Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Senior Internal Auditor.  This position conducts audits to verify fees paid by franchisees to American Dairy Queen (ADQ) are accurate and in accordance with the terms of its agreements. Ensure franchisee compliance of other corporate policies such as trademark usage, consistency of product composition, preparation, presentation, and distribution to consumers. Provide cross-functional support to key projects utilizing knowledge of the business and finance and accounting skillset.

Key Accountabilities:

• Responsible for executing all assigned franchise audits. Compile and analyze data.  Work with internal and external clients to ensure the collection of accurate and complete data and the timely and efficient completion of the audit.
• Conduct audits to ensure accuracy of fees paid by franchisees. Analyze franchisee data to determine compliance with contractual provisions.  Understand Dairy Queen brand recipes and develop methods to reconstruct hypothetical sales based on volume of products purchased by franchisees.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with franchisees to deliver audit results and discuss recommendations to improve contractual compliance and business results.
• Manage, review, perform and approve testing procedures and apply functional expertise towards identified processes within the Dairy Queen business to ensure accounting and operational practices are performed with accuracy and integrity.  Effectively communicate recommendations for improvement.
• Assess, negotiate, and collect additional royalties and advertising fees due to ADQ Companies.  Defuse difficult conversations effectively by gaining the franchisees trust with your vast knowledge of audit and the Dairy Queen brand.
• Review franchisee contracts and effectively interpret the language to the franchisee or their appointed representative in accordance with ADQ Companies policies and procedures.  
• Protect the Dairy Queen brand and its image by upholding trademarks and verifying proper use of approved products, recipes, and product prep procedures.
• Utilize experience and knowledge of the system to serve as an expert to franchisees and in-house business partners as it relates to restaurant performance, key indicators of sales trends, analysis of franchisee financial records, development of tools used by franchisees and the use of internal systems such as the DQ HUB. Develop financial and operational goals for franchisees and ADQ Business Consultants to improve bottom line profitability.
• Make recommendations for improvements, including the design and testing of new procedures relating to the department’s information processing, audit procedures, and new methods to achieve the department’s objectives.  Implement changes when appropriate.
• Document and maintain all departmental procedures to be utilized as a reference manual for all auditors. 
• Promote continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Promote DQ Core values that shape our culture and make positive difference with our teams, the DQ system and in our communities.
• Perform other related duties and special project as assigned

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or equivalent related experience in lieu of
• Five years of relevant auditing and accounting experience
• Three years of prior restaurant experience preferred
• Professional certification (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA) or working towards a professional certification
• Experience in data analytics and data visualization tools
• Experience working within a franchisor organization preferred

Skills:

• Creative thinker who can develop innovative ideas
• Ability to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate audit results to franchisees
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously
• Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to defuse conflict
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work in varied environments while on the road completing an audit
• Ability to coordinate with other departments (Operations, R&D and Legal) to complete projects on time
• Strong knowledge of restaurant operations preferred
• Ability to travel 10% per year to stores for audits
• Ability to work evenings and occasionally weekends, as necessary

See more jobs at International Dairy Queen, Inc.

Apply for this job

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Consumer Insights Manager supporting our international marketing team.  Responsibilities include: strategic leadership and vendor relationship management for primary brand-level research initiatives, both proprietary and through syndicated/trade partners; development of target audiences and fan segmentation for major INTL markets consistent with the brand’s voice of the customer strategy; identification of insights that drive overall brand communication, new product development and product positioning; supporting our new market entry initiatives though pre-market assessment research; and consolidating key insights/trends to share with our franchisees and field teams on a regular basis. 

Key Accountabilities Include:

Consumer Research and Insights

• Proactively identify and champion consumer insights that will grow the business, using strong thought leadership skills.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify strategic questions for the business that can be solved through research and champion the effectiveness of utilizing data, analytics, and insights to shape business and marketing plans.
• Build the annual research plan and budget based upon an analytical review of historical consumer data and custom research, along with the strategic direction for the brand, menu and consumer.
• Utilize syndicated and custom research to provide organization leadership with an understanding of marketplace risks and opportunities. 
• Manage research vendors to ensure support of research goals, getting the greatest possible value from research investment.
• Effectively present insights and recommendations to marketing teams, executives, and franchise committees.
• Manage and elevate our Brand Health trackers in key markets around the world.

