The Vice President of Human Resources at a franchisor company is a unique "double-agent" role. You aren't just managing the corporate headcount; you are the architect of the people strategy that defines the brand across hundreds of independently owned locations.
In this role, you balance the "Corporate" side (building a high-performance HQ) with the "Franchisee" side (providing the tools, training, and employer-branding frameworks that help owners succeed without crossing the line into joint-employment territory).
Executive SummaryRole: VP of Human Resources
Report To: CEO / Chief Operating Officer
Focus: Organizational Culture, Franchisee Support Systems, Talent Acquisition, and Scalable Compliance.
Develop a unified employer brand that makes the franchise an attractive place to work, whether at corporate HQ or a local unit.
Design and implement scalable HR programs (onboarding, training, performance management) that franchisees can "plug and play."
Lead executive search and succession planning for the corporate leadership team.
Oversee the creation of Franchise Training Universities or digital learning platforms to ensure brand standards are met consistently across the network.
Navigate the complexities of joint-employment laws. You will provide "best practice" guidance to franchisees while maintaining the legal separation required between franchisor and franchisee.
Ensure all corporate policies meet federal, state, and local labor laws.
Foster a high-performance culture at the corporate level that serves as a North Star for the rest of the system.
Analyze system-wide turnover and engagement data to identify trends and provide strategic interventions.
Skills Required
- 10+ years of experience in HR leadership
- Experience ideally within a franchise, fitness, hospitality, or retail model
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business
- Deep understanding of NLRB rulings, joint-employer risks, and multi-state labor laws
- Experience implementing enterprise-level HRIS and LMS platforms
- SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification
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.
