Director of New Center Opennings
About the role
The Director of New Center Openings is responsible for launching new franchise locations and ensuring they open strong, operate to standard, and build momentum from day one. This role owns the full opening cycle, from pre-sale through the first 180 days of operation. Success is measured by execution, early performance, and the ability to prepare franchisees to run disciplined, results-driven businesses. This is a field-based role for an operator who is comfortable leading from the front, driving accountability, and working directly with franchisees in high-impact situations.
Key Responsibilities
- New Center Openings
- Lead all aspects of the opening process from pre-launch through post-opening stabilization
- Cook up pre-sale activity to build early demand and drive opening readiness
- Oversee grand opening execution and ensure a strong Day 1 experience
- Ensure locations are operationally ready, fully staffed, and aligned with brand standards
- Franchisee Preparation and Accountability
- Prepare franchisees to operate their business with a clear understanding of expectations and performance drivers
- Ensure readiness across sales, operations, staffing, and member experience
- Hold franchisees accountable to timelines, activity standards, and opening benchmarks
- Address gaps quickly and drive corrective action
- Training and Onboarding
- Train franchisees and their teams on sales process, daily operations, and member experience
- Provide hands-on coaching to ensure execution is consistent and repeatable
- Reinforce standards and expectations through direct observation and feedback
- First 180 Days Performance
- Support new locations through early-stage ramp and stabilization
- Monitor key performance indicators including lead flow, sales activity, attendance, and retention
- Identify performance issues early and implement solutions
- Ensure a smooth transition into ongoing operational support
- Playbook Development
- Continuously improve the new store opening process based on field results
- Identify patterns from high-performing openings and standardize best practices
- Maintain clear documentation and structure for future openings
- Reporting and Communication
- Provide regular updates on opening timelines, readiness, and performance
- Communicate risks, delays, and issues early
- Deliver clear, concise reporting to leadership on outcomes and opportunities
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in multi-unit operations, preferably in a franchise system
- Proven experience opening new locations with strong operational and financial outcomes
- Strong understanding of sales processes, unit-level economics, and performance drivers
- Ability to coach, train, and hold business owners accountable
- High level of organization and attention to detail
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Ability to operate independently and manage multiple openings simultaneously
- Willingness to travel 60–75% of the time
Preferred Experience
- Experience in fitness, wellness, or service-based businesses
- Background working within a franchisor or as a multi-unit franchisee
- Familiarity with CRM systems, KPI tracking, and operational reporting tools
Compensation
On-target earnings: $110,000 – $150,000, inclusive of base salary and performance-based bonus
Performance-based bonus tied to new store openings and early-stage ramp performance
Total compensation aligned with experience and results
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401(k)