Since 1940, Dairy Queen has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.We have an exciting opportunity available for a Regional Director, Operations located in the Burlington or Greater Toronto Area.

Utilize deep knowledge of restaurant operations and staff resources to provide growth-focused guidance, performance coaching and accountability to Operations team and franchisees, in order to achieve measurable short and long-term results aligned to the company’s Strategic Imperatives and the 10x30 plan. Ensure compliance with Company policies and system standards while driving sustained sales growth, transaction momentum, and franchisee profitability. Participate in the development of Operations’ business plan (rolling 1, 2 and 3 year plan) with global Operations senior management team during Operations leadership strategic planning meetings and ensure regional priorities clearly align to enterprise growth objectives and the short and long term brand strategy.

Canada

Operations strategy/business plan, assist in the creation of Operations field teams’ annual performance goals with explicit linkage to sales growth, transaction performance, and franchisee health. Provide guidance and direction to the Operations team in the development and implementation of an integrated business plan within select markets in region that prioritizes the highest impact growth drivers (i.e., integrated marketing, operations, training, development, and supply chain plan). Provide direction to Operations team to ensure franchisees establish disciplined annual business plans with clear growth commitments, reinvestment priorities, and accountability milestones.

Provide leadership from an Operations perspective in developing and managing marketing performance with a bias toward execution consistency and measurable results through effective partnerships with appropriate departments, vendors and franchisees.

Represent

Operations’ goals and interests and provide input across teams when working on cross-functional problem solving and projects to remove barriers to growth execution. 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 company standards while accelerating progress toward regional growth targets. Own the overall performance trajectory and health of the regional franchisee portfolio, prioritizing resources and interventions to accelerate growth-ready franchisees, stabilize underperforming operators, and proactively manage long‑term system risk.





Travel to districts to visit franchisee stores with business consultants and ensure/validate the B.including performance gaps that threaten growth, brand standards, or long-term viability. Respond to customers and franchisees in a timely manner while reinforcing clear expectations and consequences tied to operational standards and growth performance. Management of Team Continuously coach, support and advise business consultants on driving franchisee results, including: The development and implementation of strategies to assist assigned franchisees in executing staff and management training and professional development that directly support growth and execution discipline..

Guidance to franchisees for consistent achievement of optimal shift management, food safety, quality, service, cleanliness, repair and maintenance and atmosphere goals, as foundational enablers of sales and transaction growth. Collaborate with, and provide insightful counsel to position franchisees for optimal financial health with the expectation of continuous improvement and reinvestment readiness Hire, build and support a high-performance team of enterprise‑minded Business Consultants with skills that are relevant to the needs of the business. Establish clear direction and performance expectations; Maintain a positive and ethical work climate that is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating a diverse group of top-quality employees.

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 franchisee. Interview existing franchisees to assess same aptitude with respect to possible expansion of their business. Conducts walk-throughs/reviews of potential new real estate sites and provides point of view on feasibility of projects.

May be asked to guide cross-functional corporate projects or committees. The Canadian national base salary range for this position is CAD $155,000-$182,902. This position is also eligible for a bonus. Degree in Business, Restaurant Management or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. 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. 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; Proficient knowledge of marketing, finance and training.

Experience effectively creating and managing an operating budget. Demonstrated track record of driving sales and transaction growth in complex, franchised or multi-unit environments. Proven ability to influence without authority and lead franchisees through performance change.

Strong business acumen with the ability to translate data into clear priorities and field execution. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Strong public speaking/ presentation skills to present to staff, management peers, senior company management, and franchisee one-on-one and in groups.

Strong ability to coordinate with other departments (Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Legal, Design/ Architecture/ Construction, Recent Development, Quality and Research and Development) to complete projects on time. Change and Continuous Improvement. Keeps up to date on recent developments and information related to Operations, as well as relevant industry practices and technical developments.

Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment. 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.

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.

Travel: Travel throughout region on an ongoing basis. Includes required Operations Leadership meetings, regional meetings, annual Connect business meetings, district travel, etc. Total travel average of 60% travel throughout the year.

No food or beverage allergies that would prevent you from tasting or working in and around a Dairy Queen restaurant environment. Extensive sitting due to business travel in cars and airplanes. Most positions located out of our corporate office in Burlington, Ontario will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 3 collaboration days a week.

Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs. Inclusion & Belonging We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit.

📌 REGIONAL DIRECTOR OPERATIONS - FACILITIES (Burlington)
🏢 Dairy Queen
📍 Burlington