Voice of Consumer

• Lead & incubate brand-level research projects. Directly engage with key leaders across the organization to advance strategic plans, key projects, or other critical items.
• Develop, evolve and communicate the consumer journey map and consumer touchpoints. Prioritize the most critical drivers in our customer experience. Provide recommendations, present, and influence relevant stakeholders to address gaps and opportunities in the customer experience.
• Utilizing data and research, define key targeted consumer segments and personas. Connect and share learnings within the organization and participate in developing into go-to-market strategies for the brand.
• Contribute as a strategic leader in key business meetings and process as voice of consumer and help enable consumer-first decision making.
• Establish digital acquisition and CEM best practices in order to leverage our customer data to drive 1:1 marketing and loyalty/retention.

New Market Entry

• Support our new market entry initiatives by fielding pre-market assessments to gauge overall interest/appeal of our concept and to identify opportunities to optimize.
• Onboard new markets as well as emerging markets to ensure the appropriate level of brand/consumer understand in their respective market.
• Work in partnership with marketing, franchisees, and field teams to develop strategies that drive top and bottom funnel improvements.

Calendar Support

• Lead the upstream stages of our product development process to identify consumer, flavor, and menu trends that will help to define future menu concepts. 
• Manage the validation of product concepts as well as fully developed products to ensure overall appeal and market potential. 
• Work closely with the marketing team to inform brand/promotion briefs, providing rich insight and product benefits to drive our go-to-market communication plans.
• Support the marketing team in the overall brand positioning to ensure that we are remaining relevant and true to our core brand attributes across international markets. 

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Marketing Research or Marketing or Social Sciences, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Master’s degree a plus.
• 5+ years relevant business experience. Strong background in marketing research, particularly customer research. Experience in general marketing (product marketing, brand marketing, calendar planning) and/or competitive intelligence a plus.
• Proven familiarity and experience in effective data management & analysis, independent management of custom research studies, ability to independently derive impactful insights out of data, demonstrated experience with custom research design, strong ability to interact with impact with varying levels of marketing organization.
• Experience effectively collaborating with a team of marketing, analytics and/or customer support professionals.
• Experience in either food, retail or restaurant category preferred.
• Experience working within a franchisor organization, preferably a QSR brand.

Skills

• Ability to work with marketing project teams and marketing leadership to identify business issues and provide relevant insights to impact calendar development and assessment.
• Able to translate information across multiple studies and sources into actionable business direction.
• Provides clear point of view based on available information. 
• Communicates insights in a manner that provides clear direction. 
• Influences by building upon past learning applied to current problem to guide management perspective. 
• Integrates and translates learning across multiple projects.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate marketing concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients.

See more jobs at International Dairy Queen, Inc.

Apply for this job

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Consumer Insights Manager supporting our international marketing team.  Responsibilities include: strategic leadership and vendor relationship management for primary brand-level research initiatives, both proprietary and through syndicated/trade partners; development of target audiences and fan segmentation for major INTL markets consistent with the brand’s voice of the customer strategy; identification of insights that drive overall brand communication, new product development and product positioning; supporting our new market entry initiatives though pre-market assessment research; and consolidating key insights/trends to share with our franchisees and field teams on a regular basis. 

Key Accountabilities Include:

Consumer Research and Insights

• Proactively identify and champion consumer insights that will grow the business, using strong thought leadership skills.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify strategic questions for the business that can be solved through research and champion the effectiveness of utilizing data, analytics, and insights to shape business and marketing plans.
• Build the annual research plan and budget based upon an analytical review of historical consumer data and custom research, along with the strategic direction for the brand, menu and consumer.
• Utilize syndicated and custom research to provide organization leadership with an understanding of marketplace risks and opportunities. 
• Manage research vendors to ensure support of research goals, getting the greatest possible value from research investment.
• Effectively present insights and recommendations to marketing teams, executives, and franchise committees.
• Manage and elevate our Brand Health trackers in key markets around the world.

