Job Summary
The Senior Growth Manager, Global Development is responsible for supporting the execution of Papa Johns' global development strategy across the U.S. and international markets. This role drives growth initiatives that accelerate net new restaurant development, fleet optimization, joint capital planning, and improved global development processes across the system. Key areas of focus include supporting new restaurant openings and advancing new growth platforms such as non-traditional formats.
This role partners closely with development leaders, regional operations teams, franchisees, and cross-functional stakeholders to evaluate opportunities, develop business cases, strengthen development processes, and support market expansion efforts. The Senior Growth Manager will lead development projects, create scalable tools and playbooks, provide support to new and existing markets, and help build best-in-class global development practices that drive sustainable unit growth globally.
Duties and Responsibilities (other duties as assigned)
Support and advance development channels and growth platforms, including non-traditional venues, stadiums, airports, retail partnerships, travel centers, and emerging formats.
Support new restaurant openings, market entry, market expansion, and franchise growth initiatives through research, planning, and execution with cross-functional teams.
Develop business cases and drive strategic development projects for new opportunities and secure alignment from key cross-functional stakeholders.
Partner with regional operations teams and franchisees to mitigate barriers to growth and implement solutions that improve development performance.
Create and implement development tools, playbooks, templates, and best practices to support global development team.
Conduct competitive research to identify new development opportunities.
Assist with the evaluation and implementation of new restaurant formats, prototype enhancements, and alternative development models that support growth objectives.
Build strong relationships with franchisees, landlords, brokers, developers, and internal stakeholders to support development objectives.
Monitor performance against annual growth goals and recommend actions to improve results.
Support development communications, presentations, and executive-level storytelling for franchisees and senior leadership.
Education, Experience & Certifications
7+ years of experience in restaurant, retail, franchising, real estate, and/or development
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or real estate preferred.
Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.
Experience supporting development and franchise operations in a QSR company preferred.
Experience supporting growth opportunities and development projects preferred.
Functional Skills
Strong knowledge of QSR and franchising with exposure to operations, technology and development issues
Financial and business acumen, including business case and investment analysis
Growth mindset: ability to identify opportunities, assess feasibility, align stakeholders, and drive execution
Development strategy, market expansion, and new channel evaluation
Market research and analytical skills, with the ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations
Planning, organization, and prioritization of multiple initiatives and projects
Strong communication, presentation, and storytelling skills
Problem solving; ability to apply structured thinking and sound judgment to complex business challenges
Process improvement mindset with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and continuous improvement
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment and adapt to changing priorities
Ability to influence and build alignment across franchisees, cross-functional partners, and senior leadership
Ability to work collaboratively across functions and geographies while successfully advancing strategic initiatives
Relationship-building skills with franchisees, developers, brokers, landlords, and internal stakeholders
