<p>POSITION PURPOSE: The Franchise Business Consultant is responsible for overseeing the performance and growth of EPL's Franchise Organizations. This person builds strong business relationships and works closely with franchisees to ensure they adhere to the brand's standards, implementing operational strategies, and providing support to help franchisees achieve their business goals. The Franchise Business Consultant also works closely with new franchisees opening new restaurants. This person also serves as a liaison between the franchisor and franchisees, ensuring effective communication, alignment of objectives, and compliance.</p> <p>ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:</p> <p>Serves as key business partner to the franchisee as the primary point of contact providing ongoing support, guidance, and training to help franchisees operate their businesses effectively. Serves as main point of contact between EPL and assigned franchisees, addressing concerns, leading conflict resolution efforts, communicating brand updates, policies, and initiatives, and ensuring satisfaction. Conducts analysis on market trends, the competition, and customer feedback to report on assigned franchisee performance, issues, and opportunities. Provides guidance on EPL operational best practices, product knowledge, and customer service. Assists in conducting DMA meetings and regional meetings partnering with EPL departments to communicate EPL initiatives, franchise performance, industry news and trends. Collaborates with assigned franchisee group to develop and execute business growth strategies. Conducts Annual Business Reviews and Quarterly Business Reviews to assess performance and align on priority areas and future goals. Champions brand initiatives and new product modules to ensure 100% execution among the assigned franchise group. Works with new franchise groups to assist in new restaurant openings. Ensures assigned franchisee group(s) adhere to EPL's brand standards (i.e., branding, marketing, customer service, and operations procedures) and franchise agreement. Conducts regular audits to ensure consistency and quality across the franchise network. Partners with Corporate Training Department to help coordinate training programs for new and existing franchisees. Partners with Corporate Marketing Department to assist franchisees with identifying local marketing initiatives. Partners with Corporate Development Department team to achieve results in new unit store growth, new store openings and remodels. Other activities, duties or responsibilities that are assigned by your supervisor or may arise from time to time.</p> <p>QUALIFICATIONS - EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.</p> <p>Education/Work Experience: Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Five+ years of experience in franchise management, business development, or a related role.</p> <p>License/Certifications: Valid Driver's License Required</p> <p>Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:</p> <p>Exceptional communication and presentation skills. Deep understanding of both the franchisee business model and QSR/Restaurant Industry. Train-the-trainer experience, coaching and willingness to develop others. Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and guide franchisees. Confidence in execution of strategic initiatives. Must be decisive and able to make fact-based decisions. Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset and skills; meticulous attention to detail Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external business partners. Ability to prioritize and plan work assignments and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines. Ability to read, write, and interpret complex reports, documents, and correspondence. High level of proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office Suite applications, customized database applications, and internet research tools. Adept at managing and prioritizing competing time sensitive requests while working well in a team atmosphere that may be under pressure. Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company. Ability to work weekends and extended work schedules as needed. Ability to report to the Support Center as required for cross-collaborative work with business partners and other corporate functions. Must be willing and able to travel locally within Southern California and to out-of-state restaurant/franchisee locations, as needed by car or airplane.</p>