Director International Operations- APAC

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 available for a Director of International Operations- APAC.  This role provides leadership to the regional Operations team and the Franchise Groups in APAC to achieve short and long-term business unit and functional objectives.  Develop, lead and execute regional operations strategy to improve sales, profits, operating standards and operating systems. Work closely with R&D, Marketing, Development and Supply Chain to ensure alignment of all International Operations, marketing and product innovation programs and initiatives.

Key Accountabilities Include:

• Provides strategic direction and leadership for regional Operations.  Assists in developing strategies for Operations to positively impact and improve operator sales, profits, operating standards and operating systems.    
• Provides Operations leadership and direction to the regional team consisting of all functional roles (Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, R&D, Training, CSS, Development) and assists in the overall implementation and execution of a regional business plan.  Works closely with the International regional leaders to drive strategic results.  Works closely and collaboratively with Franchisees, International regional and functional leaders to drive strategic goals.  Manages effective relationships with all members of the international team, franchisees and vendors.  Presents information, strategies, and concepts to cross functional leaders and franchisees in a manner that inspires to action and to achieve established regional and corporate goals.
• Represents Operations’ interest and input in interactions with the functional leaders for Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, R&D, Training, Development and CSS. Builds strong and open relationships with the leaders of all levels throughout IDQ, influencing thinking of other leaders on the achievability of their goals as they relate to and impact regional and international Operations and ensuring that operational impacts and complexities are considered.
• Oversees and monitors consistent execution and delivery of company strategies to assigned franchisees, to ensure food safety, approved products, procedures compliance, menu compliance, trademark protection and ADQ standards.  Ensures compliance with IDQ policies and standards.
• Influences the Franchisees’ leadership teams to work together to build the overall DQ Brand in APAC.  Works closely with the appropriate team members of the Franchisees to derive the brand strategy and appropriately implement.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Business or related field or equivalent related experience in lieu of degree.
• Must have at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in Operations, Marketing or related field in QSR, Fast Casual or Full-Service restaurant(s).
• Experience working within a franchisor organization, preferably a QSR brand.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong relationships in a franchisor/franchisee environment.
• Experience effectively managing professional level Operations staff. 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work within diverse cultures, to work across global time zones and to effectively lead geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a cross-functional team, including Marketing, R&D, Operations, Training and Supply Chain, to complete projects on time.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of restaurant industry (QSR preferred) and of restaurant operations. Proficient knowledge of marketing, finance and training.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Creative thinker who can quickly develop innovative ideas across a wide variety of business units.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.  Ability to collaborate with and influence others.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate overall operations and business strategies to a variety of audiences, including senior leadership teams and franchisee leadership groups/councils.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Verbal, written and reading fluency in English.
• Ability to travel internationally with no restrictions is required and is approximately 30%.

Additional Information

Inclusion & Belonging

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.