Job Description

Job Description

Willowbrae Academy is seeking a Business Development Manager to join our growing corporate team.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with a passion for operational excellence and early childhood education. They will oversee and support multiple franchise locations across Alberta and British Columbia. This key leadership role focuses on ensuring high standards of childcare, operational efficiency, and brand consistency. The Business Development Manager, will work closely with franchisees, helping them meet financial and operational goals, and will report directly to the Vice President of Operations.

Core Responsibilities

Operational Excellence

Work with franchisees to optimize efficiency and performance.
Provide actionable strategies to improve operations, helping each location meet growth targets and maintain high-quality standards.

Financial Oversight

Partner with franchisees to monitor financial performance, optimize profitability, and ensure budget management.
Support franchisees with budgeting and cost management.

Staff Development & Leadership

Guide franchisees in recruiting, training, and developing high-quality staff.
Lead initiatives to build leadership capabilities and foster positive work environments.

Brand Alignment & Marketing

Ensure consistency across all locations by supporting franchisees in maintaining Willowbrae Academy’s standards.
Collaborate with the corporate marketing team to enhance brand presence and community engagement.

Franchise Support & Compliance

The contact for franchisees, offering guidance and support to ensure adherence to Willowbrae Academy’s policies and childcare standards.
When necessary, and under the direction of the Director of Quality Assurance, conduct site visits to assess adherence to regulatory and operational requirements.
Document findings and report any concerns to the Director of Quality Assurance to assist franchisees in resolving non-compliance issues or addressing significant concerns.

Strategic Planning & Regional Growth

Work closely with the Vice President of Operations to set regional goals and identify growth opportunities.
Contribute to regional strategies aimed at expanding Willowbrae Academy’s footprint and brand loyalty.

Special Projects

Take on special projects assigned by the CEO or Vice President of Operations, including marketing tours, policy updates, and cross-regional initiatives.

Onsite Requirements

This role requires a minimum of four days per week onsite, including weekly visits to each Academy location to provide hands-on support and guidance to franchisees and their teams.

Qualifications and Skills

Served in a leadership role for a minimum of 5 years. A results-driven leader with significant experience in multi-location management, ideally within franchising or the childcare sector.
Experience in overseeing operations, ensuring compliance, and driving financial performance.
Strong communicator and relationship builder, able to support franchisees and employees in meeting goals.
A strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities for regional growth and success
Proactive, hands-on leader who enjoys being onsite and directly involved in the success of each franchise.
Experience in a franchising organization is preferred

What We Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunities for professional development and career growth
collaborative and innovative work environment

About Willowbrae Academy

Willowbrae Academy is a leading provider of high-quality early childhood education, dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of young minds. With a focus on creating a safe, engaging, and enriching environment, Willowbrae Academy empowers children to explore, learn, and thrive.

With over 40 successful franchises across Canada and an upcoming expansion into the United States of America, we are always looking to expand our Willowbrae Academy family!

If you are passionate about operational success and eager to contribute to exciting projects, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume detailing your relevant experience to boz@willowbraechildcare.com

Willowbrae Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $80,000.00-$100,000.00 per year

Benefits: