The Vice President, Franchise will be the foremost ESA executive responsible for leading the overall company franchise strategy, programs, support/services, and compliance functions reporting directly to the President and CEO.

This VP, Franchise will drive the franchise administrative and support processes and directly oversee the Franchise Services and Franchise Performance teams (to include transitions staff), which have day-to-day interactions to support and maintain accountability across ESA's franchise platform. Accordingly, the individual in this role must be fluent in ESA franchise goals, programs, services, and standards across all brand tiers. The VP, Franchise will liaise closely with senior executives on the Franchise Development team and across all ESA functional areas to nurture and grow business relations with franchisees, while upholding brand quality, consistency, compliance and brand standards.

The VP, Franchise must lead with proactive energy, integrity, and confidence in advancing the evolution and maturation of the ESA franchising department for the benefit of the brand and its stakeholders. The VP, Franchise will lead and motivate teams, both directly and indirectly, to deliver on the brand promise to all stakeholders, including guests, investors, and franchisees. This individual in this role will be accountable for driving financial and quality results, establishing and achieving budgets, managing suppliers, communicating with franchisees and other external parties, negotiating contracts and ensuring adherence to company policies, regulatory and audit compliance.

* Set Departmental strategy, goals/measurements, and tactics
* Assemble and lead an experienced and competent team. Retain, develop, and recruit (when needed) to ensure a consistently strong, deep, and credible staff
* Effectively supervise the teams that oversee critical franchise support functions (in partnership with other departments), including new property transitions, franchise performance/compliance, training, and franchise communications
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams including brand, legal, finance, commercial, IT, and brand performance to ensure seamless execution of franchise agreements
* Set the tone for the organization for a "you win, we win" culture through strong two-way communications and transparent collaboration between the brand and franchisees
* Establish and regularly present Executive-level dashboards for all franchise metrics and key insights
* Provide ongoing support to franchisees through the Brand Performance discipline (offering guidance and assistance to optimize their success)
* Lead the departmental business implementation of a modern CRM to input, track, and maintain current and relevant franchisee data that is actionable to the ongoing operation and compliance functions of the department
* Adapt strategies, processes, and tactics to ensure continuous performance improvement
* Leverage technology to maximize operating efficiencies and to implement modern day processes, consistent with franchisee and guest expectations
* Maximize returns on spending of System Service Fees and works with Executive Leadership Team to balance budgets/forecasts with a fiscally appropriate lens
* Take proactive role, in partnership with Legal, Audit, and Franchise Development leaders, to update FDDs annually and to establish SOPs that balance business and compliance needs
* Implement annual budgets and assist with ongoing financial forecasts for the department
* Attend industry events, conferences, and networking functions to support the Franchise Development group as they promote franchise opportunities on behalf of the company
* Keep apprised of industry best practices to ensure that ESA is perceived favorably versus its competitive set in terms of administrative programs, procedures, and support services
* Stay updated on industry trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes affecting franchising
* Play a leadership role on the Brand Management Committee to review all franchisee requests for variances or exceptions. Actively participate on the Franchise Approval Committee and other working committees, as assigned
* Establish an insightful quarterly business review process for internal teams and key external partners
* Take the lead on the creation, development, and administration of franchisee conference and owner council meetings
* All other duties as needed or required

* Multi-task and prioritize workload personally and for/with the franchise administration team
* Work independently
* Function in a fast-paced environment
* Maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time
* Read and interpret documents and instructions from customers, suppliers, and other associates
* Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and other associates
* Must have ability to travel for meetings with customers, franchisees, suppliers, hotel visits, and/or other business necessities
* Models compliance with company policies and procedures and supports company purpose, values, and standards of ethics and integrity
* High-integrity, team-oriented leadership
* Self-motivated drive for continuous improvement
* Strong ability to advance projects with cross-departmental buy-in, while advocating for departmental needs
* Outstanding verbal and written skills; ability to organize thoughts logically and confidently articulate them from a basis of experience and research -- both internally and externally to franchisees and other stakeholders, including industry media
* Project Management experience, both within and across departments

* Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience leading a franchise department
* Must have at least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality franchising organizations
* Previous work experience leading Franchise Administration, Development, or Service departments
* Strategic thinker and planner who can act tactically
* Detailed knowledge of franchise operating model within the hospitality industry
* Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret business needs and translate into targeted franchise solutions tied to business objectives and strategy
* Ability to balance strong franchisee relationships with the need for accountability, compliance and consistency
* Regular travel across North America, up to 65% of monthly business workdays
* Strong internal and external customer focus
* Solid organizational, analytical, and planning skills
* Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to interface effectively with all levels of organization
* Proven experience in cost containment and budget attainment
* Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and web authoring tools