Vice President, Franchise Development - Fort Worth

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer Location: In office in Fort Worth, TX with travel as required Position Summary The Vice President, Franchise Development is responsible for leading and executing the Company's franchise growth strategy throughout the South, Southeast, and Midwest United States. This executive leadership position will drive new franchise sales, market expansion, franchisee recruitment, territory development, and strategic growth initiatives to achieve the Company's long-term development objectives. The Vice President, Franchise Development will develop and manage a robust franchise sales pipeline, identify qualified franchise candidates, cultivate relationships with multi-unit operators and high-net-worth investors, and guide prospects through the entire franchise development process from initial inquiry through site selection while remaining involved up through restaurant opening. A key responsibility of the Vice President, Franchise Development is the creation and execution of innovative franchise development programs, including strategic financing solutions, lender partnerships, and market-specific incentive offerings designed to attract qualified franchise candidates and accelerate brand expansion. This position partners closely with Executive Leadership, Operations, Real Estate, Finance, Marketing, and Legal teams to support sustainable growth while ensuring compliance with franchise sales regulations and maintaining the long-term integrity of the brand. The role also serves as a key partner to existing franchisees seeking expansion opportunities through additional restaurant development. Essential Functions Franchise Growth Strategy Develop and execute the Company's annual franchise development strategy in support of long-term growth objectives. Identify and prioritize target markets, development territories, and expansion opportunities. Establish and manage annual development plans, sales objectives, pipeline metrics, and growth forecasts. Provide ongoing development reporting and recommendations to executive leadership. Monitor franchise development trends, competitive activity, and market conditions to identify opportunities for growth. Franchise Sales and Lead Generation Develop and implement effective franchise lead generation strategies utilizing franchise portals, broker networks, referral programs, digital marketing initiatives, trade associations, and industry events. Build and maintain a consistent pipeline of qualified franchise prospects, area developers, and multi-unit operators. Cultivate relationships with franchise brokers, consultants, commercial real estate professionals, lenders, and other development partners. Represent the Company at franchise trade shows, conferences, industry events, and growth-related networking opportunities. Achieve established franchise sales and development goals. Franchise Recruitment and Candidate Management Manage prospective franchise candidates through the entire franchise recruitment process. Conduct qualification interviews and evaluate candidates' financial capacity, operational experience, cultural fit, and development potential. Maintain accurate candidate records and pipeline reporting within CRM systems. Present franchise opportunities and communicate brand value propositions to prospective franchisees. Coordinate and facilitate Discovery Day events and executive candidate meetings. Present qualified candidates to executive leadership for approval. Negotiate development schedules, franchise agreements, and territory structures in collaboration with legal counsel and senior leadership. Ensure all franchise sales activities comply with federal and state franchise regulations and disclosure requirements. Existing Franchisee Growth and Market Expansion Partner with existing franchisees to identify and execute growth opportunities. Develop expansion plans for current franchise operators seeking additional restaurants or market development rights. Support franchise transfers, resales, and succession opportunities when appropriate. Assist franchisees with development planning and market optimization initiatives. Cross-Functional Leadership Collaborate with Operations, Real Estate, Construction, Finance, Marketing, and Training teams to ensure successful franchise development and restaurant openings. Support development of franchise marketing materials, sales presentations, financial models, and recruitment tools. Participate as a key member of the Company's leadership team and contribute to strategic planning initiatives. Build scalable systems, processes, and infrastructure to support future franchise growth. Education, Experience and Skills Required Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Real Estate, or a related field. Minimum of 10 years of franchise development, franchise sales, business development, or related experience. Demonstrated success selling multi-unit franchise agreements and area development agreements. Strong understanding of franchise sales laws, Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD), and regulatory compliance requirements. Proven track record of generating leads and converting qualified prospects into franchise owners. Experience negotiating franchise agreements, development schedules, and territory assignments. Strong financial analysis and business acumen. Excellent presentation, communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and CRM platforms. Ability to travel extensively as business needs require. Preferred Qualifications MBA or advanced business degree. Restaurant, QSR, fast-casual, or multi-unit retail franchise experience. Established network of franchise brokers, consultants, developers, and multi-unit operators. Experience leading franchise development teams. Experience with market planning, site selection, and development strategy. Leadership Responsibility The Vice President, Franchise Development is expected to ultimately build, lead, and scale the franchise development function as the Company continues its growth initiatives. Responsibilities may include recruiting, coaching, developing, and managing franchise development personnel, external agencies, brokers, and strategic partners. Key Performance Indicators Performance may be evaluated based on: Franchise agreements executed. New restaurant commitments secured. Area development agreements awarded. Development territory expansion. Existing franchisee expansion activity. Restaurant openings achieved. Compliance with franchise sales regulations. Achievement of annual development objectives. Compensation and Incentive Opportunity Target Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 annually Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, demonstrated industry success, and overall business needs. Performance-based Bonus Eligible for a performance-based incentive opportunity based upon achievement of franchise development objectives and individual performance metrics, including: Franchise agreements executed New unit commitments Achievement of strategic development goals Exceptional performance may result in incentive payouts exceeding target levels. Eligible employees may participate in Company-sponsored benefit programs, including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off and holidays Business travel reimbursement Other benefits made available by the Company Equal Opportunity Statement The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mr Gatti's Pizza