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Sr. Director, Franchising & Development

Irvine

Who is Taco Bell?

Taco Bell was born and raised in California and has been around since 1962. We went from selling everyone’s favorite Crunchy Tacos on the West Coast to a global brand with 8,200+ restaurants, 350 franchise organizations, that serve 42+ million fans each week around the globe. We’re not only the largest Mexican-inspired quick service brand (QSR) in the world, we’re also part of the biggest restaurant group in the world: Yum! Brands. 

Much of our fan love and authentic connection with our communities are rooted in being rebels with a cause. From ensuring we use high quality, sustainable ingredients to elevating restaurant technology in ways that hasn’t been done before… we will continue to be inclusive, bold, challenge the status quo and push industry boundaries.   

We’re a company that celebrates and advocates for different, has bold self-expression, strives for a better future, and brings the fun while we’re at it. We fuel our culture with real people who bring unique experiences. We inspire and enable our teams and the world to Live Más.

At Taco Bell, we’re Cultural Rebels. Want to join in on the passion-fueled fun? Learn more about the career below. 

About the Job:

Taco Bell is looking for a strategic and results-driven leader to shape the future of our franchise system. As Sr. Director, Franchising & Development, you will play a critical role in driving the brand’s ambitious growth by leading franchise finance, market planning, and strategic development.

In this role, you will oversee pipeline management, franchise policy enforcement, and strategic partnerships to ensure the financial health and long-term success of our franchise network. You’ll also drive system growth through franchise business services, transfers, and expansion initiatives, working closely with franchisees and cross-functional teams to align on scalable strategies.

We’re seeking a highly analytical, forward-thinking leader with strong collaboration and influencing skills. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you will lead multiple teams, including Franchise Finance, Market Planning & Insights, and Development Operations, fostering a high-performing, innovative team environment.

At Taco Bell, we take pride in our bold ideas, dynamic culture, and entrepreneurial spirit. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are excited to make a lasting impact on a globally recognized brand, this is your opportunity to lead and grow with us!

The Day-to-Day:

  • Asset Strategy: Shape and execute a 1-3 year roadmap to drive brand growth and ensure franchise financial health, contributing 20-40% of functional strategy and results.
  • Franchise Policy & Partnerships: Ensure compliance while fostering strong franchise relationships, aligning strategy across teams, and collaborating on scalable initiatives.
  • System Growth: Lead franchise business services, transfers, refranchising, and asset strategy to drive expansion.
  • Innovation & Modernization: Leverage technology and market trends to enhance operations, focusing on Millennial and Gen-Z employee/consumer needs.
  • Team Leadership: Oversee Franchise Finance, Market Planning & Insights, and Development Operations fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

Is This You?

  • BS/BA degree in Finance, Accounting, or Real Estate; MBA preferred.
  • 15+ years of experience in Development within the franchising/multi-unit restaurant or retail industry, with a proven ability to adapt to changing market conditions and remain resilient in the face of challenges; Experience in real estate, marketing planning, finance business, or development required.
  • Expertise in financial management (including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis to ensure profitability and sustainable growth), real estate, and market planning; Demonstrated record of results with site selection, trade area analysis, real estate contract negotiation, construction management, facilities management and/or architecture.
  • Strong executive presence with flawless leadership and influencing skills to inspire and develop others (both direct and indirect), fostering a high-performing and collaborative environment; Experience leading multiple directors and a team of 15+.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal and advanced organizational abilities; Excellent communication skills to clearly and precisely articulate vision, strategies, and complex business issues to stakeholders at all levels. Utilize fact-based arguments to support proposals and recommendations effectively.
  • The ability to proactively address problems with a sense of urgency, demonstrating the ability to think and act quickly and effectively under pressure while maintaining a calm, professional attitude; Exhibit exceptional time management and self-starter skills, even in crises. This includes the ability to prioritize issues and opportunities and allocate resources accordingly.

Work-Hard, Play-Hard:

  • Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday
  • Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons 
  • Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building) 
  • Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash, 
  • Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions 
  • Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering 
  • Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program 
  • 401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting 
  • Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
  • Discounts, free food, swag and… honestly, too many good benefits to name 

Salary Range: ­­$226,300 to $266,400 annually + bonus eligibility + equity (if applicable) + benefits

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.

At Taco Bell, we Live Más and invite you to do the same. Take a seat at our table. Bring your voice. Bring you, just as you are, a Cultural Rebel. We want you to be your best self! 

Taco Bell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Taco Bell is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs.  

California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect from you and how we use, sell, and share that information, please see our Privacy Notice for California Contractors and Privacy Notice for California Employees.

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