Voice of Consumer

• Lead & incubate brand-level research projects. Directly engage with key leaders across the organization to advance strategic plans, key projects, or other critical items.
• Develop, evolve and communicate the consumer journey map and consumer touchpoints. Prioritize the most critical drivers in our customer experience. Provide recommendations, present, and influence relevant stakeholders to address gaps and opportunities in the customer experience.
• Utilizing data and research, define key targeted consumer segments and personas. Connect and share learnings within the organization and participate in developing into go-to-market strategies for the brand.
• Contribute as a strategic leader in key business meetings and process as voice of consumer and help enable consumer-first decision making.
• Establish digital acquisition and CEM best practices in order to leverage our customer data to drive 1:1 marketing and loyalty/retention.

New Market Entry

• Support our new market entry initiatives by fielding pre-market assessments to gauge overall interest/appeal of our concept and to identify opportunities to optimize.
• Onboard new markets as well as emerging markets to ensure the appropriate level of brand/consumer understand in their respective market.
• Work in partnership with marketing, franchisees, and field teams to develop strategies that drive top and bottom funnel improvements.

Calendar Support

• Lead the upstream stages of our product development process to identify consumer, flavor, and menu trends that will help to define future menu concepts. 
• Manage the validation of product concepts as well as fully developed products to ensure overall appeal and market potential. 
• Work closely with the marketing team to inform brand/promotion briefs, providing rich insight and product benefits to drive our go-to-market communication plans.
• Support the marketing team in the overall brand positioning to ensure that we are remaining relevant and true to our core brand attributes across international markets. 

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Marketing Research or Marketing or Social Sciences, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Master’s degree a plus.
• 5+ years relevant business experience. Strong background in marketing research, particularly customer research. Experience in general marketing (product marketing, brand marketing, calendar planning) and/or competitive intelligence a plus.
• Proven familiarity and experience in effective data management & analysis, independent management of custom research studies, ability to independently derive impactful insights out of data, demonstrated experience with custom research design, strong ability to interact with impact with varying levels of marketing organization.
• Experience effectively collaborating with a team of marketing, analytics and/or customer support professionals.
• Experience in either food, retail or restaurant category preferred.
• Experience working within a franchisor organization, preferably a QSR brand.

Skills

• Ability to work with marketing project teams and marketing leadership to identify business issues and provide relevant insights to impact calendar development and assessment.
• Able to translate information across multiple studies and sources into actionable business direction.
• Provides clear point of view based on available information. 
• Communicates insights in a manner that provides clear direction. 
• Influences by building upon past learning applied to current problem to guide management perspective. 
• Integrates and translates learning across multiple projects.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate marketing concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients.

See more jobs at International Dairy Queen, Inc.

Apply for this job

Job Description

JOB OVERVIEW

Independently provide strategic oversight to, and manage all Operational aspects of one of 11 franchisee regions in the U.S. Each region represents 7-8 districts with approximately 40 restaurants per district, and revenue through service fees of $4M to $14M. Utilize deep knowledge of restaurant operations and staff resources to provide guidance and coaching to Operations team and at time franchisees, in order to achieve short and long-term company and operation’s objectives.  Ensure compliance with IDQ policies and system standards.  Develop staff to meet current and future needs of the company.  Gain and maintain support of DMA chairpeople and other key franchisee leadership in achieving their goals. 

Primary Accountabilities

Development, communication, and execution of plans and strategies: 

• Participate in the development of IDQ’s Operations’ business plan (rolling 1, 2 and 3-year plan) with the global Operations senior management team during Worldwide Operations strategic planning meetings 3x per year.  
• Based upon the U.S.-wide Operations strategy/business plan, assist in the creation of U.S. Operations field teams’ annual performance goals.
• Provide guidance and direction to the Operations team in the development and implementation of an integrated business plan within select markets in region (i.e., integrated marketing, operations, training, development, and supply chain plan).
• Provide direction to Operations team in an effort to assist franchisees, in establishing effective annual business plans.  Assist in establishing systems and schedules to monitor progress and goal achievement.
• Provide leadership from an Operations perspective in developing and managing marketing performance through effective partnerships with appropriate departments, vendors and franchisees.
• Represent U.S. Operations’ goals and interests, and provide input across IDQ teams when working on cross-functional problem solving and projects. This includes teams and leaders from Field and Brand Marketing, Supply Chain, Design, Architecture and Construction, New Development, Finance, Legal, R&D, Quality, Concept Evolution and Concept Support Services.
• Oversee and monitor consistent execution and delivery of company strategies to assigned franchisees, to ensure food safety, approved products, procedures compliance, menu compliance, trademark protection, reinvestments, consumer satisfaction and ADQ standards.

