Area Manager

Job Description – Franchise Area ManagerPosition: Franchise Area Manager

Department: Franchise Operations

Reporting To: Senior Operations Manager / Head – Franchise Operations

Role OverviewWe are looking for an experienced Franchise Area Manager to manage and drive the overall performance of franchise outlets within the assigned area.

The role will be responsible for franchise partner management, outlet operations, sales growth, profitability, new store openings, compliance, issue resolution, and cross-functional coordination.

The Franchise Area Manager will act as the primary point of contact between the brand and franchise partners, ensuring that all outlets operate in line with brand standards and business objectives.

• Key Responsibilities1. Franchise Partner ManagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with franchise partners.
• Act as the primary point of contact for operational and business concerns.
• Understand partner concerns and provide timely solutions.
• Conduct regular partner reviews and performance discussions.
• Communicate brand policies, campaigns, initiatives, and operational updates.
• Drive partner engagement and satisfaction.
• 2. Store Operations & PerformanceMonitor day-to-day operations of assigned franchise outlets.
• Track sales, profitability, customer experience, compliance, and service standards.
• Conduct regular store visits and operational audits.
• Identify performance gaps and implement corrective action plans.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, food quality, hygiene, service, and brand standards.
• Follow up on operational issues through closure.
• 3. Sales & Business GrowthDrive sales growth across the assigned franchise network.
• Analyse outlet-wise sales trends and identify business opportunities.
• Track sales, AOV, order volumes, discounts, online visibility, and customer ratings.
• Work with franchise partners to improve outlet profitability.
• Identify underperforming outlets and implement improvement plans.
• Monitor aggregator performance across platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato.
• 4. New Store Opening (NSO)Coordinate end-to-end new store opening activities.
• Work closely with BD, Projects, SCM, Marketing, Training, Finance, and franchise partners.
• Ensure outlet readiness before launch.
• Track equipment, inventory, branding, licenses, training, aggregator onboarding, and other launch requirements.
• Ensure smooth transition from pre-opening to post-opening operations.
• Monitor newly opened outlets during the initial ramp-up period.

5. Cross-Functional CoordinationCoordinate with:

• Finance: Royalty, outstanding payments, settlements, credit notes, and partner-related financial matters.
• SCM: Stock availability, supply, transportation, and procurement issues.
• Marketing: Campaigns, promotions, creatives, local marketing, and NSO activities.
• Training: Product, service, and operational training for franchise teams.
• Tech/IT: Rista, POS, aggregator, and system-related issues.
• Legal: Franchise agreements, amendments, notices, and documentation.
• 6. Compliance & Brand StandardsEnsure franchise partners comply with brand, statutory, and operational requirements.
• Monitor FSSAI licenses, statutory documents, agreements, certificates, and other mandatory documentation.
• Conduct periodic audits and ensure closure of observations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, quality, and brand standards.
• 7. Issue Resolution & Escalation ManagementTake ownership of franchise partner escalations.
• Analyse root causes and provide practical solutions.
• Track issues and ensure closure within agreed timelines.
• Escalate critical matters to senior management with facts, business impact, and recommended actions.
• Maintain an issue tracker and prevent repeated unresolved concerns.
• 8. Reporting & MISMaintain outlet and franchise partner trackers.
• Prepare weekly and monthly performance reports.
• Track sales, collections, NSO, outlet performance, audits, complaints, and action points.
• Share business insights and improvement plans with management.
• Maintain accurate records of partner discussions and commitments.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Outlet Sales Growth
• Same Store Sales Growth
• Franchisee Profitability
• Franchise Partner Satisfaction
• New Store Opening Timelines
• New Store Ramp-up Performance
• Operational Audit Scores
• Issue Resolution TAT
• Royalty / Outstanding Collection
• Aggregator Performance
• Customer Ratings & Complaints
• SOP & Compliance Adherence
• Partner Retention
• Required SkillsStrong franchise and stakeholder management skills
• Good understanding of retail/F&B operations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage multiple franchise partners and outlets
• Strong ownership and follow-through
• Good knowledge of Excel/Google Sheets and MIS reporting
• Strong cross-functional coordination skills
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned area

Experience & QualificationQualification: Graduate in any discipline; MBA/PGDM preferred.

Experience: 3–6 years of experience in:

• Franchise Operations
• Retail
• QSR / F&B
• Hospitality
• Multi-unit Operations

Preferred: Prior experience managing franchise partners and multiple outlets. Experience in new store openings and outlet operations will be an added advantage.

• Key CompetenciesPartner Management | Business Acumen | Operations Excellence | Sales Orientation | Problem Solving | Ownership | Decision Making | Communication | Negotiation | Team Coordination | Analytical Thinking