This position will be responsible for growing and expanding Inspire brands by securing development commitments throughout the United States. The Franchise Development Manager leads the franchise sales process from lead generation and screening, shepherding franchisee candidates through the application process, matching prospective franchisees with the right development opportunities, and successfully navigating the franchisee qualification process, including operational approvals of franchisee candidates. The individual must possess the ability to drive a high level of engagement with cross-functional teams to devise a sales strategy, deploy localized recruitment plans and interact and communicate with existing franchisees and external franchise candidates alike.
This role will support development of Jimmy John's, Buffalo Wild Wings and Buffalo Wild Wings GO.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Territory Management: Develop and execute a territory management strategy/business plan that defines opportunities, addresses sourcing and recruitment, includes segmentation/targets, and constructs forecasts.
- Inspire Brands Franchisee Targets: Fully understand and consistently apply models, requirements, qualifications, metrics and benchmarks when sourcing and qualifying potential new franchisees and existing franchisee candidates for new opportunities. Advance franchisee candidates through the franchisee approval process.
- Development Agreement Process: Fully understand and navigate Inspire Brands’ Development process, including deep knowledge of the Franchise Disclosure Document, all related document requirements, key stakeholders, processes, and timelines. Ensure timely and efficient management of the process.
- Deal Making: Identify opportunities and navigate deals from sourcing and qualification to close. Conduct a thorough qualification of all prospective franchisee candidates, coordinating internal resources as needed. Ensure deals move through the process effectively and efficiently – ensure all appropriate details and requirements are met.
- Collaboration: Work across all teams (Development, Operations, Finance, Legal, etc.) to ensure alignment and support. Proactively engage stakeholders with updates, challenges and opportunities.
- Administration: Ensure timeliness and accuracy of all administration requirements.
EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred
EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION
- Minimum three (3) years+ franchise development or sales experience.
- Preferred 5+ years’ experience in franchise industry (restaurant segment in franchise sales a plus).
- Preferred multi-brand experience.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS or ABILITIES
- Excellent interpersonal skills and proven sales track record.
- Strong written and communication skills, and working knowledge of Customer Relationship Management Systems.
- General business and commercial capabilities including strong financial acumen
- Ability to effectively negotiate with small and medium-sized businesses as well as scaled organizations.
- Familiarity with Franchise Disclosure Documents, as well as Franchise and Development agreements.
- Ability to interface and maintain excellent professional relationships with a variety of constituents that are material to the franchise development process.
- Ability to successfully work on teams with cross-functional partners and field-based team members.
- Ability to multi-task by executing multiple projects with timely follow-through and deliver on deadlines.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Powerpoint, Word and Excel.
Salary: $85,081 - $167,010 per year
- The salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual placement within this range will vary based on various factors including but not limited to experience, education, training, and location.
The Company anticipates accepting applications until 4/27/2026.
Employees (and their families) may elect to be covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, and can enroll in our company’s 401K plan. Employees receive a PTO plan plus up to 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year and are eligible to participate in the company bonus program.
Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide.
We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.