Communications and Interactions with Franchisees:

• Travel to districts to visit franchisee stores with business consultants and ensure/validate the B.C.’s reported progress against goals.
• When warranted, get directly involved with franchisees on escalated matters that are more complex. For example, may notify franchisees that they will be issued a default in the event of store evaluation failure, facility deficiencies, or unapproved procedures; following the expiry of a cure period after the notice of default; may make a decision to terminate the franchisee; may address issues or questions escalated by business consultants on modernization completion, or address national marketing non-compliance with franchisees; may approve compliance exceptions to how a particular store represents the brand, their equipment, menu, etc., without which the franchisee would be in violation of contract.
• Prepare and present at annual franchisee Leadership Meetings, in partnership with Regional Marketing Manager. Prepare and present at franchisee Fall Business Conferences.
• Respond to customers and franchisees in a timely manner.

Management of Team: Continuously coach, support and advise business consultants on the following:

• The development and implementation of strategies to assist assigned franchisees in executing staff and management training and professional development.
• Guidance to franchisees for consistent achievement of optimal shift management, food safety, quality, service, cleanliness, repair and maintenance and atmosphere goals, as established by ADQ’s U.S. Operation’s business plan and operating standards.
• Collaborate with, and provide insightful counsel to position franchisees for optimal financial health.  When available, determining the financial status of the franchisee and monitoring their store(s) for progress.  
• Partnering with appropriate ADQ staff to help position new and existing franchisees, to establish and execute effective development, reinvestment and renewal strategies.
• Hire, build and support a high-performance team with skills that are relevant to the needs of the business.  Conduct onboarding and training for new staff. Demonstrate a commitment to building a diverse team. Establish clear direction and performance expectations; monitors progress and results on an ongoing basis.
• Conduct weekly team meetings to ensure staff are focused on their performance goals, share best practices and communicate corporate information affecting team. Prepare and lead week-long regional Business Consultant meetings, 3 times per year.
• Coach employees to develop their skills and abilities; when appropriate, provide assignments and opportunities for development. 

Other duties:

•  Includes assisting New Development/Remodel initiatives by conducting personal interviews with prospective franchisees to assess whether they have the business and managerial aptitude to become a successful ADQ franchisee. Interview existing franchisees to assess the same aptitude concerning the possible expansion of their business. Conducts walk-throughs/reviews of potential new real estate sites and provides point of view on the feasibility of projects. Provides opinion/sign-off on acceptability of franchisees and real estate to the Development Review Committee.

• Develop an operating budget/profit plan for the region. Consistently strive to meet or favorably exceed the operating budget.

• May be asked to guide cross-functional corporate projects or committees. Other duties as assigned or needed.

Qualifications

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Business, Restaurant Management or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. MBA a plus.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible related experience, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate franchise management operations (large fragmented system preferred), and the balance in franchise operations experience and/or restaurant management (with direct P&L responsibility for multi-unit geographically dispersed operations).
• Minimum of 3-5 years managing employees required. Experience managing franchise operations professionals preferred.

• Track record of managerial ability: Includes building a high performance team, establishing clear expectations: monitoring progress and results on an ongoing basis; coaching and supporting employees to develop their skills; regularly providing feedback on employees’ strengths and when they are performing well; providing constructive feedback on areas to develop; creating focus on the right priorities; eliminating roadblocks; providing solutions to day-to-day problems for staff.

• Ability to lead geographically dispersed teams.

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of restaurant industry (QSR preferred) and of restaurant operations. Proficient knowledge of marketing, finance and training.

• Experience effectively creating and managing an operating budget.

• Experience working within a franchisor organization, preferably a QSR brand.

• Strong knowledge and familiarity with the Restaurant Industry and of restaurant operations

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Working knowledge PowerPoint.

• Communication Skills.Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate and present ideas to a variety of internal and external audiences. Strong public speaking/ presentation skills to present to staff, management peers, senior company management, and franchisees one-on-one and in groups.

