Director, Regional Operations

Come join our Goddard Systems, LLC (GSL) corporate team! We are a great place to work and offer many employee-friendly perks and benefits. GSL is the manager of the Goddard School franchise system that supports over 650 schools which delivers a high-quality, play-based learning program to families all over the United States. Our successful franchise business model supports franchisees through partnerships with teams of seasoned professionals who draw over 30 years of business, marketing, IT, franchise, finance, and education experience. Because of this, The Goddard School has grown into an institution that parents and families trust, reaching more than 90,000 students in 38 states – and growing.

Position Summary

The Regional Director develops franchise operation leaders to advance the brand and long-term growth of Goddard Systems within their portfolios. A regional director demonstrates learning agility while leading through complexity.

The Regional Director builds capability to achieve operational excellence through plans that that advance the brand and drive long-term growth directly or in partnership with business partners. In doing so, the Regional Director is responsible for understanding the overall competitive landscape within their region and develops strategic plans to ensure successful execution of market priorities and company plans.

Overall, the Region Director is a brand ambassador setting an inspirational tone for employees, customers, and franchise leaders in the marketplace.

Responsibilities

People Leadership

• Role models Goddard values for employees, franchisees, and customers.


• Assess consultants’ capability and has an intentional plan to develop skills and desired behaviors.


• Use discovery questions and generate insights to build consultants coaching and consulting capability when participating in School Visits.


• Conduct meaningful development conversations and actively support employee development plans.


• Dedicate time with consultants to generate insights, lead them through change and support the consultants personal and portfolio growth.


• Prepares talent plan for sustainable performance.

Market Leadership

• Develop relationships with franchisees and organizations to deeply understand the customer base, competitive landscape and market dynamics.


• Engage employees and franchisees in meaningful conversations about early childcare education and associated activities. Provide ECE leadership across the region.


• Seek to understand organizational priorities and initiatives through the lens of their market and leadership priorities.


• Leverage planning cycles to ensure successful execution of company plans and the advancement of market priorities.


• Has an intentional in-field and GSL meeting cadence to share information, build capability and develop the right connections to drive continuous improvement.


• Sets clear goals for team that significantly impacts GSI & its franchisees.

Portfolio Optimization & Delivering Results

• Regularly use business analysis to assess the regional portfolio, identify trends and guide activity that improve results across the market. Balance observation and data to identify and create opportunities for growth.


• Effectively work in partnership with functional groups to identify gaps, mobilize resources to solve problems and influence decision-making and action. Internal partners include Franchise Sales, Development, Operations Excellence, Health & Safety, Marketing, Legal and Human Resources


• Develop market level plans that optimize Goddard’s reputation and improve year over year operating and educational performance. Plans to include franchise development and non-compliance matters.


• Clarifies roles & responsibilities, provides support & holds team accountable for delivering results.

Experience and Competencies

Minimum Requirements

• At least 5 years franchise consulting experience or multi-unit early childhood education facility management


• At least 3 years of experience managing a portfolio of clients and/or sites and projects


• At least 3 years of experience leading a team in a field-based environment


• At least 2 years of experience delivering influential presentations.


• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, or Business Management is preferred.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite


• Travel up to 70%, depending on geography and number of schools


• CFE (Certified Franchise Executive) designation desirable

Competencies:

• Proven ability to lead people through change with clarity and empathy


• Strategic skills to assess, plan and execute multi-year growth strategies across a region


• High level of professional and interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships, handle sensitive and confidential situations and information


• Demonstrated ability to provide observations and feedback in a neutral manner.


• Ability to coach and positively influence employees, franchise owners and peers to peak performance.


• Excellent planning, prioritizing and planning skills


• Consultative skills including ability to lead with inquiry, influence without authority and drive results through relationships.


• Above average analytical skills and comfort with on-line systems and excel

There will be periodic requirements to travel for in-person events, at the discretion of your manager or the requirement of the company.