What are the responsibilities and job description for the Franchise Business Coach position at The Milk Shake Factory?
We’re Looking for a Field Leader — Not a Desk Consultant
At MilkShake Factory, our Franchise Business Coach isn’t a rule-enforcer or a policy regurgitator. They’re a credible operator and someone who’s walked the floor, led teams, solved real problems in real time, and understands what it takes to drive performance inside the four walls of a store.
We're a high-touch, hospitality-driven brand, and we support our franchisees accordingly. That means asking the right questions before jumping into advice. It means observing first and speaking second, partnering on performance, and not lecturing from a distance.
If you’ve worked in the field, supported operators hands-on, and thrive in a system that values execution, leadership, and results this might be your next great fit.
What Makes This Role Unique
This role is suited for someone who thrives in the gray area — who’s fast on their feet, who connects the dots between operations and business outcomes, and who earns trust through relevance, not rhetoric.
You’ll work alongside a growing team of experienced operators and leaders who care deeply about performance, partnership, and pushing the brand forward. This isn’t a legacy system with rigid lanes. It’s a chance to shape the way we support our franchisees for years to come.
What You’ll Do
- Serve as the primary operations and business performance coach for a portfolio of franchise stores
- Spend time in the field — observing, listening, and guiding operators to better outcomes
- Identify and help close gaps in labor, inventory, scheduling, and financial performance
- Validate new processes and tools through real-world application and feedback
- Support compliance through observation-based coaching, not one-size-fits-all policing
- Build trust with franchisees by speaking their language — grounded in daily operations
- Document, track, and follow up on action plans with clarity and consistency
What You Bring
Education & Experience
- 5–10 years of experience in food/beverage operations with at least 3 in franchise support or multi-unit leadership
- Hands-on operational experience in fast casual, QSR, or high-touch hospitality brands
- Experience opening new stores or supporting national brand rollouts
Operational Credibility
- Deep understanding of labor models, scheduling, inventory systems, and team development
- Financial fluency. You can read a P&L and connect the numbers to what’s happening in-store
- Experience with food safety, quality assurance, and adherence to brand standards
Leadership & Coaching
- Strong communicator who asks smart questions first, rather than jumping to conclusions
- Ability to influence without authority and foster productive, trusting relationships
- Skilled at delivering constructive feedback that gets results, not defensiveness
Analytical & Strategic Thinking
- Uses data and KPIs to drive conversations and spot trends
- Rejects speculation but instead, builds insights through observation and follow-up
- Able to simplify complex issues into clear, actionable plans
Other Requirements
- Willingness to travel up to 60% of the time
- Ability to spend ~3 months in Pittsburgh for onboarding and in-market support
- Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent professional experience