Vice President, International Operations - 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.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Vice President, International Operations.  This role provides overall leadership to the International Operations team as well as the International franchise groups to achieve short and long-term business unit and functional objectives.  Develop, lead and execute International operations strategies to improve sales, profits, operating standards and operating systems.  Work closely with R&D, Marketing, CSS and Supply Chain to ensure alignment of all International operations, marketing and product innovation programs and initiatives.

Key accountabilities Include:

• Provides strategic direction and leadership for International Operations.  Develops strategies for Operations to positively impact and improve operator sales, profits, operating standards and operating systems.   
•  Works closely with the International leaders to drive strategic results.  Manages effective relationships with all members of the international team, franchisees and vendors.  Presents information, strategies, and concepts to cross functional leaders and franchisees and professional organizations in a manner that inspires to action and to achieve established international and corporate goals. 
• Works closely with franchisees to influence their understanding and support of the international operations strategies and plans, while ensuring the strategic plan is incorporated into everyday business with the franchisees and the International team. Influence the Franchisees’ leadership teams to work together to build the overall DQ Brand in International.  Works closely with the appropriate team members of the Franchisees to derive the brand strategy and appropriately implement. 
• Represents Operations’ interest and input in interactions with the functional leaders for Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, R&D, Training and CSS. Builds strong and open relationships with the leaders of all levels throughout IDQ, influencing thinking of other leaders on the achievability of their goals as they relate to and impact regional and international Operations, ensuring that operational impacts and complexities are taken into account.
• Oversees and monitors consistent execution and delivery of company strategies to assigned franchisees, to ensure food safety, approved products, procedures compliance, menu compliance, trademark protection and ADQ standards.  Ensures compliance with IDQ policies and standards.

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Business or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.  MBA a plus.
• Must have at least 10 - 12 years of progressively responsible experience in Operations, Marketing or related field in QSR, Fast Casual or Full-Service restaurant(s).
• Experience working within a franchisor organization, preferably a QSR brand.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong relationships in a franchisor/franchisee environment.
• Experience effectively managing professional level Operations staff. 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work within diverse cultures, to work across global time zones and to effectively lead geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a cross-functional team, including Marketing, R&D, Operations, Training and Supply Chain, to complete projects on time.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of restaurant industry (QSR preferred) and of restaurant operations. Proficient knowledge of marketing, finance and training.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Creative thinker who can quickly develop innovative ideas across a wide variety of business units.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.  Ability to collaborate with and influence others.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate overall operations and business strategies to a variety of audiences, including senior leadership teams and franchisee leadership groups/councils.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Verbal, written and reading fluency in English.
• Ability to travel internationally with no restrictions is required up to 50%.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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.