Area Director, Franchise Performance (South Carolina)

Choice Hotels International

1d

About The Position

The Area Director, Franchise Performance for Core Brands is responsible for driving performance across a diverse portfolio of midscale and upper‑midscale franchised hotels. Operating independently and in collaboration with the Regional Vice President, this role serves as a strategic advisor to hotel owners and above-property leaders, activating performance‑driven strategies that improve profitability, revenue, guest experience, operational execution, and program adoption. The Area Director provides consultative support and performance insights; develops solutions using internal and external data; partners with commercial and operational teams; and ensures execution of recommendations at the property level. This role requires strong relationship management, analytical decision‑making, and the ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority. NOTE: Applicants must reside in Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Greenville, South Carolina to be eligible for this role.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive hotel operations experience with preference in midscale or upper‑midscale segments.
• Minimum 10 years of hotel leadership experience, preferably with multi‑unit or franchise performance responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to drive performance outcomes through data‑driven decision‑making, analytics, and operational expertise.
• Strong analytical, forecasting, and budget management skills.
• High autonomy with the ability to manage complex issues, synthesize data, and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent relationship management, communication, and consultative skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt strategies based on changing market conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and performance measurement tools (e.g., CoSTAR, Medallia, Tableau, Salesforce).
• Strong project coordination, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Approximately 70% travel required within assigned region.
• Participation in conferences, special projects, and other organizational initiatives as needed.

Responsibilities

• Performance Management & Strategic Advisory Conduct on‑site and virtual consultations to drive hotel‑level execution across financial performance, guest experience, operations, owner engagement, and brand standards.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to hotel owners, operators, and management companies, ensuring adoption of the midscale operating model and driving brand-aligned performance outcomes.
• Leverage performance dashboards, competitive intelligence, and analytical tools (e.g., CoSTAR, Medallia, Salesforce, Tableau) to identify opportunities and influence decision‑making.
• Recommend and activate strategies that improve revenue, guest satisfaction, profitability, and cost efficiency at the property and portfolio levels.
• Ensure execution of recommendations through coaching, follow‑up consultations, and consistent communication with property stakeholders.
• Performance Accountability & Program Activation Drive continuous improvement in revenue, profitability, and guest experience metrics.
• Collaborate with Revenue Management, Commercial Strategy, and other internal teams to align and deploy targeted strategies.
• Enhance hotel engagement with brand programs, revenue initiatives, and operational tools.
• Monitor competitive landscape and market trends to inform proactive performance strategies.
• Resource Utilization & Cross‑Functional Partnership Identify operational challenges and connect hotels with specialized resources including ChoiceU, Centers of Excellence, Owner Relations, and Brand Operations.
• Facilitate adoption of best practices through internal resources and proprietary programs.
• Provide insights and trends to internal partners, contributing to portfolio‑wide strategic planning.
• Communication & Relationship Management Cultivate strong relationships with franchisees and serve as their primary Choice Hotels contact for performance‑related engagement.
• Maintain accurate documentation of consultations, action plans, and follow‑up items within Choice’s CRM.
• Provide regular performance feedback and market insights to the Regional Vice President.
• Generate consultation summaries and follow‑up correspondence to owners, GMs, and management companies.
• Administrative Responsibilities Maintain timely and accurate business expense documentation.
• Support franchise sales growth when needed and participate in franchise association activities.
• Share competitive intelligence, emerging trends, and best practices with peers and corporate teams.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Leave and paid time-off for holidays, vacation, personal, family, volunteer, sick, jury duty, bereavement, military, and religious observance
• Financial benefits for retirement and health savings
• Employee recognition programs
• Discounts at Choice hotels worldwide

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director