Franchise Business Consultant

The Franchise Business Consultant (FBC) is the primary liaison between Chicken Salad Chick (CSC) and our franchise owners. They are responsible for the overall growth and success of the franchise entities/restaurants/markets within their region. The FBC provides necessary counsel and assistance to our franchise owners to include the development of business plans, specific goals, objectives and strategies for sales building, cost controls, profit management, human resource plans, development, marketing, etc. The field activities of the (FBC) are to protect the integrity of the brand by leading, coaching and measuring performance in areas of guest service, product quality, cleanliness and profitability. The FBC will have responsibility for approximately 15-25 franchise restaurants within a region, and report to the Chief Operations Officer.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and cultivate a favorable business relationship with the franchise owner as their primary contact and their store management team.
• Provide strategic operational support in the areas of guest service standards, product quality control, training, safety, sanitation and assists with new restaurant openings.
• Provide guidance and support to franchise management to protect the operating and financial interest of the franchise owner and the company.
• Conduct restaurant visitations to ensure compliance with operations manual. Areas evaluated will include guest service procedures, food preparation procedures, product specifications, marketing standards and packaging standards. Ensure physical facilities comply with company standards. Develop an action plan with franchise owner to address any compliance issues.
• Work with franchise owner to develop targeted programs using existing training and other materials.
• Be knowledgeable of the franchise agreement and manage to its opportunities by understanding, interpreting, upholding and enforcing compliance by all franchise owners specifications and contractual requirements.
• Conduct on-site educational workshops and training sessions for franchise groups.
• Communicate changes in the Company's specifications and procedures.
• Act as liaison between master distributor and franchise owner and/or operators.
• Coordinate support from other departments to provide assistance to franchise owner.
• Complete a variety of administrative duties such as month end reports, new store follow-up, weekly expense reports, preparation of classes, etc.
• Assure that all company and governmental regulations are being observed.
• Maintain and safely operate company vehicle.
• Ensure promotions, special merchandising programs and advertising materials are presented in the restaurants according to company standards and local regulations. Ensure the completion of a quarterly trade area analysis by each GM and assists in the development of a quarterly strategic LRM plan with defined objectives and ROI on all activities.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must understand and demonstrate ability to counsel franchise owner on: P&L analysis/problem solving, calculate ROI and breakeven, balance sheets, yield and food cost calculations, management of controllable expenditures, inventory control, labor management, cash controls and budgeting
• Ability to effectively and professionally provide guidance and coaching to our franchise owners
• Demonstrated track record of meeting operational goals, standards, building sales and profits
• Must have the ability to determine expectations, measures effectiveness in processes, quality standards and commitments
• Strong leadership skills; experience with development and coaching
• Excellent customer service skills, ability to establish strong working relationships with internal and external partners
• Excellent problem resolutions skills with the ability to resolve disputes and maintain relationships.
• Superior people skills; well-developed oral and written communication skills; strong listening and negotiation skills; dynamic presentation skills
• Strong problem solving skills
• Strong business math and accounting skills including ability to read financial statements
• Self-motivated
• High standard of work ethics
• 60% or greater overnight travel each month - usually by car
• Current, valid driver's license and exemplary driving record
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite programs (Excel, Word and PowerPoint) as well as Outlook
• Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality

Education and Experience:

• Three to five years multi-unit restaurant management with prior individual restaurant management experience. Fast casual industry experience highly desired
• Direct experience in analysis and management of sales performance required (individual or multi-unit restaurant operations)
• Direct experience within branded franchising entity highly desirable
• Direct experience with new restaurant opening activities required (construction, pre-opening, opening)
• Direct restaurant franchise operational consulting experience highly desirable
• Experience in ensuring operational effectiveness for multi-unit organizations

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility including bending and stooping for the duration of the workday.
• Must be physically able to work at any duty station in the kitchen or service area when necessary.
• Ability to handle papers, picking up telephone, typing on a computer, etc.
• Ability to lift or carry 40 pounds.
• Ability to move freely throughout all areas of the restaurant and to use all utensils and restaurant equipment.
• Ability to travel to all franchise restaurant locations and to the corporate headquarters when necessary.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills of those in this job classification. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer: This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.