Refranchising and M&A Transformation Manager

The Manager – Portfolio Transformation is responsible for supporting execution of restaurant portfolio optimization initiatives, transaction activities, and transformation programs across multiple Inspire brands. Reporting to the Director – Portfolio Transformation, this role manages day-to-day project execution, develops analyses, coordinates stakeholders, drives accountability, and supports delivery of program objectives.

The role requires strong analytical skills, project management capabilities, financial acumen, process discipline, and the ability to coordinate work across multiple functions in a fast-paced environment. The responsibilities and designated percentages are subject to change from month to month as events arise and priorities shift.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project & Program Management (50%)

• Translate portfolio transformation strategies into detailed project plans, workstreams, deliverables, and execution milestones.

• Maintain program management tools, reporting, documentation, and status updates.

• Track risks, issues, decisions, and dependencies across active projects.

• Coordinate recurring governance meetings and cross-functional working sessions.

• Produce executive-ready materials and support preparation of leadership communications.

• Assist with process improvement initiatives and implementation of standardized tools and templates.

• Maintain transaction files, diligence repositories, governance documentation, decision logs, and program records.

Separation Management Office & Portfolio Dispositions (30%)

• Coordinate execution activities, information gathering, and deliverables associated with restaurant transactions and portfolio optimization initiatives.

• Develop financial analyses, business case support, and scenario modeling for transaction evaluations.

• Manage project plans, action item/RAID logs, milestones, and stakeholder communications across active transactions.

• Prepare diligence materials, data requests, lease summaries, contract inventories, and transaction documentation.

• Support closing activities and post-close transition requirements.

Portfolio Strategy (15%)

• Conduct portfolio analyses to assess restaurant performance and identify optimization opportunities.

• Prepare analyses related to operating performance, unit economics, development commitments, lease obligations, facilities requirements, and technology considerations.

• Maintain portfolio tracking tools, dashboards, and performance reporting.

• Develop supporting analyses and materials for portfolio review discussions and leadership presentations.

• Assist with strategic evaluation of disposition, acquisition, opening, closure, and rebranding opportunities.

Other (5%)

• Support ad-hoc financial, strategic, and operational analyses.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to gather information and advance project objectives.

• Contribute to development and maintenance of best practices, procedures, knowledge repositories, and playbooks/training materials.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Engineering, or related field 

Preferred: MBA or Master’s degree

• 4–7+ years of experience in consulting, strategy, transformation, finance, corporate development, project management, or related fields.

• Project management (PMO) and stakeholder coordination experience manifesting in the ability to work across cross-functional teams and manage multiple concurrent projects or workstreams.

• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to communicate findings clearly to business stakeholders and prepare concise leadership-ready materials, executive-level presentations, and analyses.

• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, financial analysis tools, and project management tools (e.g. Asana).

Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,300 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide. We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.