[Hiring] International Business Development Manager @ACE Hardware

Role Description

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. You will shape country entry strategies, manage complex commercial negotiations, and move opportunities from initial interest through signed License and Distribution Agreements. You will also guide new partners through first store opening and the first year of the relationship, helping strengthen unit performance, royalties, and long-term network growth. This role 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.

• 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.
• Protect brand equity by identifying and addressing commercial, legal, financial, and operational risks.

Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Skills

• 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.

Requirements

• WORK AUTHORIZATION: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Compensation Details

• $120,000 - $150,000 per year.

Benefits

• Incentive opportunities, based on role/grade level.
• Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year.
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, and disability).
• 21 days of vacation immediately available and up to 6 paid holidays.
• Company Car, phone, and fuel card are provided for field-based positions.
• Annual Ace Cares Week, 20 hours off work per year to volunteer.
• On-site classes, facilitator-led courses, and a generous tuition assistance program.
• Frequent campus events like Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales.
• Services such as mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, recycling, and more.
• Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers, and more.
• Birth/Adoption bonding paid time off.
• Adoption cost reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – access to free visits to therapists and lawyers.
• Identity theft protection.