Chief Operating Officer

Remote

SUMMARY:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for leading and executing the company’s business development, franchise operations, marketing, and overall performance. The COO will work closely with our franchisees, corporate leadership, and key stakeholders to ensure continued growth, efficiency, and profitability across all locations.

This role requires extensive franchise experience (5+ years) in a large, multi-location company, preferably within the fitness, sports, or entertainment industry. The COO will report directly to the CEO and serve as the driving force behind operational execution and franchise success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Franchise Growth & Development

  • Lead expansion strategy, ensuring successful onboarding and operational setup for new franchisees.
  • Develop scalable systems to support rapid growth and identify new market opportunities with CEO and Founder.
  • Form strategic partnerships to drive growth.

Franchise Performance & Operations

  • Optimize franchisee performance for consistency in customer experience, revenue, and operational execution.
  • Build and implement KPIs, training programs, and operational benchmarks.
  • Enhance unit economics, profitability, and franchisee engagement.

Marketing & Brand Growth

  • Drive lead generation, membership growth, and brand awareness through collaboration with marketing teams and franchisees.
  • Implement national and regional marketing strategies to support membership sales.
  • Ensure brand consistency across all locations.

Leadership & Culture

  • Lead and mentor high-performance teams in operations, marketing, and business development.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and execution.
  • Act as a liaison between corporate leadership and franchisees to ensure clear communication and alignment.

QUALIFICATIONS  

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employees or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • 5+ years of experience in franchise operations within a large, multi-unit company—preferably in fitness, sports, or entertainment.
  • Expertise in high-growth environments, strategic planning, and tactical execution.
  • Proven track record of leading business development, marketing, and operations at scale.
  • Strong understanding of scalable systems, process optimization, and membership-based business models.
  • Strong financial acumen, including experience in budgeting, P&L oversight, and financial strategy.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture.
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams at all levels.
  • Passion for basketball, sports, fitness, or entertainment is a plus!

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to sit, stand, and lift up to 25 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please send your resume & cover letter to paula@hiregroundtalent.com