Franchise Regional Director

H&R Block

16h•Remote

About The Position

The Franchise Regional Director (FRD) is responsible for leading a team of Franchise Consultants (approximately 7-9 FCs) to support Franchisees to grow their base of clients, revenue and net earnings through increasing client conversion, retention, and assessing and guiding the overall client experience. Leadership efforts should be aligned with the strategic direction but can be customized to help franchisees grow within the assigned regional geographic area. The incumbent is responsible for building trust between franchisees and Block/Franchise Consultants to affect positive and sustained change that will meet our clients need for trusted support and service. The incumbent is a resource to FCs, franchise ops, and other Block teams and serves as the liaison for escalated issues from the franchisee. Incumbent ensures his/her team understands the strategic plan of H&R Block to support the teams work in identifying business growth levers for Franchisees in their region. Partners with and reviews short and long-range business plans (pricing, real estate, market level analysis) developed by their Franchise Consultants (FCs) to increase market penetration, maximize client growth, conversion and ensure an optimal client experience. Ensures FCs tailor their consulting support to franchisee based on life cycle status (start-up, grow, mature or exit). Oversees the development of district business plans (e.g., qualitative, and quantitative analysis, specific goals, commitments and timing) created by their FCs to ensure growth of overall franchise business for H&R Block and their Region. Ensures Franchisees are in compliance with the franchise agreement established by H&R Block. Partners with internal Program Directors to fully understand company programs and products to guide FCs on best practices. Partners with internal teams to increase understanding of franchisee needs and expectations and influences products and programs to boost effectiveness leading to increased adoption. Establishes highly effective relationships with all internal support partners (e.g., Director Franchise Operations, Product and Program Directors) to ensure cohesive and effective execution occurs in all OKRs, business operating model and use of tools. Deepen commitment of franchisees by creating an environment of cooperation and partnership between franchisees as well as with company organization. Communicate franchisee perspectives to appropriate support team leaders in Kansas City – with an eye towards what our clients want/need. Monitor industry and market by understanding and articulating tax industry trends; utilizing internal resources and insights from franchisees to increase awareness of regional competition and market factors Block should take into consideration. Articulate and drive H&R Block strategies and priorities, plus identify and recommend solutions for a consistent business approach but remains sensitive to the individual business needs of each franchisee. Partners with internal franchise operations team to ensure support and compliance is outlined clearly for all FCs to follow. Requires a strong understanding and application of HRB’s Franchise License Agreement and Policies and Procedures. Accountable for making sure their team of FCs clearly understand and ensure compliance with Privacy Laws, Agency Requirements, and other regulations governing the tax preparation industry. Hires, coaches and develops franchise consultants to become highly effective consultants and business partners for franchisees with an ability to successfully navigate a variety of business needs, dynamics and personalities. Completes all expectations outlined in H&R Block’s Talent Routines playbook to ensure ongoing performance feedback and development of her/his team. Extensive travel is required including overnights – especially during tax season(generally 50%, but may be higher in tax season). Additional travel includes attending various Regional, Franchise and National Meetings throughout the year. Home office located in respective Region and will make visits to travel with FCs and consult with Franchisees in person and virtually throughout the year.

Requirements

A minimum of 5 years’ experience supervising associates in positions requiring different levels of education and experience
Demonstrated understanding of the franchisor/franchisee relationship
Strong financial analysis skills to evaluate franchise opportunities and KPIs
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of field management’s role at all levels
Demonstrated ability to build teams, develop relationships and negotiate with individuals in direct/indirect reporting relationships
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
Highly effective leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with a diverse range of stakeholders with varying readiness levels
Highly effective verbal and written communications skills, public relations skills, detail-oriented, math and analytical skills
Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and Outlook

Nice To Haves

Problem Solving: Balance of strategic and tactical planning & execution with a focus on the client experience
Networking Abilities: Extensive networking of contacts with all stakeholders tapping into best practices helping to develop a one team culture
Franchise Experience: Demonstrated experience in franchise industry such as a Franchise District Manager, Consultant, Developer, etc.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of Franchise Consultants (approximately 7-9 FCs) to support Franchisees in growing their client base, revenue, and net earnings.
Increase client conversion and retention by guiding the overall client experience.
Build trust between franchisees and Block/Franchise Consultants to affect positive and sustained change.
Serve as a resource to FCs, franchise ops, and other Block teams, and act as a liaison for escalated franchisee issues.
Ensure the team understands H&R Block's strategic plan to identify business growth levers for Franchisees.
Partner with and review short and long-range business plans developed by Franchise Consultants.
Oversee the development of district business plans created by FCs to ensure franchise business growth.
Ensure Franchisees are in compliance with the franchise agreement.
Partner with internal Program Directors to guide FCs on best practices for company programs and products.
Partner with internal teams to increase understanding of franchisee needs and influence products and programs for increased adoption.
Establish effective relationships with internal support partners to ensure cohesive execution.
Deepen franchisee commitment by creating an environment of cooperation and partnership.
Communicate franchisee perspectives to appropriate support team leaders.
Monitor industry and market trends, and identify regional competition and market factors.
Articulate and drive H&R Block strategies and priorities, and recommend solutions for a consistent business approach.
Partner with internal franchise operations team to ensure support and compliance is clearly outlined.
Ensure compliance with Privacy Laws, Agency Requirements, and other regulations governing the tax preparation industry.
Hire, coach, and develop franchise consultants.
Complete all expectations outlined in H&R Block’s Talent Routines playbook.