Vice President of Development & Design

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Job description

A&W Restaurants, Inc., America's first restaurant franchise, is looking for a dynamic, motivated and energetic individual to join our team. The right person will be an accomplished leader who is sales and team-oriented, strategy minded, and willing to roll up their sleeves. We are looking for someone who can represent our over 100-year old brand with passion and excitement! The ideal applicant would be either located in Lexington, KY or willing to relocate.

Summary

The Vice President of Development & Design is responsible for leading both the Franchise Development and Design & Construction departments in strategy and execution. The role is responsible for ensuring the achievement of the Company's sales strategies, unit growth, real estate and development goals. This position reports directly to the President and COO. This position would be located at our Lexington, KY headquarters.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

1. Serve as a member of A&W's Executive Committee.
2. Oversee and advise on the use and management of third-party marketing firms.
3. Maintain professional working relationships with other vendors or service partners.
4. Lead the franchise sales team to reach the company's short- and long-term objectives and strategies for new sales in the United States.
5. Assure timely and accurate compliance with all applicable state and federal franchise disclosure laws and regulations and the timely issuance and execution of franchise agreements and other contracts required.
6. Participate in Discovery Days, and work effectively with other departments within the company to ensure that Discovery Days are successful.
7. Work closely with other departments to ensure approved franchisees complete the sales and development process in a timely manner.
8. Regularly track and report all franchise recruiting advertising, PR, social media, and marketing results to monitor lead volume, lead quality, cost per sale, and closing rates from all lead sources.
9. Present accurate and timely data to all levels of the organization as it pertains to the lead pipelines, hot leads, new signings, architectural projects, and all other Development & Design metrics.
10. Develop and implement effective Design & Construction strategies, including the oversight of all architectural projects, equipment package specifications and cost containment for new builds and remodels.

Competencies

1. Exceptional work ethic, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
2. Collaborative mindset, ability to work effectively across teams and functions.
3. Able to work effectively with a wide range of personalities and work styles.
4. Ability to create new and innovative solutions in response to changes in the industry, strategic objectives of the company, or market opportunities.
5. Ability to analyze and understand complex contracts and other development-related documents (including franchise agreements, financing documents, letters of intent, purchase agreements, leases, etc.).
6. Manage the annual budgets for both Design & Construction and Franchise Development to achieve both performance and financial commitments.
7. Creative mindset, able to think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table.
8. Able to lead a team of collaborators toward a common goal.
9. Stellar communicator, expert in keeping all lines of communication open and focused.
10. MS Office Suite Proficiency.
11. Able to quickly learn new processes and systems.
12. Expert-level understanding of the QSR and franchising industry.

Physical Demands

This is a largely sedentary role. This role might require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a step ladder as necessary. Additionally, all corporate employees will be asked to work in the company-owned restaurants at least two times a year for shifts lasting 4-9 hours. Standing, cleaning and fast-paced mobility is expected during work in the restaurants.

Travel

This position would be expected to travel for any necessary conferences or trade shows: up to 15% of the time.

Required Education and Experience

1. 15 years in Franchising
2. 10 years in Franchise Sales within the QSR industry
3. Proven track record of increasing business results
4. 5 years experience leading multiple departments, including Design
5. Microsoft Suite Proficiency
6. Experience gathering and presenting data in a professional environment

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Experienced supervisor
2. Associate/Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales or a related field

Equal Opportunity Employment

It is the policy of A&W Restaurants, Inc. to offer equal employment opportunity in all aspects of the employer/Team Member relationship without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetic information, tobacco smoking status, or any other status protected by law. A&W Restaurants, Inc. acts in compliance with the requirements and intent of applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations to protect the right to equal opportunity employment.

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