Build a Bigger, Better, Bolder Future

Imagine working for a company that measures its success based off the growth of its colleagues, a company that invests in its future by investing in you. Little Caesars is a company where our colleagues make an impact.

Your Mission:

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Franchising and Business Development, the Director plays a critical executional and leadership role in driving franchise growth and optimizing portfolio health in assigned markets. This role is responsible for identifying and recruiting qualified franchise partners, managing end-to-end candidate evaluation and onboarding, facilitating buy/sell and renewal transactions, and collaborating cross-functionally to support Little Caesars’ domestic growth objectives.

The Director ensures consistent application of franchise qualification standards, maintains accurate pipeline visibility, and leads efforts to mitigate at-risk locations. This position also serves as the primary relationship manager for new and expanding franchisees during the development and transition process. Success in this role requires strong cross-functional collaboration with Legal, Real Estate, Franchise Services, and Finance to ensure strategic alignment and operational readiness.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Partner with VP of Franchising to execute market-level development strategy, including new unit growth and franchisee expansion opportunities.
• Source, screen, and evaluate prospective franchisees using a rigorous qualification process, ensuring alignment with brand and financial standards.
• Facilitate the entire approval lifecycle, including background checks, documentation, interviews, final recommendations, and FDD coordination.
• Conduct in-depth discussions with candidates regarding company history, business model, support systems, and brand expectations.
• Maintain accurate tracking of trade area availability, franchisee interest, and development opportunities in collaboration with the Real Estate team.
• Own pipeline reporting and applicant status visibility using tools like FranConnect; regularly update leadership on progress and activity.
• Provide hands-on leadership and coaching to the development team, fostering professional growth and driving accountability for performance goals.
• Lead the cross-functional coordination of store renewal and closure processes; proactively identify and resolve issues that could impact portfolio health.
• Manage the buy/sell process from initial inquiry to Finance Committee approval, ensuring all internal stakeholders are informed and aligned.
• Work with franchisees, legal, and finance to structure and execute transactions including Right of First Refusal, ownership transitions, and pre-term resolutions.
• Administer the Store Opportunity Network (SON) platform and ensure current, actionable deal flow is maintained.
• Support existing franchisees with growth planning, succession strategies, and acquisition targets.

Supplemental Responsibilities:

• Stay current on industry trends and competitive dynamics to identify new growth opportunities or potential risks.
• Represent the brand at regional and national development events, franchise expos, and business forums to source qualified leads and elevate brand visibility.
• Champion best practices and continuous improvement in franchise development processes, documentation, and performance evaluation.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Real Estate, or related field; equivalent experience in franchise development may be considered.
• Minimum 7 years of direct experience in franchise development, QSR expansion, or multi-unit retail real estate.
• Demonstrated ability to manage full-cycle franchisee development, from sourcing to approval to onboarding.
• Strong understanding of FDD compliance, real estate site selection, and buy/sell transactions.
• Proven relationship-building and communication skills with both internal stakeholders and external candidates.
• Working knowledge of FranConnect or similar CRM platforms.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple high-impact projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders.

What Will Make You Standout:

• Advanced knowledge of franchise transaction types (renewal, resale, pre-term, ROFR).
• Experience managing or mentoring team members across regional markets.
• Ability to travel 50–75% as needed for market visits, franchisee meetings, and development events.

Working Conditions:

Role is based in a standard remote office environment with significant travel expected. Must have the ability to travel via commercial air and other transportation modes. Passport and or the ability to secure necessary business travel credentials required.