Now Hiring - Goodwin Recruiting - Director of Franchise Development in Atlanta, GA

Full description of the position

The Director of Franchise Development is responsible for leading the company's franchise growth strategy, driving expansion from three locations to twenty across the southeast. This role will create and execute a comprehensive development plan, source qualified franchise candidates, and partner cross- functionally to ensure successful openings and brand standards. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in restaurant franchising, market development, and relationship management. Benefits * Competitive base salary ($110-$120k) * Bonus and commission structure to be developed with CEO * Ground floor opportunity with thriving fast-casual concept * Ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities.. Key Responsibilities Franchise Growth & Strategy * Develop and execute a franchise development plan to scale the brand from 3 to 20 locations over 24-36 months. * Identify and prioritize new markets based on demographics, competition, and real estate availability. * Manage the full franchise sales lifecycle: lead generation, qualification, due diligence, negotiation, and signing. * Create financial models, pro formas, and investment summaries to present to candidates and investors. Lead Generation & Pipeline Management * Build a robust pipeline of qualified franchise prospects through networking, broker relationships, industry events, and outbound outreach. * Establish franchise development marketing campaigns, collateral, and digital strategies. * Conduct presentations, discovery days, and store tours with prospects. * Track all activities in CRM and report regularly on pipeline status. Franchisee Onboarding & Support * Build systems and processes for onboarding new franchisees, including training calendars, opening checklists, and operational expectations. * Collaborate with Operations, Real Estate, Construction, and Marketing teams to ensure seamless site selection and restaurant openings. * Provide ongoing support to franchise partners to protect brand standards and maintain strong financial performance. Internal Leadership & Collaboration * Partner closely with Finance, Legal, and Operations to execute franchise agreements. * Support strategic decisions regarding menu, design, supply chain, and market positioning. * Prepare annual franchise development budgets and forecasting. * Present growth progress and financial results to executive leadership. Qualifications * 7+ years experience in franchise development, preferably in fast-casual or QSR. * Demonstrated success in scaling a franchise or multi-unit restaurant brand. * Strong knowledge of real estate, site selection, lease negotiation, and development timelines. * Ability to build financial projections and evaluate investment returns. * Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills. * Proficient with CRM systems, market research tools, and development platforms. Key Competencies * Entrepreneurial, growth-driven mindset * Strong negotiation and closing abilities * Organized, disciplined, and detail-oriented * Comfortable in a high-speed, scaling environment * Collaborative leadership across departments and franchise partners Performance Metrics * Signed franchise agreements * New markets opened * Timeline and cost of development * Franchisee satisfaction and financial performance * Brand consistency across locations