At Subway, “better” is baked into our DNA. We are a brand that believes in continued improvement … in our lives, our businesses, and our planet. From the handshake that started our very first sandwich shop to earning our position as the world’s leading restaurant brands, we’ve always embraced change and the path ahead. And today, we're making better living way easier.
Our purpose is about more than the food we serve in our restaurants. It’s centered on fueling healthy businesses and healthier lives. It is one of the most exciting times to join the Subway team and contribute to our transformational journey.
About the Role:
The Vice President of Field Operations (VP Field Ops), oversees the operational performance of all franchised restaurants in the US. The VP Field Operations is responsible for leading a national Field Operations team of up to 200 including Senior Directors, Directors and Managers Franchise Performance (DFP and MFP), collaborating closely with franchisees and corporate departments to ensure operational excellence, brand consistency, and customer satisfaction. Additionally, the VP Field Ops develops and implements strategies to increase sales, reduce costs, and enhance restaurant performance and profitability throughout the entire franchise network.
This crucial position is key to supervising the operational excellence of around 20,000 franchised restaurants and overseeing $11 billion in system sales across the US. It involves providing strategic executive leadership and direction to US Field Operations, setting the vision, and driving the development and execution of all franchise and operational initiatives, all while striving for continuous improvement in every facet of the business. It also entails leading the brand's transformation into a quick service restaurant (QSR) that genuinely represents a Customer Experience philosophy.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Drive Performance
Direct Operations to align with the organization's strategic objectives through the planning and management of the company's US Operations.
Translate high-level business goals into metrics and reports/dashboards that track progress, influence organizational behavior, promote a forward-looking strategy, and identify operational gaps or areas for improvement.
Ensure that the Field Operations staff are providing guidance and education on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), leading the team to support the established Subway model. Set objectives with franchisees that are in line with the company's Key Performance Indicators, initiatives, and benchmarks.
The position entails the analysis and review of all restaurant evaluations, operational reports, and audits. Responsibilities include evaluating restaurant performance in accordance with Subway's policies and procedures, analyzing sales and cost data, and providing tailored recommendations to franchisees and restaurants for improvement. Additionally, the role involves ensuring consistent documentation of adherence to company standards.
A thorough comprehension of the current business environment in the hospitality and QSR industry is essential, along with the capacity to embrace new initiatives. Monitoring and appraising vital performance metrics and data analytics is crucial, as is providing guidance and mentorship to the field operations staff and franchise owners.
Building Relationships
Cultivate productive relationships with franchisees, territory team members, headquarters staff, other regions field operations. Offer coaching and guidance to franchisees and MUOs to meet individual store goals and wider territory objectives.
This position offers direction, guidance, and expertise to franchisees, staff, and field operations regarding restaurant operations, new product introductions, and program launches, as well as overseeing new restaurant openings and ownership transitions. Ensures the successful implementation of all new initiatives, to foster sales growth.
Coach, counsel and influence franchisees to drive employee engagement and create better guest experience resulting in increased traffic, repeated sales, reduced staff turnover and overall experience.
Leads Territory SMO meetings, which include profitability sessions, listening groups, and MUO meetings. Engages in local events and is present at crucial business meetings. Effectively communicates the business vision and cultivates a highly motivated and engaged team to execute the business plan. Fosters a culture focused on high performance, exceptional service, and accountability.
Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with franchisees and corporate teams, fostering productive communication and collaboration. At times may be required to assist with the negotiations of MUO deals.
Collaborate with Marketing, Technology, Finance, and other essential business areas to align strategies and goals, driving the company's progress and enhancing franchisee earnings in the pursuit of operational excellence. Aid in the development and implementation of marketing strategies, merchandising schemes, and promotional initiatives that resonate with the brand's image and meet customer expectations.
Development
Works with the Field Operations teams and cross-functional business teams in developing new restaurants, transferring ownership, assessing franchisee growth potential, and completing remodels within the designated territory. Collaborate with the Development team and SVP to ensure the store is ready for opening upon construction completion, submit photos to the Development team for the final review, and conduct necessary follow-ups.
Collaborates with Development and Field Operations teams to pinpoint gaps and explore new format opportunities. Supports corporate partners and Multi-Unit Owners (MUOs with 15+ units) in remodeling and relocation initiatives. Partners with Development and Field Operations teams to identify and assess opportunities for future expansion and potential transfers. Fosters relationships with existing corporate and MUOs to support their growth efforts.
Consult the MUO team regarding the current owners' ability or constraints in expanding within the brand. Additionally, provide guidance and additional training for stores undergoing a transition from one franchisee to another, throughout and after the ownership transfer.
Operationalize new initiatives that drive new business ensuring that the processes created are efficient and the system is educated accordingly. Drive innovation and continuous improvement in franchise operations and identify and leverage opportunities to enhance the customer experience, increase operational efficiency, and optimize costs.
Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, company policies and procedures, and franchise agreements. The position entails staff management, including organization staffing plans, recruitment, employee development, performance assessments, execution of performance strategies, corrective measures.
Self-Development
Participates in designated training programs to enhance knowledge and skills. Attends all scheduled trainings and informational sessions, including University of Subway, cascade training calls, monthly business reviews, and team calls. Utilizes designated training programs to acquire new skills.
Qualifications:
Master’s of Arts degree required in Business Management, Finance, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Business Analysis, Franchise Management. MBA preferred.
Certificate programs in Franchise Management, Food Safety, Food Handler, Food and Beverage, Hospitality, Restaurant Management and other related areas would be a plus.
15+ years of Franchise Retail, Franchise Management, Field Operations with a track record of driving business growth and profitability.
10+ years of experience in Multi-unit Operations management, preferably in QSR.
10+ years of Restaurant experience.
10+ years of experience in leading and managing teams, preferably in a franchised environment. Executive Leadership or Managerial experience leading leaders with medium to large teams.
Must have P&L experience and understanding.
Lead and influence stakeholders, franchisees, and leadership teams with strong skills and gravitas to ensure the fulfillment of key targets.
Deep knowledge of franchising, especially in QSR sector. Manage franchise operations, finance, marketing, merchandising, food safety, and compliance.
High commercial acumen, identify profit opportunities and risks, manage financial portfolios, and understand P&L reporting. Handle forecasting, budgeting, and P&L management.
Ability to resolve issues and achieve goals through diverse leadership team. Show teamwork, creativity, and decisiveness.
Highly motivated, autonomous, outcome-focused, committed to excellence and customer service.
Seeks learning and advancement opportunities, embraces new activities, responsibilities, and challenges.
Completes tasks despite difficulties, rarely leaves tasks unfinished. Sets and meets high goals, exceeds expectations, excels at multi-tasking.
Self-assured, articulates ideas clearly, acts decisively and without hesitation.
Solves problems logically and methodically, analyzes and interprets financial data/information, identifies and resolves issues, pays attention to details.
Possess the ability to learn technology initiatives and cascade this knowledge to others. Proficient in Microsoft Office (strong Excel & Smart Sheets) and CRM software (FranConnect).
Communicates clearly and effectively in different forms and with diverse audiences, detail oriented, excellent written and verbal communication.
Travel Requirement: 60 - 75% of time
What do we Offer?
Insurance Plans (Medical/Dental/Vision/Life)
401k
Competitive Bonus
Mobility Allowance
Tuition Reimbursement
Company Holidays
Employee Resource Groups
Volunteering time
Many More…..
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Business Development, Strategy/Planning, and Other
Industries
Restaurants
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Subway by 2x