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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and Cross-functional Alignment

- Work closely with:

CEO and Founder

Operations Director

Marketing and Brand Team

Finance and Supply Chain

Align all departments to support international rollout

Build scalable internal processes for multi-market expansion

 Working hours: 08:30 AM – 05:30 PM, with lunch break from 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM

 Public holidays in accordance with Vietnamese Labor Law

 12 days of annual leave per year

 Enjoy a comfortable working environment with afternoon tea, pastries, and milk provided

 Competitive salary (negotiable based on experience and capability)

- 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