Director, Franchise Operations

KFC•Plano, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Franchise Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, franchisee performance, and brand standards across the franchise system. This role serves as the primary strategic and operational link between the corporate leadership team and franchise partners, ensuring alignment with brand vision, growth objectives, and performance expectations. Reporting directly to the COO, the Director leads and develops a team of Franchise Business Consultants, partners cross-functionally across the organization, and influences franchise owners to deliver consistent, high-quality guest experiences and sustainable business results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred (relevant advanced degrees considered in lieu of experience)
8–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in QSR operations, franchised systems, or multi-unit leadership
Proven experience leading “above-restaurant” teams and influencing franchise owners
Strong understanding of restaurant P&Ls and key performance drivers (sales, profitability, labor, food costs, guest metrics)
Exceptional leadership, coaching, and talent development skills
Ability to influence and inspire at all levels, including franchise owners and senior leaders
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution abilities
Deep operational knowledge, including restaurant systems, tools, and performance routines
High level of accountability, resilience, and comfort navigating complex, high-stakes situations

Responsibilities

Ensure franchise restaurants consistently meet or exceed brand standards across operations, guest experience, food safety, and compliance.
Champion brand protection and act as a key decision-maker in brand-sensitive and crisis situations.
Partner with Legal, Operations Intelligence, and senior leadership on franchise compliance and risk mitigation.
Build strong, influential relationships with franchise owners and operators to drive alignment on brand strategies and initiatives.
Influence, challenge, and support franchise leadership to improve operational performance and long-term profitability.
Ensure the right franchise partners are in the system through vetting, approval, and ongoing performance management.
Support franchise growth, ownership transitions, and market development initiatives.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of Franchise Business Consultants.
Set clear priorities, performance expectations, and success metrics for the team.
Build bench strength through talent development, succession planning, and continuous coaching.
Recognize strong performance and address gaps decisively and constructively.
Provide insights from the field to inform brand, operations, and growth strategies.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners including Development, Marketing, HR, Supply Chain, IT, Finance, and Training.
Leverage data and performance metrics to identify trends, diagnose issues, and drive targeted action plans.
Facilitate alignment between corporate initiatives and field execution.