QSR Business Development Director

Job Description

Corporate – Splendid Hospitality (Field Based) Contract: Full Time
Salary: 00

Splendid Hospitality Group is one of the UKs fastest growing privately-owned hotel groups. As a family run business, people are at the very heart of its success, a place where everyone becomes parts of the Splendid family. Our vision is to create extraordinary experiences, positively impact lives, and get better every day – it’s the ‘Splendid Hospitality Way’ which is our way of looking after everybody to help them succeed, have fun and keep guests and our Splendid team members happy.

Job Description

The Business Development Director will play a pivotal role in driving the growth of our QSR business, leading both existing brand expansion and new franchising opportunities. This includes sourcing and evaluating new sites, managing the development pipeline, and ensuring operational, commercial, and financial excellence across all projects. A key focus of the role is building and maintaining strong relationships with current franchisors, including KFC and Chaiiwala, while identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new partners to diversify and grow the company’s portfolio.

The role requires strong commercial acumen, with responsibilities spanning business case development, financial modelling, investment appraisals, and network analysis to inform strategic decisions. Working closely with the QSR Managing Director, the Business Development Director will act as a strategic partner, contributing to board-level discussions and ensuring the development strategy aligns with both operational priorities and commercial objectives. In addition, the role involves collaborating with site finders and external property consultants to optimise the existing estate and identify new opportunities for growth.

What We Offer

• Apprenticeship programmes available
• Learning and Development Opportunities available through our Leadership Development Programmes
• Heavily discounted hotel stays and food & beverage discounts at all our properties
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family. Giving you access to counselling services physical wellbeing & financial aid.
• Life Assurance
• 33 holiday days
• Automatic Enrolment into a workplace pension scheme

About Us

Splendid Hospitality is one of the UK’s most successful and fastest-growing hospitality groups. Our diverse and dynamic portfolio spans hotels, restaurants, and care homes across the country-from London to Edinburgh, Bristol to York.

We are proud to own and operate a collection of well-known brands and distinctive properties, including:

• The award-winning 5-star Hilton London Bankside
• The luxurious Grand Hotel in York
• The UK’s first Four Points Flex by Sheraton (Marriott), newly developed in London Euston
• Nine IHG hotels, including Holiday Inn Brentford Lock and boutique Hotel Indigos in Edinburgh and York
• Six Accor properties across the UK

Beyond hotels, we operate:

• 38 KFC restaurants across the Midlands and North East
• 3 three care homes in Sussex-demonstrating our unique breadth across the hospitality and care sectors.

Driven by entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for service, we continue to grow and evolve, creating exceptional experiences for our guests, teams, and partners.

Role in our Family

Key responsibilities:

• Growth Strategy & Network Planning – Develop and implement a multi year BD strategy. Conduct market mapping, trade area assessment, cannibalisation modelling, and store network analysis. Build annual plans aligned to SHG targets and franchisor requirements.
• Franchisor Relationship Management – Act as primary BD liaison with new and existing brands.
• New Brand Identification – Identify new brands that fit into the SHG’s strategy. Lead commercial evaluations and build business cases. Lead negotiations and DD with prospective franchisors.
• Commercial Analysis & Business Case Development -Create robust business cases; conduct store network analysis. Analyse performance of existing outlets. Value assumptions and scenarios.
• Site Acquisition & Property Development – Track and maintain a strong site pipeline. Ensure legal, planning and negotiation owners. Oversee due diligence – planning, surveys, risk reviews, project scopes.
• Portfolio Management –Optimise estate performance: identify relocation, expansion, closure opportunities. Lead capital planning process. Align estate strategy with franchisor objectives.
• Stakeholder & Partnership Management –Build strong relationships within SHG and with external stakeholders including landlords, brands and agents.

About You:

• Proven track record in managing multi site QSR or retail development pipelines.
• Strong experience working with franchisors and maintaining key commercial relationships.
• Demonstrable expertise in commercial analysis, store network evaluation, and long term estate planning.
• Excellent negotiation skills and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Solid understanding of UK planning laws, lease structures, and the commercial property market.
• Knowledge of complex drive thru development and operational considerations.
• Well established industry network, including agents, landlords, and franchisors.
• Experience with Yum! Brands / KFC development requirements is desirable.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong commercial acumen, sound judgment, and excellent problem solving skills.
• Confident communicator and relationship builder, able to influence at all levels.
• Motivated, collaborative, and able to lead at pace while managing complexity and competing priorities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a clear growth focus and results driven approach.

What Happens Next

Does this role sound like a great fit for you?

Apply now – it only takes a few seconds! Simply share your contact details and upload your CV.

Once we’ve reviewed your application, successful candidates will be invited to meet with one of our team to talk more about your experience, and to give you the chance to learn about the role.

At Splendid Hospitality Group, we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.