Director of Strategic Franchise Initiatives

Job Details: Job Location: Corporate - Fayetteville, AR, Salary Range: Undisclosed, We’re not just another chicken joint—we’re one of the fastest-growing brands in the game, built on hand-made food and bold ambition. At Slim Chickens, every tenderloin gets the royal treatment: brined, buttermilk-soaked, hand-breaded, and cooked fresh to order. That same care and craft goes into how we grow our people.

If you’ve got hustle, heart, and an entrepreneurial spark, this is the place to prove yourself and shape your career. Our team thrives on real connection—working fast, thinking big, and building something that makes an impact every day. Here, you’ll be trusted to make decisions, empowered to own your work, and part of a crew that’s taking this brand to the next level.

Slim Chickens is growing fast. The only question is—are you ready to grow with us?

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

This role leads and coordinates all projects related to franchisee and company growth and profitability including but not limited to: EBITDA, Cost Controls, Labor Efficiencies, Team Member Retention, and Revenue Growth.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Franchisee Restaurant Margin Improvement

Lead projects that pertain to franchisee and company restaurant profitability.
Collect and organize Profitability and Operational Excellence Best Practices.
Design and lead our testing and exceptions process.
Work with and optimize our equipment packaging and layout.
Work with project management software to alert key parties to deliverables.

Financial & Operational Analysis

Develop tools and resources for franchisees to benchmark financial and operational performance.
Conduct financial deep dives and profitability audits with franchisees. 
Build reporting dashboards and KPI trackers to monitor operational health and profitability.
Support onboarding of new franchisees regarding profitability playbooks and startup guidance.

Strategic Project Leadership

Manage cross-functional projects focused on simplifying operations and improving margins.
Partner with Supply Chain, Training, and Marketing on systemwide initiatives that impact profitability.
Lead continuous improvement reviews to streamline workflows and eliminate operational waste.
Serve as a liaison between franchisees and internal departments to ensure alignment on profitability objectives.

Team Member Retention & Labor Optimization

Collaborate with HR and Training on initiatives focused on team member retention and engagement.
Analyze labor models and scheduling strategies to maximize productivity while managing costs.
Support the rollout of technology solutions aimed at labor efficiency (e.g., scheduling software, AI forecasting tools). 

   Communications & Change Management

Prepare system updates, newsletters, and toolkits related to profitability programs.
Develop change management plans for major operational and profitability initiatives.
Ensure consistent and transparent communications to franchisees during system rollouts.

Franchise Growth and Expansion

Identify revenue-driving opportunities across the system, including upselling, menu mix optimization, and daypart strategies.
Support franchisees in evaluating and executing new unit growth opportunities.
Partner with Real Estate and Development teams to analyze potential new markets and unit economics.
Collaborate on remodeling, rebranding, and prototype initiatives that drive guest traffic and franchisee returns.

Slim Chickens systems principles and objectives: Has a thorough understanding of Slim Chickens' established operating systems (e.g., quality, security, office environment, company policies, safety) and recognizes the responsibility to stay updated on these systems and the role this position plays in supporting them.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is designed to guide the activities of the Director of Strategic Franchise Initiatives. It is not meant to restrict the individual's creativity or limit their thinking, nor does it encompass all the tasks that may be required in this role.

Physical Activities: Primarily performed in an office environment. Involves entering and retrieving information on a computer and visually verifying details, often in small print. May also require presenting information to small or large groups.

Travel: Significant travel and field work, with overnights

Benefits: 

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible Spending Account

401(k)

Parental Leave

Pet Insurance

Paid time off

Life Insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Adoption Assistance

Slim Chickens is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all open positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, and physical or mental disability.
Qualifications: Skills and Abilities Required:

Strong organizational, problem solving, and analytical skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce internal documents, presentations, training workshops, collateral materials, and field communications
Demonstrates a consultative approach in working with franchisees, area directors, managers, team members and Corporate Support Team
Service oriented, Guest First
Strong interpersonal skills and a brand champion
Excellent restaurant operational knowledge

Computer Equipment and Software Requirements:

Microsoft Office Suite, Power Point, Excel
Laptop computer, Tablet, iPhone, Projector, webinar/online meeting platforms
Learning Management System

Education and Experience Required:

Bachelor’s degree preferred
2-3 years in restaurant or project management role
2 + years Data Analytics background a plus
Experience working in a franchise organization