Founded in 2003 by Dong Hyun Kim, he began with a simple yet ambitious mission: to make fresh, flavourful sushi and bento accessible to everyone. After more than 20 years, Wasabi has grown to 40 thriving branches across London, major UK cities, and New York. In 2019, the journey expanded with the introduction of Wasabi Home Bento, launched exclusively in Sainsbury’s. Building on that success, the grocery business broadened its reach to Tesco in September 2022, followed by exciting launches in Co-op and Morrisons in 2024. Today, Wasabi proudly stands as the No. 2 chilled ready-meal brand, driving significant market growth and setting new standards for quality and innovation. And this is just the beginning. Wasabi’s menu is celebrated for its unique character, exceptional freshness, and bold flavours. Our diverse range is designed to delight a wide audience, delivering both comfort and excitement with every bite. Our leadership team has unveiled an ambitious 5-year strategy, focusing on company growth, franchise opportunities, and international expansion. As we embark on our next phase of growth and innovation, we’re thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for a Head of Franchise to join our team based in Park Royal. The Role: This is a critical role in fulfilling Wasabi’s ambitious expansion plans, leading Franchise restaurant growth, initially in the UK but with potential to expand internationally in the future. The incumbent will be accountable for developing a strong pipeline of opportunities and work closely with the CEO and the Board to develop business opportunities. The Head of Franchise will work through a cross functional team to deliver our franchise restaurant opening strategy. This is a newly formed role and an outstanding opportunity for a driven and commercial leader to be at the forefront of Wasabi’s next phase of growth. Key responsibilities: Develop leads generated from existing networks, franchise marketing channels, referrals and industry sources Own full lifecycle of identifying franchisees, from initial contact to qualification and close. Screen potential franchisees by analysing investment requirements, growth potential and financials as well as experience and vision Finalise the deal with Franchisees by negotiating terms and conditions of each Franchise Agreement Build relationships with Master Franchisee candidates as a trusted adviser, the relationship should develop and help to support further expansion with additional territory and restaurants. The aim to be the “go to” person for advice and support to expand their portfolios Strategically prioritise activities to optimise recruiting efforts and associated business cases for primary growth markets Strategically plan and participate in relevant franchise industry conventions Prepare and execute the marketing strategy for Wasabi’s franchise opportunities Develop the annual budget for franchise development, monitoring and ensuring that budgets are met Oversee the onboarding and development of the franchise partners as per the agreed terms and conditions Manage the Franchise Agreement renewals, fee/payment collection, development schedule and keep Franchise Agreements up to date with current legislation Prepare annual budget and quarterly reviews for franchise EBITDA contribution Lead cross-functionally and develop strong relationships with critical internal teams Role model the Wasabi Behaviours (Passion, Adaptability, Responsibility and Teamwork), recognising when they are observed and challenging when they are not. Our requirements: The successful candidate for this role will be an ambitious and high-energy leader with exceptional commercial acumen and they will thrive on seeking out and developing business opportunities and negotiating win-win partnerships. Candidates will be educated to Degree level and should have proven success in developing franchise growth, ideally in QSR or casual dining, extensively in the UK and preferably with some international exposure. They should be able to demonstrate: Sound understanding of the UK franchise market with a well developed network An excellent understanding of franchise business fundamentals, unit-level operations, franchise best practice and proven ability to match franchisee requirements with Wasabi’s vision An entrepreneurial streak as well as an analytical, critical thinking and business problem solving mindset Commercially astute with strong negotiation and deal-making skills with demonstrated success in managing and growing a business Strong financial acumen and ability to influence at the highest levels of an organisation An approachable and credible communication style, both verbally and written, to keep all levels of the organisation informed and engaged The gravitas and ability to manage key relationships both externally and internally Tenacity with a high level of energy and commitment and the ability to energise those around them The ability to manage effectively in a matrix structure by setting clear expectations and holding people to account - not be preoccupied with hierarchy A self-starter who is as ambitious for Wasabi’s growth potential as the rest of the Leadership Team, with the ability to spot opportunities Genuinely collegiate and low ego - not take themselves too seriously Unphased by ambiguity and able to navigate a way forward when faced with rapidly changing circumstances – able to pivot Welcomes challenge and responds well to feedback In Return we provide: A great working environment Pension scheme Target Bonus Refer A Friend Scheme Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available) 50% discount in our Branches Employee Assistant Programme (email address removed) (a service providing health and wellbeing support) Long Service Awards Wagestream - a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings Life Assurance Cycle To Work Free on-site parking A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox and The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company. Our people make us who we are. If you're looking for an exciting challenge and this sounds like the job for you please apply today as we can't wait to hear from you. COME ROLL WITH US