• Teamwork and Cooperation. Effectively solves problems with others.  Involves others in matters that impact them. Works towards cross-functional “win-win” solutions. Strong ability to coordinate with other departments (Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Legal, Design/ Architecture/ Construction, New Development, Quality and Research and Development) to complete projects on time.

• Change and Continuous Improvement.Challenges the status quo. Generates new and viable ideas. Can facilitate effective brainstorming to create solutions and improved processes.  Advances ideas into action. Keeps up to date on new developments and information related to Operations, as well as relevant industry practices and technical developments. 

• Accountability and Drive for Results.Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment. Makes effective decisions in a timely manner.  Effectively plans and coordinates work; anticipates and adjusts for problems; evaluates results. Adjusts priorities as situations change.  Takes the initiative to find solutions quickly and effectively. Takes into account the realities of our franchisee system, as well as the impact to other teams cross-functionally. Uses data to inform decision-making.

• Strategic Operations Leadership.Demonstrated ability to assists in developing strategies for achieving operations goals, to translate business strategies into clear tactics, and to anticipate future trends or problems, their potential impact, and how to address them with relevant strategies.

• Demonstrates the highest level of integrity and trust.Communicate problems and setbacks in an honest and transparent manner that engenders trust from others. Demonstrate professional behavior at all times. Take a stand on difficult issues to “do the right thing; encourage openness and fairness.

   

See more jobs at International Dairy Queen, Inc.

Apply for this job

Job Description

JOB OVERVIEW

Independently provide strategic oversight to, and manage all Operational aspects of one of 11 franchisee regions in the U.S. Each region represents 7-8 districts with approximately 40 restaurants per district, and revenue through service fees of $4M to $14M. Utilize deep knowledge of restaurant operations and staff resources to provide guidance and coaching to Operations team and at time franchisees, in order to achieve short and long-term company and operation’s objectives.  Ensure compliance with IDQ policies and system standards.  Develop staff to meet current and future needs of the company.  Gain and maintain support of DMA chairpeople and other key franchisee leadership in achieving their goals. 

Primary Accountabilities

Development, communication, and execution of plans and strategies: 

• Participate in the development of IDQ’s Operations’ business plan (rolling 1, 2 and 3-year plan) with the global Operations senior management team during Worldwide Operations strategic planning meetings 3x per year.  
• Based upon the U.S.-wide Operations strategy/business plan, assist in the creation of U.S. Operations field teams’ annual performance goals.
• Provide guidance and direction to the Operations team in the development and implementation of an integrated business plan within select markets in region (i.e., integrated marketing, operations, training, development, and supply chain plan).
• Provide direction to Operations team in an effort to assist franchisees, in establishing effective annual business plans.  Assist in establishing systems and schedules to monitor progress and goal achievement.
• Provide leadership from an Operations perspective in developing and managing marketing performance through effective partnerships with appropriate departments, vendors and franchisees.
• Represent U.S. Operations’ goals and interests, and provide input across IDQ teams when working on cross-functional problem solving and projects. This includes teams and leaders from Field and Brand Marketing, Supply Chain, Design, Architecture and Construction, New Development, Finance, Legal, R&D, Quality, Concept Evolution and Concept Support Services.
• Oversee and monitor consistent execution and delivery of company strategies to assigned franchisees, to ensure food safety, approved products, procedures compliance, menu compliance, trademark protection, reinvestments, consumer satisfaction and ADQ standards.

Communications and Interactions with Franchisees:

• Travel to districts to visit franchisee stores with business consultants and ensure/validate the B.C.’s reported progress against goals.
• When warranted, get directly involved with franchisees on escalated matters that are more complex. For example, may notify franchisees that they will be issued a default in the event of store evaluation failure, facility deficiencies, or unapproved procedures; following the expiry of a cure period after the notice of default; may make a decision to terminate the franchisee; may address issues or questions escalated by business consultants on modernization completion, or address national marketing non-compliance with franchisees; may approve compliance exceptions to how a particular store represents the brand, their equipment, menu, etc., without which the franchisee would be in violation of contract.
• Prepare and present at annual franchisee Leadership Meetings, in partnership with Regional Marketing Manager. Prepare and present at franchisee Fall Business Conferences.
• Respond to customers and franchisees in a timely manner.

