Director of Development

Innovative Food Brands Ltd. (IFB) is an independently owned company that currently oversees management and franchising of Chopped Leaf. Our purpose is to create and provide an enjoyable food experience, incorporating our WOW philosophy and Core Values.

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Director of Development, will be responsible for the development and execution of the franchise development which includes establishing target cities, site selections, and franchisee qualifications and approvals. The role will oversee construction, documentation and business development. This includes growing the brand through the building of brand equity, developing industry-leading programs and content, nurturing brand loyalty, growing market share, and ultimately driving brand performance.

The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in contributing to IFB’s overall success. Additional various duties include:

· Franchising:

• Promote franchise opportunities and brand image through trade shows and seminars
• Supporting with continuous recruitment of franchise prospects through database leads, internet inquiries and cold calls
• Lead and manage new franchises screening and approval process
• Coordinate training as required for approved new franchisees with operations and training
• Assist new franchisees through the process of their first restaurant opening
• Continuously improve the new franchisee recruitment, selection and training process
• Build sales at a local level through establishing relationships with franchisees, increasing brand awareness, and sales
• Conduct weekly/monthly business tracking to capture key performance indicators while highlighting opportunities with actionable recommendations
• Leasing:
• Selecting top quality sites on a timely basis with established development, operational and financial plans and objectives
• Site lease terms are financially competitive and appropriate provisions are negotiated

· Construction:

· Oversee and evaluate construction projects from start to finish according to schedule, specifications and budget

· Review construction schedules and milestones and monitor progress

· Prepare construction project budgets, ensure builds are staying on budget and on time

· Share progress reports and issue progress schedules to franchisees and internal stakeholders

· Other duties:

· Plays a critical role in business development to ensure pipeline remains robust

· Lead, inspire, and develop team of direct reports, following IFB’s core values

· Support the VP of Development and Leadership Team on other duties as required

The successful application will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

· Minimum of 10 years of Business Development experience

· University degree in Business (preferred)

· Experience within a fast-casual/QSR environment

· Demonstrated people management and coaching experience, with the ability to provide challenging and stretching tasks to promote development

· Customer focused attitude

· Demonstrated ability to establish cross-functional, collaborative relationships

· Assertive, well organized, highly motivated self-starter; able to work independently and meet deadlines

· Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects

· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please send your resume to recruitment@ifbconcepts.com. Our practice is to administer our employment procedures without discrimination; as such we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

This is a vacant role within IFB. Throughout our recruitment process, we do not use any AI tools. The base salary range for this position is $100,000 – $120,000. We currently work a hybrid model of 4 days in office, with 1 day remote.