THE OPPORTUNITY
Fransmart is a franchise development company specializing in identifying and scaling emerging restaurant and retail brands into national and global chains, with a track record of growing concepts like Five Guys, QDOBA, and The Halal Guys from a handful of units into powerhouse franchises. One of our newest, and fastest growing brands, HB Protein Smoothies is in full-scale national growth mode — targeting 2–3 new franchise locations every month. We're looking for a seasoned Project Manager who has done this before: managed complex franchise build-outs end-to-end, earned franchisee trust, and built the systems that make rapid scaling actually work.
This isn't a coordination role. You'll be the operational authority on every store that opens — the person franchisees rely on, the one who removes obstacles before they become delays, and the executive who gives our CEO real-time confidence in the pipeline. If you've scaled a franchise system and want to own the build-out function at a fast-moving brand, this is your role.
WHAT YOU'LL OWN
- End-to-end project ownership. Manage timelines, budgets, milestones, and contractor relationships across multiple simultaneous locations — from lease execution through grand opening.
- Franchisee partnership and authority. Serve as the primary corporate contact on all development matters. You have the authority to make build-out decisions, approve preferred vendors, and escalate when local choices risk brand standards or timelines.
- Real estate strategy and site acquisition. Project manage market planning, trade area analysis, and site identification across the franchise network — managing broker relationships, conducting site tours, negotiating LOIs and lease terms, and shepherding proposed locations through corporate approval.
- Scalable systems and playbooks. Build and maintain standardized build-out playbooks, pre-approved vendor rosters, and preferred contractor networks that reduce ramp time for every new franchisee.
- Value engineering. Drive cost savings — especially through second-generation and retrofit locations — without compromising brand standards. Demonstrate measurable cost reductions over time.
- Pipeline visibility. Deliver real-time, accurate reporting to the CEO on opening dates, risks, spend, and store-by-store status. No surprises.
- Bottleneck removal. Proactively identify and resolve delays across permitting, design approvals, contractor scheduling, and equipment procurement.
- Network intelligence. Capture and share best practices, lessons learned, and preferred vendors across the franchise network to compound efficiency over time.
- Travel. Site visits and key meetings as needed (30–50% national travel).
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Required
- Must have 5+ years managing franchise store build-outs — not just project management generally
- Demonstrated experience scaling a multi-unit franchise system (10+ simultaneous locations)
- Hands-on knowledge of real estate, design, permitting, construction, and equipment procurement
- Track record of delivering on time and under budget with documented results
- Strong franchisee relationship skills — you know how to be a trusted partner, not a corporate obstacle
- Proficiency with project management tools (Smartsheet, Asana, MS Project, or equivalent)
- Proven experience working alongside commercial real estate professionals — including tenant reps, landlords, and site selection teams.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate architects, contractors, and subcontractors on behalf of both the franchisor and franchisees, ensuring brand standards, timelines, and budgets are upheld across all parties.
- Willingness to travel 30–50% nationally
Strongly Preferred
- Experience with second-generation and retrofit build-outs
- Prior experience building or formalizing playbooks, vendor programs, or build-out standards for a franchise brand
- Familiarity with QSR or smoothie/beverage concept build-out requirements
- PMP or equivalent certification
- Based in or willing to relocate near Scottsdale, AZ
WHY THIS ROLE
HB Protein Smoothies is a brand on a trajectory — and the person who builds the operational infrastructure for our national expansion will have a direct, visible impact on where this company goes. You won't be managing a process that someone else designed. You'll be building it.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience in QSR, fast casual, or beverage/smoothie franchise concepts?
- Have you managed 10+ simultaneous franchise locations in development at the same time?
Work Location: In person