Management of Team: Continuously coach, support and advise business consultants on the following:

• The development and implementation of strategies to assist assigned franchisees in executing staff and management training and professional development.
• Guidance to franchisees for consistent achievement of optimal shift management, food safety, quality, service, cleanliness, repair and maintenance and atmosphere goals, as established by ADQ’s U.S. Operation’s business plan and operating standards.
• Collaborate with, and provide insightful counsel to position franchisees for optimal financial health.  When available, determining the financial status of the franchisee and monitoring their store(s) for progress.  
• Partnering with appropriate ADQ staff to help position new and existing franchisees, to establish and execute effective development, reinvestment and renewal strategies.
• Hire, build and support a high-performance team with skills that are relevant to the needs of the business.  Conduct onboarding and training for new staff. Demonstrate a commitment to building a diverse team. Establish clear direction and performance expectations; monitors progress and results on an ongoing basis.
• Conduct weekly team meetings to ensure staff are focused on their performance goals, share best practices and communicate corporate information affecting team. Prepare and lead week-long regional Business Consultant meetings, 3 times per year.
• Coach employees to develop their skills and abilities; when appropriate, provide assignments and opportunities for development. 

Other duties:

•  Includes assisting New Development/Remodel initiatives by conducting personal interviews with prospective franchisees to assess whether they have the business and managerial aptitude to become a successful ADQ franchisee. Interview existing franchisees to assess the same aptitude concerning the possible expansion of their business. Conducts walk-throughs/reviews of potential new real estate sites and provides point of view on the feasibility of projects. Provides opinion/sign-off on acceptability of franchisees and real estate to the Development Review Committee.

• Develop an operating budget/profit plan for the region. Consistently strive to meet or favorably exceed the operating budget.

• May be asked to guide cross-functional corporate projects or committees. Other duties as assigned or needed.

Qualifications

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Business, Restaurant Management or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. MBA a plus.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible related experience, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate franchise management operations (large fragmented system preferred), and the balance in franchise operations experience and/or restaurant management (with direct P&L responsibility for multi-unit geographically dispersed operations).
• Minimum of 3-5 years managing employees required. Experience managing franchise operations professionals preferred.

• Track record of managerial ability: Includes building a high performance team, establishing clear expectations: monitoring progress and results on an ongoing basis; coaching and supporting employees to develop their skills; regularly providing feedback on employees’ strengths and when they are performing well; providing constructive feedback on areas to develop; creating focus on the right priorities; eliminating roadblocks; providing solutions to day-to-day problems for staff.

• Ability to lead geographically dispersed teams.

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of restaurant industry (QSR preferred) and of restaurant operations. Proficient knowledge of marketing, finance and training.

• Experience effectively creating and managing an operating budget.

• Experience working within a franchisor organization, preferably a QSR brand.

• Strong knowledge and familiarity with the Restaurant Industry and of restaurant operations

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Working knowledge PowerPoint.

• Communication Skills.Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate and present ideas to a variety of internal and external audiences. Strong public speaking/ presentation skills to present to staff, management peers, senior company management, and franchisees one-on-one and in groups.

• Teamwork and Cooperation. Effectively solves problems with others.  Involves others in matters that impact them. Works towards cross-functional “win-win” solutions. Strong ability to coordinate with other departments (Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Legal, Design/ Architecture/ Construction, New Development, Quality and Research and Development) to complete projects on time.

• Change and Continuous Improvement.Challenges the status quo. Generates new and viable ideas. Can facilitate effective brainstorming to create solutions and improved processes.  Advances ideas into action. Keeps up to date on new developments and information related to Operations, as well as relevant industry practices and technical developments. 

• Accountability and Drive for Results.Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment. Makes effective decisions in a timely manner.  Effectively plans and coordinates work; anticipates and adjusts for problems; evaluates results. Adjusts priorities as situations change.  Takes the initiative to find solutions quickly and effectively. Takes into account the realities of our franchisee system, as well as the impact to other teams cross-functionally. Uses data to inform decision-making.

• Strategic Operations Leadership.Demonstrated ability to assists in developing strategies for achieving operations goals, to translate business strategies into clear tactics, and to anticipate future trends or problems, their potential impact, and how to address them with relevant strategies.

