Regional Business Manager

OPA of Greece is the largest Greek quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchise in Canada, known for its authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Since its founding in 1998, the Canadian-owned company has grown from a single location to over 120 stores nationwide, with a strong presence in Western Canada.

We are looking for an experienced Regional Business Manager to fill a 12 month contract position based in Calgary, Alberta.

Role Summary:

The Regional Business Manager oversees the business operations and performance of a portfolio of franchise locations. This role involves acting as a key liaison between the corporate franchisor and the franchise partners, ensuring all restaurants comply with brand standards and meet operational and financial targets.

The RBM works to build strong, collaborative relationships with franchisees to serve as a business coach, providing guidance, support, and oversight to maximize their success and profitability.

Core Responsibilities:

Franchisee partner relations and coaching

• Act as a brand ambassador, modeling the standards and core values of the company to all franchise partners.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with franchisees through credibility, empathy and accountability.
• Act as a business consultant, reviewing performance and providing coaching to improve operations, team engagement, customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Operational and brand standards

• Ensure all franchise locations consistently uphold brand standards for food quality, world class customer service, cleanliness, and overall customer experience.
• Conduct regular on-site visits to locations, perform audits, and provide hands-on coaching and training for store managers and staff.
• Coordinate the rollout of new initiatives, such as product launches, technology updates and operational changes to ensure flawless execution.
• Address any lapses in compliance with corporate policies, operational guidelines, and all applicable health and safety regulations.

Financial performance and business growth

• Own and manage operational key performance indicators (KPI's) for the region
• Conduct regular business reviews with franchisees to analyze financial and operational performance metrics, such as sales growth, profit and loss (P&L), and labor costs.
• Develop and implement strategies with franchisees to improve business fundamentals and profitability, identifying barriers and developing corrective action plans.
• Analyze local market trends and competitor activity to provide strategic insights to franchisees.

Training and development

• Provide ongoing training and coaching to franchisees and their store-level management teams
• Ensure that all new franchisees are and their teams are properly onboarded and trained during the initial launch phase
• New store set-up including oversight of all franchisee account set-ups, initial orders, grand opening preparation and follow-up.

Cross-functional collaboration

• Serve as a key liaison between franchise partners and corporate teams, including marketing, systems, supply chain and development.
• Communicate effectively with franchisees and cross-functional corporate teams to ensure strategy and execution are aligned.
• Partner with marketing to help franchisees create localized marketing plans to increase brand visibility and drive sales within their specific market.

Qualifications and skills

• Experience: 3+ years of proven success in multi-site or franchise leadership role within the quick-service restaurant (QSR) or fast-paced food industry
• Business Acumen: Strong commercial and financial skills, with the ability to interpret business data and financial statements.
• Leadership: Exceptional leadership and people development skills with a coaching first mindset.
• Communication: Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills to influence and engage various stakeholders.
• Problem-solving: Proactive and solution-oriented approach to resolving conflicts and addressing complex issues.
• Emotional Intelligence: High emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to have difficult conversations while maintaining trust.

Typical work environment

• This role involves a mix of remote and field-based work, requiring frequent travel to franchise locations.
• Work hours are typically standard business hours but may require occasional evening or weekend work to support franchise needs or manage incidents.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $60,000.00-$90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Calgary, AB T2H 1G2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Calgary, AB T2H 1G2