MODE SEARCH Ltd.
Head of Franchise - Contemporary Fashion Brand
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Mode Search are partnering with an established contemporary fashion brand in the search for a Head of Franchise to lead its next phase of international retail expansion.
This is a high-impact opportunity for a commercially minded international leader to take ownership of a growing franchise portfolio across APAC and the Middle East, with responsibility for new market entry, store openings and long-term partner relationships. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will play a central role in translating the brand’s global vision into successful local operations, from initial market strategy and partner selection through to store design, collection planning and launch.
With an ambitious pipeline of new openings across APAC and the Middle East, this role offers significant scope to shape the brand’s international retail footprint. The position is based in London and requires four days per week in the office, alongside regular international travel across the markets.
The Role
- Lead the global franchise strategy, with a particular focus on accelerating growth across APAC and the Middle East.
- Own relationships with franchise partners, ensuring strong commercial performance, operational standards and alignment with the brand’s positioning.
- Lead new market entry projects from initial strategy and partner engagement through to store opening and ongoing performance.
- Oversee a significant pipeline of new openings, including approximately 12–15 stores across priority international markets.
- Work closely with the Middle Eastern franchise partner to support the development and opening of multiple new locations.
- Lead the Tokyo opening, coordinating all aspects of the project and ensuring the store launches in line with brand and commercial expectations.
- Oversee the full lifecycle of new stores, including location strategy, commercial planning, store design, construction, merchandising, collection planning and launch execution.
- Partner with internal teams across Design, Product, Merchandising, Marketing, Finance and Operations to ensure seamless delivery of international openings.
- Develop market-specific collection and product strategies, balancing local customer insight with global brand consistency.
- Monitor franchise performance, trading results and market opportunities, identifying areas for improvement and further growth.
- Establish clear standards and processes across franchise markets, ensuring partners consistently deliver the required customer experience and brand presentation.
- Build strong relationships with senior franchise partners and key local stakeholders, acting as the central point of contact for international retail development.
- Travel extensively across APAC and the Middle East to support partners, oversee openings and assess market performance.
- Provide regular strategic updates and recommendations to the CEO, using market intelligence and commercial performance data to inform international growth decisions.
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Requirements
- Significant senior-level experience in international retail, franchise or wholesale development within fashion, luxury or premium contemporary brands.
- Proven track record of successfully launching and scaling retail operations across international markets, particularly APAC and/or the Middle East.
- Strong understanding of franchise models, partner management and international market entry.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex store opening projects from concept through to launch.
- Strong knowledge of store design, retail operations, merchandising and collection planning.
- Commercially astute, with the ability to assess market potential, manage budgets and drive profitable growth.
- Excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills, with experience working with senior international partners.
- Highly organised project leader capable of managing multiple openings and markets simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of the cultural and commercial nuances of markets such as Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore and the Middle East.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively internationally.
- A strategic thinker who is equally comfortable getting into the detail and driving projects through to completion.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and represent the brand internationally.
- Passion for contemporary fashion and a strong understanding of premium customer expectations.
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This is an exceptional opportunity to join a growing contemporary fashion brand at a pivotal stage of its international expansion. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Head of Franchise will have genuine ownership of the brand’s global franchise strategy and the opportunity to shape a significant new retail footprint across some of the world’s most important and exciting fashion markets.
To apply, please send your CV to info@modesearch.co.uk
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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