Vice President, Franchising - Dartmouth, Canada - Mezza Lebanese Kitchen

Description

Welcome to Mezza Lebanese Kitchen, one of the largest and fastest-growing Lebanese restaurant chains in Canada. With over twenty thriving locations in Atlantic Canada, expansion to Western Canada, and a presence in Dubai, UAE, Mezza Lebanese Kitchen is on the cusp of an exponential growth.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Franchising to join our team and lead the continued expansion of our franchise network across Canada and internationally.

The Vice President of Franchising is responsible for overseeing the franchising strategy and operations of Mezza Lebanese Kitchen. This role will focus on identifying and cultivating new franchise opportunities, managing relationships with existing franchisees, and driving the growth and success of the franchise network. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in franchising, strong leadership skills, and a strategic mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive franchising strategy, policies, and overall franchise system for the company's growth objectives.
• Market Expansion: Identify and analyze new market opportunities for franchise expansion and lead the executive team to develop and execute market entry strategies.
• Real Estate Selection: Collaborate with franchisees and real estate professionals to identify and select appropriate locations for new Mezza Lebanese Kitchen restaurants based on market analysis, demographics, and other strategic factors.
• Lease Negotiation: Lead negotiations for leasing agreements, ensuring favourable terms for both the franchisee and Mezza Lebanese Kitchen while maintaining brand standards and profitability.
• Recruitment: Assist in selection and approval of qualified franchisees who align with the Mezza Lebanese Kitchen brand values and standards.
• Negotiation: Lead negotiations and create franchise agreements, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Construction Oversight: Oversee and manage the construction process of new franchise locations, including working with architects, contractors, and designers to ensure that all new locations are built according to Mezza Lebanese Kitchen's brand standards and guidelines.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with franchisees, vendors, and other key stakeholders to foster a collaborative and supportive network.
• Leadership: Collaborate with internal teams such as operations, marketing, and finance to support franchise growth and success.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor franchisee performance to ensure compliance with brand standards and assist where needed to improve operational efficiency.
• Marketing and Branding: Lead our marketing team and outside agencies to implement an effective lead generation and digital marketing strategy that will result in a meaningful pipeline year over year. Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Legal and Compliance: Working with legal counsel to ensure full compliance of the franchise agreement and disclosure document.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Proven experience (10+ years) in franchising, preferably within the restaurant or hospitality industry.
• Strong understanding of Canadian and international franchising laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Excellent leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated success in franchise recruitment and market expansion.
• Ability to travel as needed to support franchise operations and expansion.

Why Join Mezza Lebanese Kitchen:

• Opportunity to play a key role in the growth and expansion of a dynamic and fast-growing brand.
• Collaborative work environment with a supportive team and a passion for excellence.
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.

If you are a results-driven franchising professional with a passion for the restaurant industry and a desire to contribute to the success of a growing brand, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your experience and qualifications. We look forward to hearing from you