We are seeking a Vice President of Franchise Operations to lead, strengthen, and scale our franchise system. This executive will be responsible for driving unit-level performance, improving franchisee profitability, and building a disciplined, accountable field organization.
This is not a maintenance role. We are looking for a leader who understands franchise economics, knows how to build trust with franchisees while holding high standards, and can translate strategy into consistent execution across the system.
The VP of Franchise Operations will oversee field operations, franchise business consultants, operational standards, and performance management across all franchised locations.
Key Responsibilities
Franchisee Performance & Profitability
- Drive same-store sales growth and unit-level EBITDA improvement across the system
- Analyze and optimize labor, food cost, and operational KPIs
- Implement structured performance management processes for underperforming franchisees
- Partner with franchisees to develop business improvement plans
Field Leadership
- Lead and develop the Franchise Business Consultant (FBC) team
- Establish clear operating rhythms, reporting structures, and accountability standards
- Build a coaching-first culture while maintaining performance discipline
- Ensure consistent execution of brand standards across all locations
Operational Excellence
- Standardize and simplify operating procedures and playbooks
- Drive improvements in food quality, speed of service, guest experience, and compliance
- Partner with Supply Chain, Marketing, and Training to ensure alignment
- Support successful new unit openings and operational readiness
Franchisee Relationships
- Serve as a senior point of contact for key franchise groups
- Build credibility and trust while holding firm to brand standards
- Support franchise advisory councils and system-wide communication
Growth & Scalability
- Collaborate with Development on site selection and pre-opening execution
- Ensure operational infrastructure can support new unit growth
- Build scalable systems that reduce variability across markets
What Success Looks Like
- Improved unit-level economics and franchisee profitability
- Higher franchisee satisfaction and stronger system alignment
- Reduced variability in operational execution
- Improved compliance and audit scores
- A strong, accountable, and high-performing field team
Qualifications
- 10+ years of multi-unit restaurant operations experience
- 5+ years in franchise operations leadership
- Proven track record of improving same-store sales and margin performance
- Experience leading field teams across multiple regions
- Strong understanding of franchise agreements and franchisee dynamics
- Ability to balance relationship-building with operational discipline
- Data-driven decision maker with strong financial acumen
Preferred
- Experience in PE-backed or growth-stage restaurant brands
- Experience in turnaround or underperforming systems
- Multi-brand or national franchise exposure
Skills Required
- 10+ years of multi-unit restaurant operations experience
- 5+ years in franchise operations leadership
- Proven track record of improving same-store sales and margin performance
- Experience leading field teams across multiple regions
- Strong understanding of franchise agreements and franchisee dynamics
- Ability to balance relationship-building with operational discipline
- Data-driven decision maker with strong financial acumen
- Experience in PE-backed or growth-stage restaurant brands
- Experience in turnaround or underperforming systems
- Multi-brand or national franchise exposure
What We Do
Leap Brands is a multi-faceted service provider focused on talent acquisition, M&A, recruiting, marketing, and advisory services, dedicated to building value through executive search and strategic growth for job seekers and employers.
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