Vice President of International Business

Vice President of International BusinessCore Responsibilities:Develop and execute comprehensive global expansion strategies aligned with corporate growth objectives; own international business performance and P&L for assigned regions or global portfolioIdentify, evaluate, and prioritize international market opportunities through market research, competitive analysis, and strategic assessment of entry barriers, regulatory requirements, and growth potentialLead market entry initiatives including localization, regulatory compliance, operational setup, legal entity formation, tax structuring, and go-to-market planning for new countries and regionsBuild and manage international operations including regional offices, subsidiaries, joint ventures, master franchise agreements, distribution partnerships, and licensing arrangementsEstablish scalable market entry strategies, optimize cross-border operations, and ensure long-term international business success across diverse geographic marketsSpearhead development of region's long-term strategic growth plan that strengthens and accelerates brands, business performance, competitive position, and consumer differentiationIdentify and secure franchise strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and distribution agreements that align with and drive overall value of international businessStrengthen franchise system through identification and selection of new investors and/or franchise partners; execute franchise development growth agreements with existing partnersManage international partnerships, develop strategic plans, and drive performance across various markets including revenue growth, profitability, and market share gainsBuild systematic, replicable, and sustainably scalable global business development framework focusing on market entry, revenue growth, strategic partnerships, channel expansion, key client management, and regional business footprintLead cross-border resource integration to drive scalable growth and replication of business models worldwide; oversee regional business development and establishment of localized operational systemsDevelop and direct industry-specific team and sales training; evaluate performance of sales staff while providing feedback, support, and coaching to achieve development and sales goalsBuild high-trust, positive, value-added, and collaborative relationships with international franchisees, distributors, partners, and stakeholder communityWork on the ground and lead across global matrix organization, motivating various teams in operating together toward shared strategic prioritiesPartner with executive leadership, legal, finance, HR, supply chain, product, and marketing teams to ensure international initiatives are aligned, resourced, and executed effectivelyMonitor international business performance metrics and KPIs; implement corrective action plans to address underperformance and capitalize on opportunitiesEnsure compliance with local regulations, trade laws, export controls, sanctions, anti-corruption laws (FCPA), and international business standards across all marketsRepresent company at international industry events, trade shows, government meetings, and partner conferences to build brand presence and strategic relationshipsTypical Profile:Bachelor's degree in Business, International Relations, Economics, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred18+ years of progressive international business, global expansion, business development, or cross-border operations leadership experience10+ years in senior international business leadership roles (VP, SVP, Regional President) with P&L accountability for regions or global international portfolioDeep expertise in international market entry strategies, cross-border operations, franchise systems, joint ventures, distribution partnerships, and global business developmentStrong knowledge of international trade regulations, compliance requirements, cultural dynamics, and regional business practices across multiple geographies (Americas, EMEA, APAC, LATAM)Proven track record successfully entering and scaling businesses in multiple international markets with measurable revenue growth and profitabilityExperience managing complex, matrixed international organizations with diverse teams across multiple time zones and culturesExcellent leadership, communication, and executive presence; ability to influence C-suite, board, government officials, and international partnersStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making mindset; proficiency in international market analysis and strategic planningExperience in relevant industry verticals (restaurant/QSR, retail, technology, SaaS, manufacturing, defense/aerospace, consumer goods, financial services, energy)Multilingual capabilities and deep cultural fluency across key international markets strongly preferredExtensive international travel experience and willingness to relocate or be based in key international hubsStrong negotiation, deal structuring, and commercial acumen with experience managing complex international agreementsExcellent stakeholder management, relationship-building, and cross-cultural collaboration skillsWillingness to travel extensively (50–70%) across international markets for partner meetings, site visits, and stakeholder engagementsKey Metrics:International revenue growth and contribution to total company revenueInternational profitability (EBITDA, operating margin) by region and marketMarket entry success rate and time-to-market for new countriesMarket share gains and competitive positioning in key international marketsPartner/franchisee performance, satisfaction, and retention ratesNew market launch success and early-stage traction (subscriber acquisition, revenue ramp)Cross-border operational efficiency and cost-to-serve optimizationCompliance audit results and regulatory adherence (zero violations)Budget adherence and forecast accuracy for international businessTeam performance, retention, and capability development across regionsStakeholder satisfaction (partners, franchisees, executive leadership, board)Strategic partnership quality and long-term value creation