Manager, Development Strategy & Operations

The
Manager, Development Strategy & Operations serves as a key strategic, analytical, and execution resource to the Chief Global Development Officer and the Global Development leadership team. The role is responsible for translating data into actionable business insights, driving strategic and cross-functional initiatives, strengthening Development governance and reporting, and ensuring visibility and follow-through on the organization's highest-priority initiatives.

Operating across Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Construction, Customer Experience & Design, Franchise Development, and International Development, this individual will combine strong analytical capabilities with project leadership, business judgment, organizational skills, and executive communication. The role will independently lead selected strategic projects, develop executive and Board-level materials, coordinate key Development meetings and priorities, monitor performance indicators, and help improve the processes, systems, and operating cadence of the Global Development organization.

• Develop and maintain executive-level reporting, dashboards, and scorecards covering the development pipeline, new restaurant openings, remodels, relocations, portfolio initiatives, franchise development, and other key priorities.
• Analyze development, portfolio, project, and financial data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and required actions; translate findings into clear recommendations for leadership.
• Support annual planning, forecasting, capital planning, strategic reviews, and long-range development initiatives.
• Perform market, portfolio, competitive, and ad hoc analyses supporting growth and development decisions.
• Establish and monitor Development KPIs, cycle times, milestones, and performance against annual objectives.
• Prepare concise executive summaries and decision-support materials that convert complex information into clear business insights and actions.

• Lead selected strategic and cross-functional projects on behalf of the Chief Global Development Officer from scoping through implementation and completion.
• Develop project plans, milestones, owners, dependencies, and timelines; maintain visibility to progress and proactively identify risks or roadblocks.
• Drive follow-up and accountability across project teams to ensure commitments and deliverables are completed on time.
• Coordinate initiatives spanning Real Estate, Construction, Design, Portfolio Management, Franchise Development, Operations, Finance, Legal, Technology, and other functions.
• Support business cases, pilot programs, process redesign, technology implementations, and other strategic initiatives as assigned.
• Conduct post-project reviews and identify opportunities to improve execution, governance, and organizational effectiveness.

• Provide organizational and execution support to the Chief Global Development Officer and Development leadership team, helping ensure priorities, commitments, and key decisions remain visible and on track.
• Help manage the Development leadership operating cadence, including key internal meetings, committees, business reviews, planning sessions, and external engagements.
• Coordinate the CGDO's Development-related calendar and meeting priorities, ensuring appropriate preparation, sequencing, participation, and follow-up for critical meetings and initiatives.
• Develop agendas, coordinate pre-read materials, capture key decisions and action items, and drive follow-up to completion.
• Maintain visibility to key deadlines, commitments, and priorities across the Development organization and proactively follow up with responsible parties.
• Coordinate preparation for Real Estate Committee, Development Committee, Executive Leadership, GSP, and Board meetings, including presentation development and consolidation of cross-functional inputs.
• Support planning and coordination of market visits, conferences, landlord/broker meetings, and other strategic Development activities as needed.
• Identify items requiring leadership…