The Role

The Retail Franchise Manager is responsible for developing, expanding, and managing the Company's retail franchise network. The role will drive franchise growth through franchise recruitment, onboarding, business development, operational support, performance management, and relationship management while ensuring all franchise outlets consistently deliver the Company's brand promise, operational standards, and commercial objectives.

Working closely with Commercial, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, and Technology teams, the Retail Franchise Manager will ensure franchise partners achieve sustainable profitability while contributing to the Company's growth, market penetration, and customer satisfaction objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Franchise Development & Network Expansion

Develop and implement strategies to expand the Company's retail franchise network across priority markets.
Identify, evaluate, recruit, and onboard qualified franchise partners.
Conduct market research and location analysis to identify viable franchise opportunities.
Lead franchise presentations, negotiations, and agreement execution.
Develop business cases and investment proposals for prospective franchisees.
Drive the achievement of annual franchise growth and expansion targets.

Franchise Operations Management

Oversee the day-to-day operational performance of all franchise outlets.
Ensure franchisees comply with established operational policies, procedures, and service standards.
Conduct routine operational audits and performance assessments.
Develop improvement plans for underperforming franchise outlets.
Ensure consistency in customer experience across all franchise locations.

Commercial Performance Management

Drive revenue growth, profitability, and market share across the franchise network.
Monitor franchise sales performance and implement strategies to improve commercial results.
Support franchisees in achieving sales, profitability, and customer acquisition targets.
Review business performance reports and provide actionable recommendations.
Drive initiatives that improve same-store sales and franchise profitability.

Business Development & Relationship Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with franchise owners and key stakeholders.
Serve as the primary liaison between the Company and franchise partners.
Resolve operational and commercial issues promptly and effectively.
Promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous engagement across the franchise network.
Identify opportunities to expand existing franchise relationships and increase business value.

Training & Capability Development

Coordinate onboarding, induction, and continuous training programmes for franchise owners and employees.
Ensure franchise teams understand operational procedures, customer service standards, merchandising, and product knowledge.
Identify capability gaps and implement learning and development initiatives.
Coach franchise owners on business management, financial performance, and operational excellence.
Foster a culture of continuous learning and high performance.

Brand Standards & Customer Experience

Ensure full compliance with approved brand identity, merchandising, and visual standards.
Collaborate with Marketing to implement national and local promotional campaigns.
Monitor customer satisfaction and service quality across franchise outlets.
Protect and strengthen the Company's brand reputation through consistent execution.
Support franchisees in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Supply Chain & Inventory Coordination

Work closely with Supply Chain teams to ensure uninterrupted product availability.
Monitor inventory levels, replenishment cycles, and stock movement across franchise outlets.
Support demand forecasting and seasonal inventory planning.
Minimize stock shortages, excess inventory, and product wastage.
Ensure compliance with inventory management policies and procedures.

Financial & Business Performance

Monitor franchise profitability, operating costs, and financial performance.
Support franchisees in improving financial management and operational efficiency.
Track franchise fees, royalty collections, and contractual compliance.
Review financial reports and identify opportunities for business improvement.
Ensure franchise operations contribute positively to the Company's financial objectives.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

Promote a culture of operational excellence, accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
Identify opportunities to improve franchise systems, policies, and operating procedures.
Support the implementation of technology solutions that enhance franchise performance.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the franchise network.
Contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of the Company's retail business.

Qualification & Skills

· Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, Economics, Agribusiness, or a related discipline.

· MBA or Master's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field will be an added advantage.

· Minimum of 8 years' experience in franchise management, retail operations, business development, or commercial management, with at least 4 years in a managerial role.

· Proven experience managing franchise networks, multi-site retail operations, supermarkets, FMCG businesses, food retail, hospitality, or related industries.

· Professional membership with relevant bodies such as the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), or other recognized professional institutions will be an added advantage.

· Strong understanding of franchise development, retail operations, merchandising, sales management, customer experience, and business development.

· Demonstrated ability to recruit, onboard, develop, and manage franchise partners to achieve commercial success.

· Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, and performance management.

· Excellent negotiation, communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.

Proficiency in ERP systems, CRM platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, Power BI, and retail performance analytics tools.