Franchise Development Manager

This is a hybrid role- you will be expected to be in the office for at least 2 days a week.

We are seeking a dedicated Franchise Development Manager to join us on a permanent basis. In this role, you will play a crucial part in expanding our brand presence across the UK, ensuring it is strategically located and operated by capable franchisees who uphold our highest standards. You will also collaborate closely with our existing franchisees to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen commercial relationships throughout the UK.

Duties include:

• Conduct market research to identify potential local markets for expansion that align with the brand's target market.
• Plan and map out the store's expansion locations efficiently, utilising maps and geographic skills.
• Develop and execute strategic expansion plans to grow franchise network.
• Identify potential franchisees who align with the brand`s values, goals and operational standards.
• Develop and implement strategies to attract and recruit qualified franchise candidates.
• Conduct interviews, assessments and background checks to evaluate the suitability of potential franchisees.
• Develop promotional materials and presentations to effectively communicate the benefits of franchising with the brand.
• Guide new franchisees through onboarding process, ensuring they understand the brand`s standards and operational procedures.
• Ensure the franchisees receive adequate training and support to help them achieve operational excellence.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to help franchisees overcome challenges and improve performance.
• Provide commercial input and analysis to improve franchise profitability, operating standards and service.
• Manage multi-site franchises by providing operational expertise, thought leadership, and influence to achieve all core objectives.
• Drive growth by enhancing stores business operations and ensuring franchisees consistently adhere to operational standards to achieve desired results.
• Resolve key operational concerns and providing necessary support to franchisees.
• Assist franchisees with financial planning, budgeting and forecasting.
• Monitor franchisees financial performance and provide guidance on improving profitability.
• Exploring opportunities to create mutual value for franchise owners and the brand, including improving communication between franchisees and head office.
• To ensure franchisees stay focused on strategic goals through targeted operational measures, effective workforce planning, and continuous training and development, all while keeping customer satisfaction at the forefront of our efforts.
• To lead, motivate, and support the sales and field staff, while intervening with underperforming franchisees as needed.
• Work closely with finance, marketing, operations and master franchisees to support franchise development and operations.
• Monitor the performance of franchisees, using key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess success and identify areas for improvements.
• Implement changes and enhancements to the franchise program to drive growth and success.
• Manage master franchisees to ensure they fulfil their responsibilities and consistently add value to the franchise network.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Robust background in QSR operations including food service, customer experience, operational standards and managing franchisees.
• Possesses strong analytical skills and strategic thinking abilities, capable of identifying opportunities for improvement and effectively influencing change.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute franchise growth strategies, including franchise sales, site selection, and market analysis.
• Proficiency in sales techniques and negotiation strategies to attract and onboard new franchisees.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain productive relationships with potential and existing franchisees, fostering trust and collaboration.
• Capacity to think strategically and identify opportunities for franchise expansion in target markets.
• Effective problem-solving skills to address challenges that arise during franchise development and operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey franchise opportunities, policies, and expectations to franchisees.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Full UK Driving License