Franchise Manager

GoOpti is an innovative shuttle service provider specializing in both shared and private airport transportation. With a focus on growth through its franchising business model, GoOpti is expanding into new markets, offering franchisees the opportunity to succeed under a proven and structured operational model. To support this growth, GoOpti is seeking a Franchise Manager to lead, support, and optimize franchise operations. 

Position Overview: 
The Franchise Manager will be responsible for managing the onboarding of new franchisees, ensuring that they meet performance standards, and facilitating effective coordination between internal departments such as marketing, sales, operations, and pricing. This role will ensure franchisee satisfaction, offer ongoing support, and implement performance-based incentive or penalty systems. The Franchise Manager will drive local value through strategic sales and marketing initiatives and act as a key liaison to ensure operational efficiency and brand consistency across all franchise locations. 

Requirements

1. Marketing and Sales Strategy 

• Market Analysis: Assist franchisees in conducting market research to tailor marketing strategies to local customer needs and competitive landscapes. 

• Marketing Campaigns: Collaborate with both central and franchisee marketing teams to design targeted campaigns, including digital marketing, social media plans, and local promotions. 

• Local Events: Organize and support local events, such as workshops or product launches, to increase brand visibility and customer engagement. 

• Sales Growth: Identify B2B sales opportunities and help franchisees build relationships with key local partners, such as travel agencies, corporate clients, and resellers. 

• Brand Compliance: Ensure that franchisees adhere to brand guidelines across all marketing materials and local promotional efforts. 

2. Operations Management 

• Operational Setup: Assist franchisees with the setup of daily operations, including staffing, fleet management, and customer service protocols. 

• Efficiency Monitoring: Regularly evaluate franchise operations to identify and address inefficiencies, offering process improvements where necessary. 

• Franchisee Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for franchisees, offering support and troubleshooting operational challenges. 

3. Performance Evaluation 

• Key Metrics: Define and implement performance metrics, including sales targets, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency standards. 

• Regular Audits: Conduct regular performance audits to ensure adherence to financial, operational, and quality standards. 

• Feedback Mechanism: Establish structured feedback processes to review franchisee performance, offering actionable insights for improvement. 

4. Quality Control 

• SOP Adherence: Ensure that franchisees strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for product quality, service delivery, and operational consistency. 

• Inspections and Audits: Coordinate regular inspections to assess adherence to quality standards, documenting results and recommending improvements. 

• Quality Control Ownership: Determine whether quality control oversight should be part of the Franchise Manager’s role or delegated to the Operations team. 

5. Onboarding 

• Onboarding Plan: Develop and implement a comprehensive onboarding plan that guides franchisees through business setup, covering operations, marketing, compliance, and training. 

• Initial Training: Coordinate and lead training sessions to equip franchisees with knowledge of company policies, procedures, and customer service standards. 

• Performance Checkpoints: Establish and manage a series of performance checkpoints during onboarding to track progress and provide support. 

• Post-Launch Support: Offer continuous operational guidance during the first 3-6 months of franchisee business operations. 

6. Financial Management and Pricing 

• Financial Planning: Assist franchisees in setting up financial models, cash flow projections, and budgeting practices to ensure sustainable business operations. 

• Pricing Strategy: Work with franchisees to establish competitive and profitable pricing strategies, taking into account local market conditions and customer demographics. 

7. Coordination with Departments 

• Marketing: Coordinate with the central marketing team to ensure franchisees have the latest promotional tools and brand guidelines. 

• Operations: Collaborate with the operations team to ensure franchisees are fully integrated into central support systems. 

• Finance: Partner with the finance department to monitor the financial health of franchisees, ensuring compliance with pricing and budgeting standards. 

8. Problem Solving and Crisis Management 

• Crisis Response: Develop and implement crisis management protocols for issues like supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages, or customer service breakdowns. 

• Issue Resolution: Serve as a mediator and problem-solver for serious challenges faced by franchisees, involving relevant departments when necessary. 

• Proactive Problem Identification: Conduct regular franchise visits and performance reviews to identify potential problems early and offer solutions. 

9. Franchise Expansion and Local Opportunities 

• Market Expansion: Collaborate with franchisees to identify new market opportunities, including additional locations or expanded services. 

• Grant Applications: Support franchisees in applying for local funding, grants, or business tenders to enhance financial capabilities. 

• Local Networking: Help franchisees build local networks with suppliers, community organizations, and business associations to foster growth and brand visibility. 

Key Traits: 

• Motivational Leader: Inspire franchisees to perform at their best while demonstrating empathy and a solution-oriented mindset. 

• Problem-Solver: Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, addressing operational, financial, and quality control issues quickly and effectively. 

• Relationship Builder: Cultivate strong relationships with franchisees and internal departments to foster collaboration and achieve results. 

Essential Skills: 

• Experience in franchise management, B2B sales, marketing, and finance. 

• Strong understanding of franchise models and operations. 

• Proven ability to manage cross-departmental coordination, performance evaluations, and quality control. 

• Excellent communication and leadership skills. 

• Fluent in English language. Knowledge of Italian and/or Slovenian language desired. 

Reporting To: Board of directors

Benefits

• The opportunity to remotely work with an exceptional multinational team
• An excellent and dynamic environment for personal and professional development in a technologically advanced organization
• Flexible working hours and a family-friendly business
• The position carries a competitive salary and a performance-related bonus

Applications are open until 07.12.2024.

Your application should include: CV and a list of the tools and programs you use, the languages you speak and your level of proficiency for each tool/language.