Sr. Director, Franchising & Development

Who is Taco Bell?

Taco Bell was born and raised in California and has been around since 1962. We went from selling everyone’s favorite Crunchy Tacos on the West Coast to a global brand with 8,200+ restaurants, 350 franchise organizations, that serve 42+ million fans each week around the globe. We’re not only the largest Mexican-inspired quick service brand (QSR) in the world, we’re also part of the biggest restaurant group in the world: Yum! Brands. 

Much of our fan love and authentic connection with our communities are rooted in being rebels with a cause. From ensuring we use high quality, sustainable ingredients to elevating restaurant technology in ways that hasn’t been done before… we will continue to be inclusive, bold, challenge the status quo and push industry boundaries.   

We’re a company that celebrates and advocates for different, has bold self-expression, strives for a better future, and brings the fun while we’re at it. We fuel our culture with real people who bring unique experiences. We inspire and enable our teams and the world to Live Más.

At Taco Bell, we’re Cultural Rebels. Want to join in on the passion-fueled fun? Learn more about the career below. 

About the Job:

Taco Bell is looking for a strategic and results-driven leader to shape the future of our franchise system. As Sr. Director, Franchising & Development, you will play a critical role in driving the brand’s ambitious growth by leading franchise finance, market planning, and strategic development.

In this role, you will oversee pipeline management, franchise policy enforcement, and strategic partnerships to ensure the financial health and long-term success of our franchise network. You’ll also drive system growth through franchise business services, transfers, and expansion initiatives, working closely with franchisees and cross-functional teams to align on scalable strategies.

We’re seeking a highly analytical, forward-thinking leader with strong collaboration and influencing skills. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you will lead multiple teams, including Franchise Finance, Market Planning & Insights, and Development Operations, fostering a high-performing, innovative team environment.

At Taco Bell, we take pride in our bold ideas, dynamic culture, and entrepreneurial spirit. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are excited to make a lasting impact on a globally recognized brand, this is your opportunity to lead and grow with us!

The Day-to-Day:

• Asset Strategy: Shape and execute a 1-3 year roadmap to drive brand growth and ensure franchise financial health, contributing 20-40% of functional strategy and results.
• Franchise Policy & Partnerships: Ensure compliance while fostering strong franchise relationships, aligning strategy across teams, and collaborating on scalable initiatives.
• System Growth: Lead franchise business services, transfers, refranchising, and asset strategy to drive expansion.
• Innovation & Modernization: Leverage technology and market trends to enhance operations, focusing on Millennial and Gen-Z employee/consumer needs.
• Team Leadership: Oversee Franchise Finance, Market Planning & Insights, and Development Operations fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

Is This You?

• Education: BS/BA in Finance, Accounting, or Real Estate; MBA preferred.
• Experience: 15+ years in Development within franchising/multi-unit restaurant or retail industry; expertise in real estate, market planning, finance, or development.
• Financial & Real Estate Expertise: Proven success in financial management, site selection, trade area analysis, contract negotiation, construction, facilities, and/or architecture.
• Leadership: Strong executive presence with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams; experience leading multiple directors and teams of 15+.
• Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to clearly convey vision, strategy, and complex business issues across all levels.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive, decisive, and calm under pressure; strong time management and prioritization skills to navigate crises effectively.

Work-Hard, Play-Hard:

• Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday
• Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons 
• Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building) 
• Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash, 
• Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions 
• Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering 
• Generous parental leave