When our square shaped burgers made their first sizzle on the scene more than 50 years ago, people knew our approach wasn’t like any other. Same goes for the way we support our employees. Our culture of openness, flexibility, and inclusiveness allows everybody to flourish in their own way. If you’re looking for a career where you can be part of the action as we continue to grow our iconic brand - We got you!
The Director - Business Development & Franchise Recruiting is responsible for the franchise recruitment strategy for Traditional and Non-Traditional Development to grow the franchise system and drive expansion. Partnering with the Directors of US Company and Franchise Development, and Franchise Operations/DVPs in securing Wendy’s long-term growth plan, this position leads the Franchise Recruiting Team with responsibilities for recruiting new franchisees interested in Own Your Opportunity and Build-to-Suit Programs, or acquiring existing Wendy’s locations, and building strategic relationships to develop and implement non-traditional strategies for growth. This position is also responsible for all franchise marketing materials and collateral, managing Wendy’s franchising website, management of the franchise recruitment process and selection, CRM database, market analysis and alternative business development initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Lead the franchise recruitment process for new growth franchisees and acquisitions accountable for the annual franchise recruitment goals. Develops and executes franchise recruitment activities that generate qualified new franchise candidates and other business platforms or concepts to grow the restaurant system meeting or exceeding the AOP/LRP targets. Responsible for communicating the recruitment strategy, processes and status with direct reports, peers, department leaders, franchisees, franchise leadership and senior leadership regularly. Ensures that all internal and external franchise requirements are met, including following proper FDD disclosure / legal requirements, completing all background and credit checks, and maintaining all applications, contracts, and other required documentation utilizing CRM platform (Client Tether) to ensure proper documentation throughout the candidate qualification, approvals & onboarding process. Engages and collaborates with Franchise Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain/Logistics, Corporate Development and Facilities teams to conduct business reviews and franchise health assessments.
- Own all recruitment initiatives for new franchisees, which includes working with marketing, communications, and external ad agencies to design and implement recruitment campaigns. Builds a franchise development pipeline and process that consistently maintains a sufficient inventory of qualified franchisees to meet the company's yearly quota.
- Nurture relationships with outside industry contacts, and networks with existing multi-unit franchisees, restaurant professionals, entrepreneurs, developers, private investors, and high-net-worth candidates. Conducts in-person meetings as necessary throughout the sales and recruitment/transfer process and provides acceptable notification to senior leadership regarding their required participation. Representing Wendy’s at industry trade shows, seminars, social events, webinars, networking sessions, speaking engagements, etc.
- Lead new franchisee 'Discovery Day' (3 - 4 events per year) activities with candidates, which may include in-person meetings with senior leadership, dinners, events, shop and home office tours, presentations, and interviews.
Qualifications
- BA/BS degree in real estate, business or other related field. Master’s in real estate or MBA preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in Franchise Sales Industry, with QSR experience highly preferred. Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field highly preferred. 5 or more years of experience managing a sales team, either in the franchise industry or similar, selling to high-net-worth Investors. A history of working cross-functionally and with senior leadership a must.
- Ability to think strategically, perform long-term planning, recruit, and generate leads, manage 3rd party agencies. Working knowledge of applicable franchise statutes. Proven abilities in sales, communication, cross-functional team building, oral and written skills along with time management.
- Must have excellent written and oral communications skills. Prior experience in analysis (both quantitative and qualitative). Must have intermediate knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook applications. Prior GIS or other market analytics experience. Experience with CRM and all Microsoft products.
- Working knowledge of standard franchise documents & compliance standards. Must display strong analytical and organizational skills and have the ability to identify and implement process improvement strategies with positive business results. Must possess a high level of confidentiality to ensure proper handling of sensitive information.
- Strong influence and negotiation skills with the ability to communicate with Senior Leadership. Clear and effective communication across all media with people at various levels, internal and external.
Wendy’s was built on the premise, "Quality is our Recipe®," which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's system. Today, Wendy's and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world's most thriving and beloved restaurant brand.
The base pay range for this position is listed below. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and budget for the open position and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other relevant factors. This range does not include an estimated value for any benefits, bonus, or other incentives that may be applicable based on position. - The target annual bonus for this role is 25% of annualized base salary, based on actual company and personal performance.
Our square burgers make us different and so do our benefits! Our restaurant support roles are eligible for a wide array of benefits, including things such as parental leave, free EAP sessions, company 401k match and other great offerings. For more details about our benefits, including an overview of eligibility and terms for certain benefits, please visit our benefits website, www.wendysbenefits.com.*
NOTE: Wendy’s benefits, bonus, and other incentives are governed by the applicable legal plans and policies and, where appropriate, may be subject to Board approval an individual award agreement terms. Those documents supersede all other information regarding Wendy’s benefits, bonus, and other incentives. Wendy’s retains the right to amend or terminate its plans and policies at its sole discretion, in accordance with applicable plans, policies and laws.
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Travel: 50%
Pay Range: $142,000 - $256,000 Annually
