We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as Head of Welcome Franchise to lead the growth and strategic development of our Welcome food franchise business.
Location: Flexible with travel
Competitive salary + excellent benefits + car allowance
What you'll get...
1. 20% colleague discount
2. Company car/allowance
3. Private medical & critical illness insurance
4. Health & dental cash plans
5. 24/7 virtual GP & fitness discounts via Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
6. Employee Assistance Programme
7. Life insurance & pension
8. Financial wellbeing tools & share incentive scheme
9. Cycle-to-work & Electric Vehicle schemes
10. Training & development opportunities
What to expect...
In this senior leadership position, you’ll be responsible for driving the growth, profitability, and strategic direction of our Welcome brand. You’ll focus on maximising performance across the existing franchise estate while attracting and securing new franchise partners and stores.
11. Grow and expand the Welcome franchise network by identifying and recruiting new franchise partners.
12. Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with franchisees, ensuring mutual success and brand consistency.
13. Oversee operational performance and brand standards to maximise sales and profitability for both franchisees and Southern Co-op.
14. Collaborate with Marketing to develop targeted strategies and campaigns that attract and retain franchise partners.
15. Review and evolve commercial and contractual terms to maintain Welcome’s competitiveness.
16. Lead and develop the Franchise team to deliver professional, high-quality support for franchisees.
17. Manage franchise development projects, including business planning, budgets, and delivery to agreed timelines.
18. Represent the franchise business within Southern Co-op, ensuring franchise interests are balanced with organisational goals.
19. Build strong external relationships with trade bodies and organisations such as ACS and BFA to enhance Welcome’s presence in the sector.
What we're looking for...
We’re looking for a collaborative and commercially minded leader who brings:
20. In-depth knowledge of the food retail sector, including convenience and fuel markets.
21. Proven experience in franchise management, business development, or senior retail operations.
22. Strong networks and credibility within the retail or franchise community.
23. Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills at senior levels.
24. The ability to influence effectively and foster productive partnerships.
25. Strong financial and strategic understanding, with a focus on delivering results.
26. A proactive, resilient, and solutions-focused approach with attention to detail.
About us...
We’re an independent Co-op, operating across the south of England running convenience food stores, funeral homes, crematoria, natural/woodland burial grounds and a Starbucks coffee franchise. We’re owned by our ,+ members, have over 4, colleagues and a purpose of working together for the benefit of our communities. We have a commitment to sustainable business and a promise to provide a fair, fresh approach, for all. Become part of the family who are proud to serve local communities and put people first.