Franchise Developer (Home Office with Travel) - International Dairy Queen, Inc.

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. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

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 firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

The Franchise Developer position is responsible for new store growth within a geographic region of the United States. Their activities include sales for recruitment within their region and real estate activities for effective site selection. This position is the primary relationship with the developing candidate from initial stages of development through store opening.

Primary Accountabilities: 

• Development Market Planning and Prioritization.
  • Determine optimal markets and trade areas for development.
  • Prioritize opportunities to maximize sales penetration and development results.
• Recruitment of ARD and NRD candidates for new store growth.
  • Establish relationships with existing Franchisees and Operations department to effectively recruit for additional restaurant growth.
  • Work with Director of Franchise Sales and Development to effectively recruit and gain commitment from new franchise candidates for growth within the DQ system. Focus on Multi-Unit capable candidates is essential for year on year growth.
• Real Estate and site selection for ARD and NRD candidates for new store growth. Assist Franchisee or Candidate in the timely and effective identification of sites that are strategically positioned to optimize store performance and to meet company development goals.
• Establish relationship with ARD and NRD candidates to effectively transition their project to and from direct and non-direct management.
• Effectively manage Franchisee expectations and necessary project timelines to meet departmental goals.
• Ensure effective and professional communications occur between the Franchise Developer position and the Franchisees/ Candidates, the Operations team, and the ADQ Project Management teams.

• Direct the workflow of new development projects from field to appropriate departments within the corporate administrative offices.  Prepare project files for flow within the application process and project management process. Participate and present projects in Development Review Committee meetings. Utilize market planning tools to prioritize activities and establish new store projects within geographic region.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have 5+ years of prior Franchise Development experience that includes franchise recruitment and franchise site selection responsibility.
• Experience working within a QSR franchisor organization with freestanding drive thru locations. Strong knowledge of the QSR industry. Experience with selling / recruitment with capability of gaining commitments and providing guidance to candidates.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.
• Ability to assess expectations and gain prompt commitments.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate opportunities to various audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients.
• Ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Strong knowledge and familiarity with the Restaurant Industry and multi-unit Franchise community.
• Ability to travel up to 60-70%.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more!  To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.  Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ.  We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.