International Business Development Manager

Ace Hardware•Oak Brook, IL

About The Position

The International Business Development Manager leads growth across assigned global markets by identifying and securing qualified master franchisees, area developers, and licensees capable of multi-unit expansion. The role shapes country-entry strategies, manages complex commercial negotiations, and advances opportunities from initial interest through signed License and Distribution Agreements. It also guides new partners through their first store opening and the first year of the relationship, helping strengthen unit performance, royalties, and long-term network growth. The position partners closely with Legal, executive leadership, and cross-functional teams, and reports to the Director, Business Development. The preferred work location is Panama or the United States, with international travel up to 60 percent. The role protects brand equity by identifying and addressing commercial, legal, financial, and operational risks. It serves as the primary corporate liaison during each new partner’s first year and leads Monthly Performance Reviews. Ace describes its culture as guided by W.E.L.I.G.H.T: Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, and Teamwork. The company offers benefits and development opportunities, including incentive opportunities, retirement contributions, health and insurance coverage, paid time off, volunteer time, tuition assistance, employee discounts, and employee assistance services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
10 or more years of progressive international business development or global franchise sales experience within a major multi-unit brand.
Proven success securing and closing international licensee or franchise opportunities.
Strong knowledge of retail operations, franchise models, capitalization, financing, and lease negotiations.
Understanding of international franchise regulations, cross-border tax considerations, and currency and financial risk.
Professional fluency in English.
Ability to travel internationally up to 60 percent.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
Proficiency in Spanish or another major global language.
Established network of investors, real estate developers, and multi-unit operators, preferably in Latin America.

Responsibilities

Proactively source, evaluate, and secure well-capitalized master franchisees, area developers, and licensees capable of multi-unit growth.
Lead commercial negotiations and execute letters of intent and License and Distribution Agreements with Legal and executive leadership.
Analyze market data, competitors, regulations, demographics, and financial potential to prioritize countries and build entry strategies.
Manage the opportunity pipeline from initial outreach through approval, financing support, signing, site selection, and first store opening.
Serve as the primary corporate liaison during each new partner’s first year and lead Monthly Performance Reviews.
Monitor store development, unit performance, compliance, and royalty growth while coordinating cross-functional support.
Identify and address commercial, legal, financial, and operational risks to protect brand equity.

Benefits

Incentive opportunities based on role and grade level.
401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution in the first year, quarterly contributions, and an annual discretionary contribution, subject to eligibility.
Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage for employees and dependents.
21 days of vacation immediately available, prorated in the first year, and up to 6 paid holidays depending on the month of hire.
Company car, phone, and fuel card for field-based positions.
Annual Ace Cares Week and 20 hours off work per year to volunteer at an organization of the employee’s choice.
On-site classes, facilitator-led courses, development and coaching, and a tuition assistance program.
Campus events, including Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demonstrations, cookouts, and merchandise sales.
On-site or mobile services such as spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dental and eye care, flu shots, and recycling.
Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers, and other products.
Paid birth/adoption bonding time off.
Adoption cost reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program with access to therapists and lawyers, financial guidance, elder and childcare assistance, and entertainment-ticket assistance.
Identity theft protection.