Job Overview:

The Director of Franchise Affairs will serve as a key strategic partner to the Vice President of Franchise Operations, acting as the primary liaison between the leadership team, franchisees, and internal departments. This role will oversee the franchise calendar and advisory committees, including ongoing calls and meetings, event planning and follow up communications. The Director of Franchise Affairs will also be responsible for supporting strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment across teams, and driving operational excellence across the franchise network.

Location: St. Louis, MO or Newton, MA

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to keep franchisees informed about company updates, operational changes, and key initiatives.
• Facilitate clear, consistent communication between company leadership and franchisees. Organize regular meetings, updates, and reports to ensure franchisees are informed of new initiatives, policies, and business developments.
• Develop agendas, distribute pre-meeting materials, and track action items to ensure follow-through on decisions made during committee meetings.
• Plan, organize, and execute franchisee events, including logistics for events such as venue selection, catering, materials, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.
• Lead cross-functional projects related to franchise operations, including system improvements, process enhancements, and new franchise initiatives, ensuring timely execution and measurable results.
• Act as a key point of contact for franchisees, ensuring clear communication, gathering feedback, and helping to resolve operational issues efficiently.
• Gather and analyze operational data to provide insights and recommendations for improving franchise operations, sales, and profitability.
• Act as a problem solver for both internal teams and franchisees, addressing challenges and proactively identifying solutions to streamline operations and improve franchisee satisfaction.
• Work closely with department heads to ensure the franchise system is supported holistically and consistently.
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Vice President of Franchise Operations, including preparing presentations, managing schedules, and organizing meetings and events.

Qualifications (Education & Experience):

• Track record that reflects both strategic grasp of franchise operations and strong execution and organization skills.
• Strong organization and communication skills, must be an expert in meeting effectiveness
• A career path with sustained success and growth leading a business unit for a large multi-unit restaurant company known for high performance and service orientation in combination with rotations through two or more of the following functions: operations, operations services, strategy, technology, finance, and/or training and development
• Highly developed business acumen, political savvy and ability to influence large, sophisticated franchisees
• Experience and demonstrated success in leading cross-functionally
• Personal characteristics that include business maturity, self-awareness, courageous behavior, integrity and collaborative leadership style, a constant learner with emotional intelligence and superior communication and strong interpersonal skills
• An affinity for the Panera brand, the wellness space, and belief in the mission of healthy, accessible food for all
• Bulletproof standards of ethics and integrity
• A bachelor's degree or advanced degree is preferred, but equivalent experience may be substituted

Working Conditions:

Willing to travel 65% overnight and achieve business results.