Franchise Business Consultant

Company Description

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Franchise Business Consultant to be home based in or around the Grand Rapids Metro Area, Michigan.

The Franchise Business Consultant supports a district of franchised owned restaurants and provides guidance and coaching to franchisees and operations team to achieve short and long-term company and operational goals.  Utilize knowledge of restaurant operations and staff resources to provide counsel, advice, and assistance to franchisee owners/operators to positively impact and improve sales, profits, operating standards, and operating systems while maintaining or exceeding customer expectations. Ensure compliance with IDQ policies and system standards. Gain and maintain support of DMA chairs and other key franchisee leadership in achieving operational goals. Engage functional experts when needed. Provide support to other functions when needed.

Planning

• Effectively implement and execute the Worldwide Operation’s Business Plan (rolling 1-, 2- and 3-year plan) for a particular District. Develop and implement a district wide business plan (i.e., integrated marketing, operations, training, development, and supply chain plan)
• When and where appropriate, establish and implement effective business plans with franchise owners in the district. Provide necessary counsel and assistance to ensure the plans include specific goals and strategies in support of American Dairy Queen’s (ADQ) Operations and Marketing Plan.

Consulting

• Provide advice and guidance in developing and managing marketing performance through effective partnerships with appropriate departments, vendors, and franchisees.
• Responsible for positioning franchisees for consistent achievement of optimal shift management, food safety, quality, service, cleanliness, repair and maintenance, and atmosphere goals as established by Operation’s Business Plan and ADQ’s operating standards.
• Provide impactful advice and counsel to position franchisees for optimal financial health.
• Partner with appropriate ADQ staff to help position new and existing franchisees to establish and execute effective development, reinvestment, and renewal strategies.

Other

• Provide support to other departments/functions as needed.
• May assist with new store openings as required.
• Complete ad hoc projects as required.

Job also requires:

• Ability to be available and to work occasional evening and weekend hours as necessary, to meet business needs of franchisees.
• ServSafe certification
• Frequent (4+ hours per day) communication via telephone and email.
• Ability to travel overnight for franchisee and staff meetings/visits an average of two weeks per month.
• Ability to drive an automobile for franchisee and staff meetings/visits.  May require sitting in vehicle up to 8 hours per day, when traveling.  Must be able to be insured by company insurance provider.
• Ability to travel by airplane as necessary.
• Ability to stand on concrete or tiled floors for up to 8 hours per day, when visiting a franchisee location.
• No food or beverage allergies that would prevent you from tasting products or working in and around a Dairy Queen restaurant environment.
• A clean driving record is required.

Qualifications

Skills:

• Thorough knowledge and familiarity with the Restaurant Industry (QSR preferred)
• Thorough knowledge of restaurant operations.
• Proficient knowledge of marketing, finance, training, human resource, and development. 
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Creative thinker who can quickly develop innovative ideas across a wide variety of business units.
• Strong communication skills, with the ab