Head of Franchise - Contemporary Fashion Brand

Mode Search are partnering with an established contemporary fashion brand in the search for a Head of Franchise to lead its next phase of global retail expansion.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a commercially minded international leader to take ownership of a growing franchise business, with a particular focus on APAC and the Middle East. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead market entry, partner relationships and a significant pipeline of new store openings, translating the brand’s global vision into successful local operations from initial strategy and partner selection through to store design, collection planning and launch.

With existing franchise relationships across Japan, South Korea and China, and ambitious expansion planned across Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore and the Middle East, this role offers genuine scope to shape the brand’s international retail footprint. The position is based in London, with four days per week in the office and regular international travel.

The Role

• Lead the global franchise strategy, with a particular focus on accelerating growth across APAC and the Middle East.
• Own senior relationships with franchise partners, ensuring strong commercial performance, operational standards and brand alignment.
• Lead new market entry projects from initial strategy and partner engagement through to launch and ongoing performance.
• Oversee approximately 12–15 planned store openings across key international markets.
• Lead the Tokyo opening and support the development of multiple new locations across the Middle East.
• Manage the full lifecycle of new stores, including location strategy, commercial planning, design, construction, merchandising, collection planning and launch.
• Take ownership of international and seasonal showrooms, including Paris, from planning and partner appointments through to order capture and follow-up.
• Work cross-functionally with Design, Product, Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, Logistics and Operations to deliver international projects.
• Own franchise orderbooks from placement through to payment and delivery, proactively resolving stock, shipment and payment issues with partners and internal teams.
• Maintain clear oversight of orderbooks, aged debt, payment commitments, shipment status and delivery risks, escalating material issues where required.
• Develop market-specific collection and product strategies while maintaining global brand consistency.
• Monitor trading performance and market opportunities, identifying areas for further growth.
• Establish strong operational and customer experience standards across franchise markets.
• Act as the key point of contact for senior franchise partners and international stakeholders.
• Travel extensively across APAC, the Middle East and Europe to support partners, openings and showrooms.
• Provide strategic market and commercial updates directly to the CEO.

Requirements

• Significant senior-level experience in international retail, franchise or wholesale development within fashion, luxury or premium contemporary brands.
• Proven experience launching and scaling retail operations internationally, particularly across APAC and/or the Middle East.
• Strong understanding of franchise models, international market entry and senior partner management.
• Demonstrable experience delivering complex store openings from concept through to launch.
• Strong knowledge of store design, retail operations, merchandising and collection planning.
• Commercially astute with experience assessing market opportunities, managing budgets and driving profitable growth.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organised, strategic and hands‑on, with the ability to manage multiple markets and projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of the cultural and commercial dynamics of Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore and the Middle East.
• Willingness to travel extensively internationally.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to represent a premium fashion brand globally.
• Passion for contemporary fashion and a strong understanding of elevated customer experiences.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a growing contemporary fashion brand at a pivotal stage of international expansion. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Head of Franchise will have genuine ownership of the global franchise strategy and the opportunity to shape a significant retail footprint across some of the world’s most important fashion markets.

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

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