Find out what new Baskin Robbins national operations manager has to say about his role and the challenges ahead
Change at the top for the ice cream brand.
Following on from Baskin Robbins announcement of a management shake up we wanted to get some more information from new National Operations Manager Ben Flintoff. Here’s what he had to say:
QSR Media: What makes you excited about your new position?
Ben: Having previously been the QLD Operations Manager, I am thrilled to re-join the Baskin-Robbins family and am so proud to be part of a team that is prepared to strive to deliver some significant growth targets set for our brand. The opportunity to start from where I left off and rekindle many wonderful friendships is incredible. We’ve got fantastic franchise partners and a loyal guest base that loves Baskin-Robbins, so I'm excited to be offered the role.
QSR Media: What 3 goals are you focussed on?
Ben: In this new role I will be dedicated to building and developing relationships with our franchise partners to ensure we excel at delivering what Baskin-Robbins is all about – creating irresistible treats that our guests love. With this in mind, my main goal is to assist our franchise partner network and help them develop wherever they may be in the life cycle of their business.
QSR Media: What will you do differently in this position?
Ben: My diverse background has given me a strong platform from which to grow. My role will be to coach and lead our team of operations professionals with a view to build on the service we deliver to our franchise community. This will involve using their current talents and sharing my experience to make their roles both inspiring and challenging, to help deliver on our brand promise and vision of being Australia’s Favourite Ice Cream.
QSR Media: What changes are you planning on?
Ben: I plan to listen to our valued franchise partners as stakeholders in the business and harness the expertise of our operations team with a view to add value to both the business and brand. I also plan to further develop the operational model Baskin-Robbins has in place to identify areas to improve efficiencies.
QSR Media: What are your key business philosophies?
Ben: For me there is just one - do what you say you are going to do. This was schooled into me by a mentor that I have great respect for, and I have never forgotten it. This alone has rewarded me with a great deal of trust in my working relationships.
QSR Media: What previous positions prepared you for this one and how?
Ben: I’ve been a small business owner, franchisee and franchisor employee, and recently worked as the QLD Operations Manager for Noodle Box. Coupled with a background in banking and finance, I have a real understanding and empathy towards the challenges facing our franchise partners as small business owners, and I will be here to provide support and guidance throughout the way.
