Director, Development Planning & Analysis

Job Summary

Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) supports and operates restaurants under the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill+Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® brands. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and expanded into the Fast Casual segment in 2022.

Job Title:

Director, Development Planning & Analysis. The Director leads strategic market planning and analytical decision support for franchise growth and development, evaluating market opportunities, forecasting business performance, and translating economic, demographic, and competitive data into actionable recommendations.

• Lead strategic market planning and analysis to evaluate new unit, conversion, and franchise growth opportunities across the U.S.
• Assess market attractiveness and location viability using economic, demographic, competitive, and financial performance data.
• Develop forecasts, scenarios, and business insights that support development decisions, market prioritization, and long-term system growth.
• Provide analytical support for key decision-making forums, including franchise approval and strategic planning processes.
• Partner cross-functionally with development, brand strategy, franchise operations, and field teams to address complex strategic and operational questions.
• Translate complex analyses into clear, persuasive recommendations and presentations for franchisees, internal stakeholders, and senior leadership.
• Maintain and track regional system growth, pipeline activity, and market opportunities, identifying actions needed to meet development goals.
• Design, manage, and continuously improve planning tools, analytical models, and recurring reports used to support business decisions.
• Conduct market fieldwork and validate assumptions to determine the feasibility and performance potential of proposed franchise locations.
• Use analysis to drive strategic recommendations that maximize sales potential, improve decision quality, and support sustainable franchise expansion.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Strategy, Finance, Statistics, or a related field; advanced degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in strategy, consulting, finance, or related analytical roles, preferably within the restaurant, QSR, casual dining, or family dining industry.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to assess markets, interpret performance data, and forecast business trends.
• Advanced understanding of economic conditions, demographic trends, competitive dynamics, and financial drivers affecting franchise and development decisions.
• Proven ability to manage complex analytical projects from concept through implementation while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex analysis into clear, persuasive recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across development, brand strategy, franchise operations, field teams, and senior leadership.
• Results‑oriented, self-directed leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes ownership of delivering high-quality work with minimal oversight.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.

Target base salary $165k- $180k depending on experience.

Dine Brands Global strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act and/or other applicable laws and regulations in other jurisdictions. Dine Brands reviews criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment.

• Conduct necessary due diligence on business opportunities and transactions.
• Analyze and handle franchisees’ personal and financial information.
• Facilitate frequent and close interactions with franchisees and franchisee employees.

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