Director of Franchise Operations & Growth

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea

Ann Arbor, MI

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Analysis Skills, Beverages, Budgeting, Business Operations, Business Services, Communication Skills, Cross-Functional, Dental Insurance, Finance, Food Services, Food and Beverage Industry, Franchise Development, Franchise Management, Health Insurance, Leadership, Legal Standards, Marketing, Mentoring, New Store Openings, Operational Audit, Operational Strategy, Operational Support, Operations Planning, Performance Metrics, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Product Development, Profit & Loss, Quality Metrics, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Testing, Vision Plan

LOCATION

Ann Arbor, MI

POSTED

27 days ago

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Employee discounts
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Opportunity for advancement

Founded in 1993, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea is a premium coffee and tea cafe that specializes in globally inspired beverages and real ingredient focused products. Our “love what you do” culture permeates our marketing, training, and who we look for to help grow our company, from team members to franchisees. Simply put, we look for people who are passionate about serving amazing products and making our guests day, every day. We pride ourselves on leaning into our size which allows us to make decisions and implement quickly; and on the strategy side, our founders and CEO have built and fostered a culture that encourages innovation and creative problem solving. We are a family, minority owned, women led company based in the beautiful college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Both of our founders are University of Michigan alumni. Go Blue!

As we expand our footprint, we’re looking for an experienced, passionate, and driven Director of Franchise Operations & Growth to join our team in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If you're looking for a company where you can make a meaningful impact across multiple disciplines, see immediate results, and want the opportunity to grow professionally, we’d like to talk to you.

What We Offer:

A mission-driven company where your work directly supports franchisee success, guest satisfaction, and company growth
A dynamic, passionate team that cares deeply about product, culture, and execution
Competitive salary and benefits including health insurance, paid vacation & holidays, and retirement plan matching
An opportunity to grow into an upper management role
Innovative, fun culture

About the Role:
The Director of Franchise Operations & Growth will be the critical link between our brand and our growing franchise community. You will supervise franchise business consultants and operations staff, support and elevate operational performance, ensure consistent brand execution, and cultivate strong relationships with our franchise partners. This role requires a balance of analytical insight, operational leadership, and emotional intelligence.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as the primary liaison between corporate operations, franchise business consultants, and franchisees, fostering trust and alignment around brand standards and goals
Develop and implement operational strategies that drive performance across key metrics (quality, guest satisfaction, and profitability)
Partner with franchisees to support new store openings, ongoing operations, and problem-solving needs
Analyze PLs to guide unit performance and help operators understand and act on the numbers
Influence and guide franchisees toward operational excellence
Support company-wide initiatives, training rollouts, and process improvements
Lead a team of franchise business consultants and operations partners and collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, product development, and finance
Oversee the operations and leadership of four company owned locations to have hands-on knowledge of operations and lead testing of company wide initiatives
Partner with executive leadership on franchise development
Operate at a strategic, hands-on level, as a leadership role

Who You Are:

Passionate about food, coffee, and people—you love what you do and it shows
Experienced in supervising, managing, and mentoring a team
Experienced in both franchise operations and food service:
- 5+ years in the franchise industry, preferable in food and/or beverages
- 5+ years in food service operations, with strong operational acumen
Proven ability to influence others both with and without formal authority
A strong communicator and relationship builder
Equally comfortable in the details (data, budgets, SOPs) and the big picture (strategy, culture, brand standards, legal)
Adaptable, hands-on, and energized by a fast-moving, collaborative environment
Have a bachelor’s degree in business, service, marketing, finance or related field

Submission for consideration:
Cover letter noting your available start date and desired salary. Resume and LinkedIn profile.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants for all job openings are welcome and will be considered without regard to race, gender, age, national origin, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, military status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Director of Franchise Operations & Growth

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea

Ann Arbor, MI

About the Company

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea

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