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.

Finds, evaluates and on-boards new international franchisees.  Assesses new market opportunities for feasibility and attractiveness.  Works with the regional development teams to manage international development efforts outside of the US and Canada. Works closely with international leadership, the International Development team, Design & Construction (DAC) and Legal on the execution of international development strategies.  

This role will also be expected from time to time to represent IDQ at key industry events both in the US and internationally.    

Essential Functions:

• FINDING NEW FRANCHISEES AND OPENING NEW MARKETS: Finding and evaluating new franchisees; assessing new market opportunities as per feasibility and attractiveness; Working directly with existing franchisees on development opportunities in new markets and countries; Negotiating development agreements and creating and assessing business plans and financial models
• MANAGING EXISTING FRANCHISEES AND EXISTING AGREEMENTS: Assessing franchise health and new unit performance, capital structure, and growth readiness. Managing key strategic development projects, including development training courses (“Development College”), asset design, market planning and brand promotional activity.
• DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES: Provide leadership and support to core development processes, including site approvals, site logic, forecast/actual, design approvals, exceptions, and contract issuance/execution.  
• DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: Other development special projects as required; examples include Development College curriculum, revised DQ international promotional materials, Mexico GIS project, and others as required.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or Economics or other related degrees required.  Master’s degree in Business, preferred.
• 6 to 8 years of experience 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, substantial sales/commercial skills.
• Ideal candidate will have a good international professional network, and an understanding/familiarity with major players in the industry and the ability to identify, and reach, successful potential DQ franchisee candidates.
• Excellent commercial and analytical skills, including financial analysis, contracts, and strategy.
• Ability to travel up to 33% to all international countries.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.   You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more!  To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.  Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

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.