• Demonstrates the highest level of integrity and trust.Communicate problems and setbacks in an honest and transparent manner that engenders trust from others. Demonstrate professional behavior at all times. Take a stand on difficult issues to “do the right thing; encourage openness and fairness.

   

See more jobs at International Dairy Queen, Inc.

Apply for this job

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Senior Internal Auditor.  This position conducts audits to verify fees paid by franchisees to American Dairy Queen (ADQ) are accurate and in accordance with the terms of its agreements. Ensure franchisee compliance of other corporate policies such as trademark usage, consistency of product composition, preparation, presentation, and distribution to consumers. Provide cross-functional support to key projects utilizing knowledge of the business and finance and accounting skillset.

Key Accountabilities:

• Responsible for executing all assigned franchise audits. Compile and analyze data.  Work with internal and external clients to ensure the collection of accurate and complete data and the timely and efficient completion of the audit.
• Conduct audits to ensure accuracy of fees paid by franchisees. Analyze franchisee data to determine compliance with contractual provisions.  Understand Dairy Queen brand recipes and develop methods to reconstruct hypothetical sales based on volume of products purchased by franchisees.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with franchisees to deliver audit results and discuss recommendations to improve contractual compliance and business results.
• Manage, review, perform and approve testing procedures and apply functional expertise towards identified processes within the Dairy Queen business to ensure accounting and operational practices are performed with accuracy and integrity.  Effectively communicate recommendations for improvement.
• Assess, negotiate, and collect additional royalties and advertising fees due to ADQ Companies.  Defuse difficult conversations effectively by gaining the franchisees trust with your vast knowledge of audit and the Dairy Queen brand.
• Review franchisee contracts and effectively interpret the language to the franchisee or their appointed representative in accordance with ADQ Companies policies and procedures.  
• Protect the Dairy Queen brand and its image by upholding trademarks and verifying proper use of approved products, recipes, and product prep procedures.
• Utilize experience and knowledge of the system to serve as an expert to franchisees and in-house business partners as it relates to restaurant performance, key indicators of sales trends, analysis of franchisee financial records, development of tools used by franchisees and the use of internal systems such as the DQ HUB. Develop financial and operational goals for franchisees and ADQ Business Consultants to improve bottom line profitability.
• Make recommendations for improvements, including the design and testing of new procedures relating to the department’s information processing, audit procedures, and new methods to achieve the department’s objectives.  Implement changes when appropriate.
• Document and maintain all departmental procedures to be utilized as a reference manual for all auditors. 
• Promote continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Promote DQ Core values that shape our culture and make positive difference with our teams, the DQ system and in our communities.
• Perform other related duties and special project as assigned

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or equivalent related experience in lieu of
• Five years of relevant auditing and accounting experience
• Three years of prior restaurant experience preferred
• Professional certification (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA) or working towards a professional certification
• Experience in data analytics and data visualization tools
• Experience working within a franchisor organization preferred

Skills:

• Creative thinker who can develop innovative ideas
• Ability to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate audit results to franchisees
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously
• Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to defuse conflict
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work in varied environments while on the road completing an audit
• Ability to coordinate with other departments (Operations, R&D and Legal) to complete projects on time
• Strong knowledge of restaurant operations preferred
• Ability to travel 10% per year to stores for audits
• Ability to work evenings and occasionally weekends, as necessary

See more jobs at International Dairy Queen, Inc.

Apply for this job

Job Description

Job Overview

Provides sourcing and supply chain leadership for the LA&C supply chains.   Job responsibilities include supplier identification, ongoing supplier management, and negotiating purchasing programs for core & LTO products for the Mexican market.  The role will also support supply planning for limited time offer execution and ensure franchisees have access to cost-effective products necessary to operate DQ restaurants in LA&C markets. Works collaboratively with cross-functional DQ team members, Franchisees, and Vendors respectively to maintain a consistent, cost-effective supply of high-quality goods. Utilizes risk management programs to mitigate risk exposure and supply disruptions.    Works closely with the Distribution Manager, in Mexico, to ensure an uninterrupted supply of DQ products.  Continuous search of ingredients & product competitiveness, project management.

