Franchise Business Manager

Description

Overview

The Franchise Business Manager (FBM) is a key cross-functional liaison between Starbird’s corporate team and the franchise network. This role is responsible for driving franchisee performance in alignment with Starbird’s brand values and operational excellence. The FBP collaborates with franchisees to support sales growth, ensure consistent guest experiences, and optimize operations through coaching, data-driven analysis, and strategic planning. Reporting to the VP of Operations, this role is both strategic and hands-on—focused on building trust-based relationships and ensuring that franchisees have the tools, insights, and support needed to succeed.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Franchise Partnership:

• Facilitate strategic planning and performance reviews with franchise operators to assess the current state and align on future goals.
• Translate corporate initiatives into actionable franchise strategies; support franchisee buy-in and execution.
• Conduct regular business reviews with franchisees focused on sales, profitability, guest satisfaction, and brand alignment.
• Partner with franchisees to create individualized growth roadmaps, including market expansion, remodels, and operational improvements.

Operational Performance & Coaching:

• Provide coaching to franchise operators and leadership teams to drive operational excellence across all restaurant disciplines.
• Conduct field visits to observe, assess, and advise on performance against Starbird standards, including quality, cleanliness, hospitality, and safety.
• Support labor and cost control optimization through training, benchmarking, and resource allocation analysis.
• Assist in pre-opening and post-opening support for new and remodeled locations.
• Brand Experience & Marketing Integration:
• Champion Starbird’s guest experience vision: ensure franchisees deliver on product, service, and hospitality
• expectations.
• Partner with marketing to align national and local campaigns, provide operational readiness support, and effectively activate marketing initiatives.
• Provide feedback to internal teams based on franchisee performance and guest sentiment.

Cross-functional Support & Communication:

• Act as the central point of contact between franchisees and departments, including operations, culinary, marketing, technology, and training.
• Facilitate franchisee engagement with internal systems, operational tools, and compliance platforms.
• Monitor and escalate risk factors related to brand standards, financial health, or franchisee capability.
• Partner with the training team to ensure consistent onboarding and ongoing development for franchise leadership.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Minimum: High School Diploma or GED
• Preferred: 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree
• 5+ years of experience in multi-unit restaurant operations, field consulting, or franchise support roles (preferably in limited-service or fast-casual brands)
• Proven ability to drive performance through influence rather than direct authority
• Skills & Competencies:
• Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to interpret P&Ls and develop action plans
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with external partners
• Operational expertise in restaurant performance metrics, systems, and quality assurance
• Technologically savvy with comfort using platforms such as POS dashboards, data tools, and CRM software
• Capable of balancing big-picture strategy with detail-oriented execution
• Highly adaptable, resourceful, and collaborative

Travel Requirements:

• This role requires frequent travel to franchise locations based on the needs of the assigned portfolio (up to 60% of the time).

Starbird:

At Starbird, we believe in redefining the fast food experience through elevated quality, memorable service, and tech-forward convenience. As we continue to grow through franchising, the Franchise Business Manager plays a vital role in protecting and scaling our brand promise.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.