners, negotiates development agreements, and drives disciplined market development strategy and planning to ensure growth at franchisees level.

The role also leads the end-to-end development process in partnership with internal teams and franchisees, including market planning, site approvals, design, remodels for existing markets, and first store openings in new markets.

Key Accountabilities Include:

• Build and maintain a prioritized pipeline of target markets, contiguous markets, and expansion priorities in existing markets.
• Develop market entry strategies and multiyear development roadmaps, including format strategy by location type, asset type, and site configuration.
• Monitor external conditions that impact development decisions, including macroeconomic conditions, foreign exchange implications, trade barriers, and real estate market dynamics

• Identify, source, and qualify new brand partners for international growth.
• Lead partner diligence across operational capability and financial capacity to fund initial and ongoing development.
• Prepare and present new franchisee applications and partner recommendations to the Executive Review Committee.
• Build and maintain relationships with banks, real estate brokerages, third party brokers, and relevant industry associations to represent the brand and expand the partner pipeline.
• Direct company participation in international franchise expos, including development of sales materials and collateral, and hands on participation as needed by geography.

• Lead negotiation of development agreements with new and existing partners, aligning obligations to market potential and partner capability.
• Ensure existing franchisees meet or exceed development obligations, and drive actions when commitments drift.
• Partner with the ADQ Legal department to ensure development and legal processes are followed, and that local registration and compliance obligations are met.

• Lead the international development process across site selection and approval, closure approval, renewals, and franchisee approvals, consistent with company process.
• Lead design, real estate and site selection, and construction enablement for international franchisees, in partnership with internal stakeholders and franchisees.
• Direct leadership of project management for first sites in new markets, including opening readiness and coordination across functions and the franchisee.
• Coordinate site selection work, including in market site visits when required, and preparation of site approval reviews supported by analysis and market conditions.

• Lead the international development finance scope, assessing franchisee financial health, capital structures, and growth readiness.
• Partner with new franchisees to build business plans and capital and financial models, and to align development pace to returns and funding realities.
• Lead transactional work tied to development outcomes, including acquisitions, divestitures, investments, and workouts, coordinating with internal partners as required.

• Assist with collection of area and store fees across international markets, working with internal partners as appropriate.
• Coordinate effectively with internal departments to deliver outcomes on time, including Concept Development, Marketing, Supply Chain, R and D, and Legal.

• Accountable for building the market and partner pipeline, and for bringing partner recommendations and…