Principal Accountabilities:

Supplier/Product Identification & Existing Supplier Management

• Identify and develop local and regional suppliers, working closely with FSQR, PD, and Operations, to support the Dairy Queen brand and the franchisees' needs.
• Manage supplier relationships in Mexico (negotiate product pricing for local & imported products using commodity information when needed, supply planning communication, conflict resolution, etc.)
• Landed costs analysis.
• Identify product & supplier opportunities to support cost-savings activities and Limited Time Offers (LTOs) as needed. 
• Manage and develop RFPs for all food, packaging, and other products needed for DQ Stores.
• Creates strategic sourcing plans & processes.
• Identifies potential opportunities and works closely with the internal team to provide solutions.

LTO Execution / Cross-functional Support

• Supports category growth and calendar execution within LA&C. Collaborates with a cross-functional team, and manages components the supply chain process that aligns with Dairy Queen’s Menu Vision. Embraces the implementation, utilization, and reporting of the DEDVIM (Define, Explore, Develop, Validate, Implement, Measure) Innovation Process through the various stages of project and timeline management to facilitate product development.
• Support flawless execution of the DQ’s Annual Marketing Plan for LA&C working closely with IDQ Marketing by coordinating new product launches LTO’s to ensure inventory availability and address any supply chain concerns related to the promotion.
• Create, manage, and work globally with other international supply chain managers' portfolios of all the approved items available in LA&C  
• Support new market entry using approved vendors and/or potential new vendors.
• Work with ADQ Finance to support the collection of supplier fees for existing vendors in Mexico.
• Support new markets, new franchisees, and new store openings as needed.
• Work closely with USCI staff and USCI suppliers/distributors as needed to support the markets.

Qualifications

Education and Qualifications:

• University or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Must have 6-10 years of prior experience in sourcing and supply chain (foodservice preferred)
• Experience working within a franchisor organization, preferably a QSR brand
• Knowledge and familiarity with the foodservice supply industry
• Problem-solver skills/ self-driven.
• Written and conversational fluency in both English and Spanish
• Ability to travel up to 20% of time and to work occasionally on evenings and weekends as necessary, with ability to gain visas to travel to a variety of countries
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with and provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients
• Written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate Supply Chain concepts to a variety of audiences
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to manage efficient execution of sourcing and supply functions, working with both suppliers and franchisees
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment.

See more jobs at International Dairy Queen, Inc.

Apply for this job

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity available for a bilingual development manager to be located in Mexico.  This role focuses on finding and qualifying new franchisees, opening new markets with new and existing franchisees and managing the creation and execution of the DQ development pipeline in region, including forecasting/planning, site approvals and site selection, and compliance with DQ agreements and DQ brand standards.

Key relationships include our franchisees, potential new DQ franchisees, field Operations team, Legal and the International Leadership Team. Other key relationships include Marketing, Supply Chain, R&D, Design/Construction (DAC) and Information Technology.

Requires high commercial capability, an influencer mindset, great judgement, constant innovation, an analytical orientation, and a desire to work in multiple functional areas of the DQ business. International experience in franchising is essential.

Key Accountabilities Include:

Finds, qualifies, recruits and inducts new franchisees in targeted geographies; prepares and evaluates business plans, works with Legal on execution of development agreements; works with Operations/Marketing/Supply Chain/FSQR on market entry logistics, feasibility and execution.

Manages regional development pipeline and development plan/forecast; reviews franchisee proposals for new units, relocations, closures and remodels as per compliance with brand standards in their region, working closely with Operations and DAC. Evaluates new unit performance as per sales, profits, investment and franchisee return.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Economics; other degrees considered.
• 4 to 6 years in international franchising, either on the franchisor or franchisee side, ideally in restaurants; some preferred backgrounds include development, M&A, law, operations, finance or construction/design.
• A process and detail-oriented relationship builder, with an intuitive understanding of franchisee/franchisor relationships and a good professional network.
• Excellent commercial and analytical skills, including financial analysis, contracts, and strategy.
• Verbal and written fluency in both English and Spanish.
•  Ability to travel up to 50% travel, both domestically and internationally.

See more jobs at International Dairy Queen, Inc.

Apply for this job