Director, Franchise Development & Strategy

About the Role

The Director of Franchise Development and Strategy will lead high-impact strategic growth initiatives, focusing on market optimization, new center expansion, M&A and strategic planning. The role will have direct accountability for new center openings, pipeline development, renewals, transfers and closure mitigation. This role involves cultivating and managing relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, driving franchise development, and providing strategic oversight of franchise incentives, policies, processes and long-term growth planning. This leader will also play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of European Wax Center’s franchise system to support sustained market leadership. This role oversees three positions: Manager of Real Estate, Manager of Market Planning, and Franchise Development Specialist

A Day in the Life

Development Strategy:

• Support the Chief Development Officer in defining development strategies and initiatives to support net new center growth
• Lead the franchise network optimization strategy, supporting approximately 170 franchisees with a lean team
• Evaluate and advance growth initiatives, including geographic expansion and corporate M&A
• Support the development of a remodel catch-up program

Closure Mitigation and Reporting Strategy:

• Develop and apply a decision tree to identify centers at risk of closure and prioritize proactive mitigation actions
• Lead weekly and monthly closure review meetings in partnership with Finance and Operations
• Ensure consistent closure processes are in place and coordinate with Legal on contractual rights and remedies

Franchisee Management:

• Cultivate strong relationships with assigned larger franchisees
• Manage development activities, including new center openings (NCOs), renewals, transfers, remodel planning and M&A, for assigned franchisees
• Lead territory agreement and multi-unit development (MUD) negotiations and develop franchise incentive programs

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Lead cross-functional collaboration to align development priorities, resolve issues and advance growth initiatives
• Support the team in coordinating documentation and approvals with Development, Operations and Legal

What Sets You Apart

• Strong work ethic and business acumen
• Positive attitude and commitment to building a collaborative, inclusive culture
• Ability to build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Comfortable navigating through challenging conversations with franchisees.
• Proactive approach and ability to adapt to changing business conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to lead complex contract negotiations
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines
• Uses resources effectively to generate solutions; takes initiative when resolving problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead and implement innovative business solutions
• Analytical mindset and strong financial acumen
• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills
• Strong ability to deal with ambiguity and add structure to decision making

Education and Experience

• 15+ years of experience in franchise business development
• Experience with FranConnect or a similar franchise management tool preferred.
• Understanding of franchise regulations and ability to partner with Legal on compliance matters