Program Development Manager Jobs in Airdrie, AB (NOW HIRING)

Franchise Development Manager

Position Summary

Location: Calgary AB

The Franchise Development Manager plays a critical role in the company's growth strategy by driving franchise expansion and attracting qualified franchise partners who align with the organization's values, culture, and business objectives. This position is responsible for managing the full franchise development cycle, from lead generation and candidate qualification through franchise agreement execution and successful onboarding.

As a key member of the Franchise Development team, the Franchise Development Manager works closely with internal stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition from franchise sale to restaurant opening while supporting the long-term success of new franchisees.

Over the past 40 years, EXCELLENCE, ENTHUSIASM and INNOVATION have led us to success.

Today, we continue to look for talented professionals who want to work for a company that will offer them opportunities for growth and many rewarding experiences.

MTY offers its employees dynamic, unique and valuable professional experience.

Benefits:

• 3 weeks of vacation
• 5 days of flexible sick leaves
• $2000 reimbursement for professional certifications and continuing education requirements
• Flexible working hours
• Half-day Fridays year-round
• Company health and dental plans, with an additional $300 personal wellness expense account
• Employee assistance program with access to mental health, legal, and financial counseling services
• Employee profit-sharing plan with employer contribution
• Monthly company-wide recognition awards
• Company social events, including webinars, town halls, and team activities
• Casual dress code
• Free parking at the office

Key Responsibilities

Franchise Development & Sales

• Identify, recruit, qualify, and convert prospective franchisees through various lead generation channels.
• Manage the entire franchise sales process, including initial outreach, qualification calls, discovery meetings, franchise presentations, due diligence, and franchise agreement execution.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified franchise candidates to support expansion goals.
• Develop and nurture relationships with franchise brokers, consultants, referral partners, and other industry contacts.
• Conduct market research and territory analysis to identify growth opportunities and target markets.
• Ensure all franchise sales activities comply with applicable franchise regulations and disclosure requirements.

Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective franchisees throughout the sales process.
• Build strong relationships with candidates by providing guidance, support, and education regarding the franchise opportunity.
• Evaluate candidates' financial credentials in order to make sure that they qualify for a business loan, business experience, and cultural fit with the brand.
• Maintain regular communication with prospects to advance opportunities through the development pipeline.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Real Estate, Construction, Finance, Legal, and Training teams to support franchise development initiatives.
• Facilitate a smooth handoff from franchise sales to onboarding and operational support teams.
• Assist franchisees with site selection, lease negotiations, development timelines, and opening preparation.
• Support the successful launch of new franchise locations by ensuring all development milestones are achieved.

Strategic Growth & Innovation

• Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and market developments within the franchise and restaurant sectors.
• Identify innovative approaches to franchise recruitment, lead generation, and territory development.
• Provide recommendations to senior leadership on strategies to enhance franchise growth and improve franchisee acquisition.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen the company's competitive position and support long-term network expansion.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Maintain accurate records of franchise development activities within the CRM system.
• Prepare and present regular reports on pipeline activity, lead conversion, franchise sales, and territory development.
• Track performance metrics and recommend corrective actions when necessary to achieve growth objectives.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Sales, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in franchise development, business development, sales, retail, restaurant, or multi-unit operations.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving business growth.
• Experience within a franchise organization is strongly preferred.
• Familiar with the government franchising regulations for awarding a franchisee candidate a franchise agreement.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong sales, negotiation, and closing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and communication abilities.
• Consultative sales approach with strong relationship-building capabilities.
• Ability to evaluate franchise candidates from both a financial and operational perspective.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of franchise agreements signed.
• Franchise sales revenue generated.
• Conversion rate of qualified leads to signed franchisees.
• Development of target territories and markets.
• Quality and long-term performance of recruited franchisees.
• Timeliness of new unit openings.
• Growth and maintenance of franchise development pipeline.

Success Factors

The successful Franchise Development Manager combines entrepreneurial thinking, strategic vision, and strong business acumen with the ability to build lasting relationships and drive franchise growth. This individual demonstrates innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to identifying high-quality franchise partners who will contribute to the long-term success of the brand.

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon a background check, including a criminal record check.