Chief Development Officer - Franchisor

Chief Development OfficerLeap Brands is partnering with a growing franchisor looking for a Chief Development Officer to lead franchise growth, market expansion, development strategy, and overall unit growth across the brand. This is not a role for someone who just wants to manage brokers and review pipeline reports. We are looking for a true growth leader who understands franchising, development strategy, site selection, franchise sales, market planning, and how to scale a brand the right way. The ideal candidate understands that growth is more than just selling franchises. It is about finding the right franchisees, building the right markets, protecting the brand long term, and making sure operations can support the growth being sold. This role will work closely with executive leadership to drive expansion while balancing franchise development, real estate strategy, operational alignment, and long-term brand value.ResponsibilitiesLead overall franchise development and growth strategy for the organizationOversee franchise sales, development pipeline, territory strategy, and market expansionDrive new unit growth across existing and emerging marketsBuild relationships with franchise candidates, developers, brokers, landlords, and strategic partnersPartner closely with operations leadership to ensure development growth aligns with operational support capabilitiesOversee site selection, market planning, lease negotiations, and development timelinesImprove franchise sales processes, lead generation, conversion, and candidate experienceDevelop long-term growth plans and white space strategiesEvaluate market opportunities, competitive positioning, and growth trends within the industryHelp refine franchise development messaging, branding, and positioningBuild and lead development, real estate, and franchise sales teams as the company scalesPresent growth updates, pipeline performance, and development strategy to executive leadership and ownershipRequirementsSenior leadership experience within franchising, franchise development, real estate, multi-unit growth, or related industriesPrior experience as a Chief Development Officer, VP of Development, Head of Franchise Development, or similar leadership role preferredStrong understanding of franchise systems, unit economics, market development, and site selectionProven track record of driving multi-unit franchise growthExperience leading franchise sales and development teamsStrong relationship management and negotiation skillsAbility to balance aggressive growth with operational disciplineExperience working in high-growth, founder-led, or private equity-backed environments preferred