Job Specifications
Company Description
International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses, and services a system of more than 7,800 DQ restaurants in more than 20 countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. For more information, visit DairyQueen.com.
Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.
Job Description
Job Overview
We’re looking for a driven and strategic Franchise Developer to join our team in a home‑based role supporting Western Canada. In this influential position, you’ll play a key role in expanding our restaurant footprint by identifying high‑potential real estate opportunities and recruiting strong franchise candidates. You’ll collaborate across multiple teams to ensure successful openings and long‑term growth for DQ.
Real Estate & Site Selection
Identify strategic sites that optimize store performance using site analysis tools, market tours, and broker partnerships.
Assess trade areas and collaborate for growth with commercial developers, agents, and brokers.
Participate in the lease negotiation process with DQ brokers.
Present well‑researched opportunities to the Development Review Committee.
Franchise Recruitment
Recruit, vet, and assess new franchise candidates as well as existing DQ franchisees exploring growth.
Present qualified candidates for approval and support a seamless transition from applicant to franchisee.
Manage and analyze regional leads through DQ’s cloud‑based platform.
Pipeline Management
Partner with design, construction, and our Operations teams to move projects from approval to opening.
Initiate internal feasibility requests, design submissions, and transitions to construction.
Facilitate Discovery Day sessions and support project timelines through construction calls, addressing delays when needed.
Collaboration & Relationship Management
Work closely with the Development team on long‑term strategic planning.
Foster strong cross‑functional relationships with Operations and other internal partners.
Maintain regular communication and build trust with external stakeholders including brokers, developers, agents, and lenders.
External Representation
Represent DQ at ICSC events, regional trade shows, community engagements, and market tours.
The Canadian national base salary range for this position is CAD $100,000- CAD $125,000. This position is also eligible for a bonus. The base salary range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for the same positions across all Canadian locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location, and education or experience.
Qualifications
Education & Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field—or equivalent experience.
3–5 years of real estate development experience (site evaluation, trade area analysis, market planning, broker collaboration, lease negotiation).
Highly self‑motivated, organized, and able to work independently from a home office.
Strong relationship‑building skills with an inclusive, team‑oriented mindset.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey opportunities to diverse audiences.
Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
Knowledge of the restaurant industry or multi‑unit franchising is an asset.
Ability to travel 80–100 nights annually.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook)
Additional Information
Work Environment:
Most positions located out of our corporate office in Burlington, Ontario will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 3 collaboration days a week. Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.
Inclusion & Belonging
We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.
About the Company
Here at the DQ® system, we believe that HAPPY TASTES GOOD®. Our first location opened in Joliet, Illinois, 80 years ago. Since then we’ve grown to more than 7,000 DQ® locations in the U.S., Canada and 22 other countries. Our restaurants offer a variety of sweet treats and crave-worthy eats that hold a special place in the hearts and minds of fans of all ages, including our signature BLIZZARD® Treat. Guided by our vision to become the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant, we’re proud of the multinational company culture ...
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