International Business Development Manager

Ace Hardware Corporation

. Source, evaluate, and secure well-capitalized master franchisees, area developers, and licensees capable of multi-unit growth .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeOak Brook • Illinois • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $120,000 - $150,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in international business development and franchise sales, with a strong focus on securing multi-unit growth opportunities and managing complex negotiations. Proficient in analyzing market data and guiding new partners through operational processes while ensuring compliance and brand equity.

Highest-signal resume keywords

International Business DevelopmentFranchise Sales ExperienceRetail Operations KnowledgeMarket AnalysisLegal Negotiations

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Business DevelopmentFranchise ModelsCapitalizationFinancingLease NegotiationsMarket Data AnalysisCompliance MonitoringRisk ManagementPerformance Review ManagementOpportunity Pipeline Management

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationNegotiationRelationship ManagementCross-Functional Collaboration

Industry Keywords

Multi-Unit GrowthInternational RegulationsCross Border Tax ConsiderationsCurrency RiskInvestor NetworkReal Estate DevelopmentLatin America MarketFranchise AgreementsStore DevelopmentRoyalty Growth

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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
Guide new partners through their first store opening and first year of the relationship
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
Partner closely with Legal, executive leadership, and cross-functional teams
Report to the Director, Business Development

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future
Preferred: Master’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field
Preferred: Proficiency in Spanish or another major global language
Preferred: Established network of investors, real estate developers, and multi unit operators, preferably in Latin America

Benefits

Comp & perks

Incentive opportunities, based on role/grade level
Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a fully vested matching contribution the first year, quarterly contributions, and annual discretionary contribution
Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance benefits for you and your dependents
21 days of vacation immediately available
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
20 hours off work per year to volunteer
Opportunities to help Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Ace Helpful Fund through the Ace Foundation
On-site classes and facilitator-led courses
Tuition assistance program
Performance management approach beyond the typical annual review
Campus events including Employee Appreciation Week, vendor demos, cookouts, and merchandise sales
On-site services including mobile spas, auto maintenance, car wash and detailing, dry cleaning, dentists, eye doctors, flu shots, and recycling
Employee discounts on Ace merchandise, travel, fitness, computers, and more
Birth/adoption bonding paid time off
Adoption cost reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program with access to therapists, lawyers, financial guidance, elder and childcare assistance, and entertainment-ticket assistance
Identity theft protection