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Franchise Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Marquee Development

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... franchise value. HOW YOU'LL CONTRIBUTE We are looking for an experienced and versatile Development Manager to contribute to Marquee Development's growth and help us innovate and expand our business ...

My1060wd

Development Manager

Chicago, IL

$115K - $140K/yr

... franchise value. HOW YOU'LL CONTRIBUTE We are looking for an experienced and versatile Development Manager to contribute to Marquee Development's growth and help us innovate and expand our business ...

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Franchise Development Manager information

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$45.8K

$80.5K

$116.9K

How much do franchise development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for franchise development manager in Chicago, IL is $80,534.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a franchise development manager?

A Franchise Development Manager is a professional responsible for expanding a company's franchise network. They identify and recruit potential franchisees, guide them through the application and onboarding process, and ensure compliance with company standards. Their role often includes market analysis, relationship building, and supporting franchisees as they establish new locations. Franchise Development Managers play a crucial role in driving business growth and maintaining brand consistency across all franchise operations.

What does a franchise development manager do?

A franchise development manager works for a franchise company, seeks out prospective franchise owners, and lays the groundwork for completing a contract with a new franchise owner. Your duties and responsibilities are to collaborate with the sales and marketing departments of your business and identify growth strategies, plans, and goals for increasing the number of franchises in a region or district. You then carry out those strategies, recruiting candidates to become new franchise owners and negotiating a contract. You also inform new franchise owners on contractual agreements, sales expectations, and branding.

What skills are needed to become a franchise development manager?

To thrive as a Franchise Development Manager, you need expertise in sales, market analysis, and business development, often backed by a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, franchise management systems, and industry regulations is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, negotiation abilities, and strategic thinking set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for identifying, recruiting, and supporting successful franchise partners, driving growth for the organization.

What are some common challenges faced by franchise development managers when expanding into new markets?

Franchise Development Managers often encounter challenges such as identifying suitable franchisees, navigating local regulations, and ensuring brand consistency across diverse locations. Entering a new market also requires thorough research to understand local consumer preferences and competitive landscapes. Building relationships with local stakeholders and adapting the franchise model to comply with regional requirements are key parts of the role, making flexibility and strong communication essential skills.

What is the difference between Franchise Development Manager vs Franchise Sales Manager?

AspectFranchise Development ManagerFranchise Sales Manager
Primary FocusIdentifying and nurturing franchise opportunities, building franchise networksClosing franchise sales, managing individual franchisee acquisitions
ResponsibilitiesMarket research, franchise strategy, franchisee supportLead generation, sales presentations, contract negotiations
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, collaboration with marketing and legal teamsSales meetings, client interactions, negotiations
Required SkillsCommunication, negotiation, industry knowledgeSales techniques, persuasion, relationship building

While both roles involve expanding franchise networks, the Franchise Development Manager focuses on strategic growth and long-term franchise development, whereas the Franchise Sales Manager concentrates on closing sales and acquiring new franchisees. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and find suitable candidates.

More about Franchise Development Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Franchise Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Franchise Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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For Franchise Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Franchise Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Franchise Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Franchise Development Manager job openings:

Franchise Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Franchise Development Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,534 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Franchise Sales Manager - Growing Restaurant Group

NextGen Hospitality Solutions

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Manager / Senior Manager, Franchise Development (Restaurant)

Location: Remote (Candidates must reside in the Midwest)

Compensation: Up to $130,000 Base Salary (Based on Experience & Level)

Incentive: Uncapped Commission

About the Opportunity

We're partnering with a growing, well-established restaurant franchise seeking a high-performing Manager or Senior Manager of Franchise Development to drive expansion throughout the Midwest.

This role is ideal for a proven franchise development professional who thrives on building relationships, creating new business opportunities, and guiding franchise candidates from initial interest through restaurant opening. Depending on experience and track record, the position may be hired at either the Manager or Senior Manager level.

If you're passionate about restaurant franchising, enjoy working with entrepreneurs and multi-unit operators, and want to be rewarded for your success through an uncapped commission plan, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do Lead Franchise Growth
  • Develop and manage a robust pipeline of qualified franchise prospects, investors, and multi-unit operators.
  • Own the full franchise development lifecycle—from prospecting and qualification through Discovery Day, franchise agreement execution, and restaurant opening.
  • Educate prospective franchisees on the brand's business model, investment opportunity, unit economics, and growth strategy.
  • Guide candidates through each stage of the approval and onboarding process while delivering an exceptional candidate experience.
Drive New Business
  • Generate new franchise opportunities through outbound prospecting, referrals, franchise brokers, networking, trade shows, and industry events.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with franchise investors, operators, and development partners.
  • Represent the brand at franchise expos, Discovery Days, conferences, and other recruiting events.
Manage the Sales Process
  • Maintain accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and candidate activity within the CRM.
  • Collaborate with operations, real estate, finance, legal, and executive leadership to move qualified candidates toward successful openings.
  • Ensure all franchise sales activities comply with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and applicable franchise regulations.
  • Consistently meet or exceed franchise sales and new unit development goals.
Senior Manager Responsibilities

Candidates hired at the Senior Manager level may also:

  • Help develop and execute the Midwest franchise growth strategy.
  • Expand broker relationships and identify new franchise lead sources.
  • Improve franchise sales processes, reporting, and conversion metrics.
  • Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
  • Mentor and support future franchise development team members as the organization grows.
What We're Looking For
  • Proven success in franchise development, franchise sales, or consultative B2B sales.
  • Restaurant, QSR, fast-casual, hospitality, or multi-unit franchise experience strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage a complex sales pipeline and close high-value franchise agreements.
  • Strong understanding of franchise development, including candidate qualification, FDD compliance, Discovery Day, and pre-opening coordination.
  • Existing relationships with franchise investors, franchise brokers, or multi-unit operators are highly desirable.
  • Outstanding communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to excel in a remote, performance-driven environment.
  • Willingness to travel throughout the Midwest for franchise meetings, Discovery Days, and industry events.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary up to $130,000, based on experience and level.
  • Uncapped commission with significant earning potential.
  • Opportunity to play a key role in expanding a respected restaurant franchise across the Midwest.
  • Remote work environment with a collaborative, growth-oriented leadership team.