CO CEO (Bakery franchise industry)

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Our customer company is seeking a Co-CEO to lead the business strategy and drive the organization towards a successful IPO within the next two years. This role offers a unique opportunity for a passionate leader with franchise experience to collaborate with senior management across various functions, including marketing, operations, and finance, to enhance growth and profitability. If you have a proven track record in sales and marketing within the food and beverage industry, this is an exciting chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

CO-CEO Duties

• Collaborate with senior management on strategic initiatives.
• Manage marketing and sales strategies, including SM strategy increasing brand recognition and awareness.
• Maintain relationships with customers, retailers, and suppliers.
• Review and evaluate competitors.
• Create and implement effective business plans.
• Develop effective action plans and respond to emergencies in a timely and effective manner.
• Develop opportunities for expansion of business.
• Develop marketing plans.
• Develop teams by recruiting, training, and motivating. Current Team is 230 employees nationwide.
• Develop standards for optimum performance.
• Manage budgets.
• Monitor progress of projects.
• Manage and coordinate all operational, marketing and business development initiatives.
• Analyze potential growth strategies to ensure the development of a strong pipeline of new shop locations and/or remodel projects through direct shops and direct and indirect franchise contact.
• Research and analyze market opportunities, identify potential with existing and new franchisee partners, develop business proposals, and negotiate business deals.
• Direct compliance of direct and franchise shops
• Understand where there are opportunities in sales, traffic and operations.
• Maintain strong constructive relationships with production center and international department.
• Maintain and monitor pricing strategies, compare competitor pricing, and establish prices.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with government rules and regulations.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with government and community agencies to ensure smooth and timely approvals.
• Develop and execute business plans and strategies, including budgeting, budgeting forecasts, and resource allocation.
• Prepare and present formal performance reports and budgets.
• Conduct monthly business reviews.
• Negotiate contracts, manage purchasing, and develop and maintain long-term supplier relationships.
• Develop, implement, and adhere to policies and procedures, including financial controls, accounting, human resources, and purchasing.
• Problem-solve through root cause identification of operational opportunities across direct shops and franchise organizations and implements change via business reviews, action plans, call cadences, and other tactics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration,
• MBA or Executive MBA is preferred.
• 5+ years’ proven experience in a leadership or management role; preferably in Food Beverage franchise operations.
• Excellent budgeting and forecasting skills.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership and organizational skills
• Ability to provide coaching, advice, and assistance as required.
• Computer proficiency for analyzing, researching and tracking tasks.
• Skilled in interacting effectively under changing business environment and tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Computer proficiency for analyzing, researching and tracking tasks.
• Fluent English is a must.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills and able to work under pressure.
• Strong negotiation skills with proven track record of successful deals and franchise network management and growth.