Director, Franchise Affairs, Franchise Operations

Director, Franchise Affairs, Franchise Operations

Location: Newton, MA/St. Louis, MO

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to keep franchisees informed about company updates, operational changes, and key initiatives.
• Facilitate clear, consistent communication between company leadership and franchisees. Organize regular meetings, updates, and reports to ensure franchisees are informed of new initiatives, policies, and business developments.
• Develop agendas, distribute pre-meeting materials, and track action items to ensure follow-through on decisions made during committee meetings.
• Plan, organize, and execute franchisee events, including logistics for events such as venue selection, catering, materials, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.
• Lead cross-functional projects related to franchise operations, including system improvements, process enhancements, and new franchise initiatives, ensuring timely execution and measurable results.
• Act as a key point of contact for franchisees, ensuring clear communication, gathering feedback, and helping to resolve operational issues efficiently.
• Gather and analyze operational data to provide insights and recommendations for improving franchise operations, sales, and profitability.
• Act as a problem solver for both internal teams and franchisees, addressing challenges and proactively identifying solutions to streamline operations and improve franchisee satisfaction.
• Work closely with department heads to ensure the franchise system is supported holistically and consistently.
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Vice President of Franchise Operations, including preparing presentations, managing schedules, and organizing meetings and events.

Qualifications (Education & Experience):

• Track record that reflects both strategic grasp of franchise operations and strong execution and organization skills.
• Strong organization and communication skills, must be an expert in meeting effectiveness
• A career path with sustained success and growth leading a business unit for a large multi-unit restaurant company known for high performance and service orientation in combination with rotations through two or more of the following functions: operations, operations services, strategy, technology, finance, and/or training and development
• Highly developed business acumen, political savvy and ability to influence large, sophisticated franchisees
• Experience and demonstrated success in leading cross-functionally
• Personal characteristics that include business maturity, self-awareness, courageous behavior, integrity and collaborative leadership style, a constant learner with emotional intelligence and superior communication and strong interpersonal skills
• An affinity for the Panera brand, the wellness space, and belief in the mission of healthy, accessible food for all
• Bulletproof standards of ethics and integrity
• A bachelor's degree or advanced degree is preferred, but equivalent experience may be substituted

Working Conditions:

Willing to travel 65% overnight and achieve business results.

Saint Louis Support Center