Store Openings Manager (Fruit Business)

Store Openings Manager

About the Role

Freshly Go prepares fresh, high-quality cut fruit and veggies for retail sale, while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness, and product presentation. Freshly Go plays a key role in delivering fresh, beautifully presented, and ready-to-eat products for on-the-go customers across AFC’s retail locations.

The Store Opening Manager plays a critical role in successfully launching new Freshly Go store locations. This role ensures that all operational, staffing, and compliance requirements are met before opening day and provides continued support through the initial weeks of operation. The Store Opening Manager works closely with franchisees, training teams, and corporate leadership to deliver seamless and efficient openings.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

    • Lead the end-to-end opening process for new Freshly Go stores, including operational readiness, staffing, inventory, and compliance checks.
    • Train and coach new franchisees and store-level employees on company systems, procedures, and brand standards.
    • Partner with Franchise Administration/Recruitment, Training, Merchandising, and Operations to ensure all requirements are met prior to launch.
    • Conduct readiness audits before and after opening to validate compliance with Freshly Go standards.
    • Act as the primary point of contact for franchisees throughout the opening phase.
    • Provide post-opening support to stabilize operations and ensure consistent execution.
    • Travel as necessary for business operations.
    • Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

    • Relevant experience or training, which may be demonstrated via degree or certificate, completion of apprenticeship, or other experience necessary to become trained as a culinary professional.
    • At least two years of culinary managerial experience required.
    • Business experience preferred.
    • Proven experience in multi-unit food retail or franchise operations.
    • Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
    • Flexibility to travel frequently and adapt to extended opening schedules.
    • Excellent communication and hands-on training skills.
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
    • Excellent time management, scheduling, managerial, and organizational skills.
    • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with a variety of personalities and under pressure.

Physical Demands

    • Prolonged periods standing/walking and preparing food.
    • Must be able to work in a kitchen/operation environment that may involve exposure to extreme heat or cold.
    • Must be able to travel frequently
    • Must be able to lift up to 25-50 pounds at times.
    • Must be able to work late and unpredictable hours.
    • Manual dexterity to cut and chop foods and perform other related tasks.

Location: Remote (Field)

Salary range:  $63,000.00-$66,000.00/annual