Chief Executive Officer - Franchisor (Fort Lauderdale)

Leap Brands is partnering with a growing health and wellness franchisor seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the next phase of growth, franchise expansion, operational scale, and overall brand evolution.

This is not a role for someone who just wants to manage a mature business and maintain the status quo. The company is looking for a builder. A leader who understands franchising, growth, operations, people, brand positioning, and how to scale a consumer-facing business without losing culture or execution along the way.

The ideal candidate has experience leading multi-unit, franchise, retail, fitness, wellness, or consumer service businesses and understands the balance between supporting franchisees while still driving accountability and performance across the system.

This role will work closely with ownership and executive leadership to help shape the long-term vision of the company while ensuring the business continues to grow responsibly and profitably.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall company strategy, operations, growth, and organizational performance
• Drive franchise growth, same store sales, operational execution, and brand expansion
• Partner closely with franchisees to strengthen relationships, improve performance, and support long-term success across the system
• Build and develop leadership teams across operations, franchise support, marketing, HR, finance, development, and training
• Improve systems, infrastructure, and scalability across the organization
• Lead company culture and organizational alignment during periods of rapid growth
• Work closely with ownership, board members, and investors on strategic planning and business performance
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements, new market expansion, and additional revenue growth
• Ensure brand standards, customer experience, and franchise support remain strong as the business scales
• Help position the company as a leader within the health and wellness franchise space
• Drive accountability, urgency, and execution across all levels of the organization

Requirements

• Senior executive leadership experience within franchising, health & wellness, fitness, retail, consumer services, or multi‑unit operations
• Prior CEO, President, COO, or senior operational leadership experience preferred
• Strong understanding of franchise systems, franchisee relationships, and multi‑unit operations
• Proven track record of scaling businesses and leading growth initiatives
• Experience building teams, developing leadership, and creating operational structure
• Strong financial and operational acumen
• Comfortable operating in fast paced, entrepreneurial, and growth‑oriented environments
• Experience working with private equity, founders, or investor groups is a plus
• Strong communication, leadership, and relationship‑building skills