Director, Development Planning & Analysis
About The Position
The Director, Development Planning & Analysis leads strategic market planning and analytical decision support for franchise growth and development. This role evaluates market opportunities, forecasts business performance, and translates complex economic, demographic, and competitive data into actionable recommendations that guide new unit development, conversions, and system expansion. Working cross-functionally with development, brand strategy, franchise operations, and senior leadership, the Director drives high-impact analyses, supports key approval and planning processes, and helps shape market strategies that maximize growth, sales potential, and long-term franchise success.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Strategy, Finance, Statistics, or a related field; advanced degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
- 7+ years of experience in strategy, consulting, finance, or related analytical roles, preferably within the restaurant, QSR, casual dining, or family dining industry.
- Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to assess markets, interpret performance data, and forecast business trends.
- Advanced understanding of economic conditions, demographic trends, competitive dynamics, and financial drivers affecting franchise and development decisions.
- Proven ability to manage complex analytical projects from concept through implementation while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex analysis into clear, persuasive recommendations for diverse audiences.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across development, brand strategy, franchise operations, field teams, and senior leadership.
- Results-oriented, self-directed leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes ownership of delivering high-quality work with minimal oversight.
- Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
Responsibilities
- Lead strategic market planning and analysis to evaluate new unit, conversion, and franchise growth opportunities across the U.S.
- Assess market attractiveness and location viability using economic, demographic, competitive, and financial performance data.
- Develop forecasts, scenarios, and business insights that support development decisions, market prioritization, and long-term system growth.
- Provide analytical support for key decision-making forums, including franchise approval and strategic planning processes.
- Partner cross-functionally with development, brand strategy, franchise operations, and field teams to address complex strategic and operational questions.
- Translate complex analyses into clear, persuasive recommendations and presentations for franchisees, internal stakeholders, and senior leadership.
- Maintain and track regional system growth, pipeline activity, and market opportunities, identifying actions needed to meet development goals.
- Design, manage, and continuously improve planning tools, analytical models, and recurring reports used to support business decisions.
- Conduct market fieldwork and validate assumptions to determine the feasibility and performance potential of proposed franchise locations.
- Use analysis to drive strategic recommendations that maximize sales potential, improve decision quality, and support sustainable franchise expansion.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
