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.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Consultant home based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  The Operations Consultant will provide project management for newly approved locations throughout North America, manage the process of opening new locations, provide supervision through on-site visits and effective post-opening consulting.  Utilize knowledge of restaurant operations and staff resources to provide counsel, advice and assistance to franchisee owners/operators, to positively impact and improve their sales, profits, operating standards and operating systems, while maintaining or exceeding customer expectations.  Facilitate the maximizing of the sales and profits of these new restaurants through operations excellence, thereby increasing the opportunity for additional development of restaurants and the profitability of American Dairy Queen. Protect Dairy Queen® brand and respective trademarks.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Functions as project manager of newly approved locations and provides leadership and direction to cross-functional teams, both pre- and post-opening, for the development and on-going operation of successful restaurants to achieve the targeted operational and financial key performance indicators while in the assigned district.
• Plan, organize, direct and control the activities for new restaurants as assigned from time of approval until the goals established in the transfer criteria are met and/or exceeded and the restaurant is transferred to the Operations Division.
• Ensure necessary initiatives are taken on a timely basis so that goals are accomplished in the areas of product quality, food safety, quality of service, speed of service, employee morale, productivity and profitability. Anticipate problems and develop workable solutions.  Effectiveness will be measured by your ability to create economic value.
• Provide business consulting services to recently opened locations within the assigned district. Prepare and analyze statistical data relating to the restaurant opening for the purpose of improving restaurant operations including sales and profitability key performance indicators.
• Train and implement the utilization of the PRIDE operating systems and routines to ensure franchisee compliance with ADQ’s operations policies and procedures using learning management systems and brand standards materials. Maintain consistent performance standards among franchisees within the assigned district.
• Evaluate restaurant facilities and operations via company provided measures. Provide recommendations and consulting that will positively effect overall operations, sales and profitability.
• Monitor franchisees training process. Ensure brand integrity is/will be maintained and training schedules comply with franchise agreements.  Ensure that each location has the correct number of certified managers as per that location’s franchise agreement.
• Become an expert in the training, troubleshooting and operation of all restaurant equipment.
• Possess ability to interpret and consult to restaurant equipment layout designs to drive efficiency and compliance with company guidelines.
• Maintain effective communication with the field and cross-functional teams as to activities within the system.
• Assist with the process of championing new ideas (product, service, etc.) from the franchise community. Capture best-demonstrated practices and share to team members and the franchise community.
• Assist with the training of Operation Consultants, Operations Specialists and other corporate team members as assigned.
• Manage operating budget for the position, meeting all needs of the position while maintaining expenses at or below budget.
• Complete administrative duties in a timely fashion including schedules, travel, expense reports, etc.
• Complete other duties and special projects as assigned.

Job requires:

• Air and car travel for store openings in duration of one to two weeks, up to thirty (30) weeks per year. Such travel is essential to the position and the frequency will be dictated by the needs of the business.
• Ability to work on holidays, evenings and weekends, as necessary to meet project deadlines.
• Able to use all restaurant equipment, including broilers, fryers, soft serve machines, and blending machines.
• Ability to drive an automobile for store openings. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required.  May require sitting in vehicle up to 6 hours per day.
• Ability to stand on tile and concrete floors for up to 14 hours per day during a restaurant opening.
• Ability to bend, kneel and/or extend arms over head as needed for restaurant operations work.
• Willing to perform all tasks necessary in restaurant operations as a part of training for opening process.

Education/Experience:

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in business, education, marketing or hotel/restaurant management required or equivalent combination of education and restaurant operations work experience.
• Must have 4 or more years of increasingly responsible restaurant management (direct P/L responsibility for multi-unit geographically dispersed operations experience) and/or franchise operations management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills:

• Thorough knowledge and familiarity with the Restaurant Industry (QSR preferred).
• Thorough knowledge of restaurant operations.
• Proficient knowledge of marketing, finance, training, human resource and development.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Creative thinker who can quickly develop innovative ideas across a wide variety of business units.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate concepts and programs to a variety of audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients.
• ·Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.
• Ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Benefits

Benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, employer paid basic life insurance, short and long-term disability, paid sick and vacation, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, wellness challenges and more!

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ.  We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.