Director, Franchising

Build a Bigger, Better, Bolder Future

Imagine working for a company that measures its success based off the growth of its colleagues, a company that invests in its future by investing in you. Little Caesars is a company where our colleagues make an impact.

Your Mission:

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Franchising and Business Development, the Director plays a critical executional and leadership role in driving franchise growth and optimizing portfolio health in assigned markets. This role is responsible for identifying and recruiting qualified franchise partners, managing end-to-end candidate evaluation and onboarding, facilitating buy/sell and renewal transactions, and collaborating cross-functionally to support Little Caesars’ domestic growth objectives.

The Director ensures consistent application of franchise qualification standards, maintains accurate pipeline visibility, and leads efforts to mitigate at-risk locations. This position also serves as the primary relationship manager for new and expanding franchisees during the development and transition process. Success in this role requires strong cross-functional collaboration with Legal, Real Estate, Franchise Services, and Finance to ensure strategic alignment and operational readiness.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Partner with VP of Franchising to execute market-level development strategy, including new unit growth and franchisee expansion opportunities.
• Source, screen, and evaluate prospective franchisees using a rigorous qualification process, ensuring alignment with brand and financial standards.
• Facilitate the entire approval lifecycle, including background checks, documentation, interviews, final recommendations, and FDD coordination.
• Conduct in-depth discussions with candidates regarding company history, business model, support systems, and brand expectations.
• Maintain accurate tracking of trade area availability, franchisee interest, and development opportunities in collaboration with the Real Estate team.
• Own pipeline reporting and applicant status visibility using tools like FranConnect; regularly update leadership on progress and activity.
• Provide hands-on leadership and coaching to the development team, fostering professional growth and driving accountability for performance goals.
• Lead the cross-functional coordination of store renewal and closure processes; proactively identify and resolve issues that could impact portfolio health.
• Manage the buy/sell process from initial inquiry to Finance Committee approval, ensuring all internal stakeholders are informed and aligned.
• Work with franchisees, legal, and finance to structure and execute transactions including Right of First Refusal, ownership transitions, and pre-term resolutions.
• Administer the Store Opportunity Network (SON) platform and ensure current, actionable deal flow is maintained.
• Support existing franchisees with growth planning, succession strategies, and acquisition targets.
• Stay current on industry trends and competitive dynamics to identify new growth opportunities or potential risks.
• Represent the brand at regional and national development events, franchise expos, and business forums to source qualified leads and elevate brand visibility.
• Champion best practices and continuous improvement in franchise development processes, documentation, and performance evaluation.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Real Estate, or related field; equivalent experience in franchise development may be considered.
• Minimum 7 years of direct experience in franchise development, QSR expansion, or multi-unit retail real estate.
• Demonstrated ability to manage full-cycle franchisee development, from sourcing to approval to onboarding.
• Strong understanding of FDD compliance, real estate site selection, and buy/sell transactions.
• Proven relationship-building and communication skills with both internal stakeholders and external candidates.
• Working knowledge of FranConnect or similar CRM platforms.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple high-impact projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders.

What Will Make You Standout:

• Advanced knowledge of franchise transaction types (renewal, resale, pre-term, ROFR).
• Experience managing or mentoring team members across regional markets.
• Ability to travel 50–75% as needed for market visits, franchisee meetings, and development events.

Where You’ll Work:

You will work in a remote office environment with significant travel expected. Must have the ability to travel via c