Regional Director, Operations

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. 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're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges. This role will independently provide enterprise-level operational leadership of one of two franchisee regions in Canada. Each region represents several districts with approximately 40 restaurants per district, and multi-million dollar revenue through service fees.

Utilize deep knowledge of restaurant operations and staff resources to provide growth-focused guidance, performance coaching and accountability to Operations team and franchisees, in order to achieve measurable short and long-term results aligned to the company’s Strategic Imperatives and the 10x30 plan. Ensure compliance with Company policies and system standards while driving sustained sales growth, transaction momentum, and franchisee profitability. Develop staff to meet current and future needs of the company with an emphasis on enterprise mindset, accountability and execution discipline.

Gain and maintain support of key franchisee leadership in achieving their goals and advancing system-wide growth priorities. Key Accountabilities Include:

• Development, communication and execution of plans and strategies.
• Participate in the development of Operations’ business plan with global Operations senior management team during Operations leadership strategic planning meetings.
• Provide guidance and direction to the Operations team in the development and implementation of an integrated business plan within select markets in region.
• Provide direction to Operations team to ensure franchisees establish disciplined annual business plans with clear growth commitments.
• Assist in establishing systems and schedules to monitor progress and goal achievement.
• Oversee and monitor consistent execution and delivery of company strategies to assigned franchisees.
• Own the overall performance trajectory and health of the regional franchisee portfolio.

Communications and Interactions with Franchisees:

• Travel to districts to visit franchisee stores with business consultants.
• Respond to customers and franchisees in a timely manner while reinforcing clear expectations and consequences tied to operational standards.
• Serve as a firm, fair enterprise leader capable of influencing alignment.

Management of Team:

• Continuously coach, support and advise business consultants on driving franchisee results.
• Collaborate with franchisees for optimal financial health.
• Hire, build and support a high-performance team of Business Consultants.
• Recognize contributions on an ongoing basis; celebrate employee and team accomplishments.

Other duties include assisting New Development/Remodel initiatives by conducting personal interviews with prospective franchisees. Conducts walk-throughs/reviews of potential new real estate sites and provides point of view on feasibility of projects. Develop operating budget/profit plan for region.

The Canadian national base salary range for this position is CAD $155,000-$182,902. This position is also eligible for a bonus. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location, and education or experience.

Education/Experience:

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Business, Restaurant Management or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible related experience, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate franchise management operations.
• Minimum of 3-5 years managing employees required.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge and familiarity with the Restaurant Industry.
• Demonstrated track record of driving sales and transaction growth.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate data into clear priorities.

Communication Skills:

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate and present ideas.

Travel: Travel throughout region on an ongoing basis. Total travel average of 60% travel throughout the year.

Work Environment: Most positions located out of our corporate office in Burlington, Ontario will work a hybrid work schedule.

Inclusion & Belonging: We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ.