Real Estate and New Restaurant Opening Project Manager

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 4 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, sat at the intersection of franchisor, franchisee, and vendor partners (Real Estate Brokers, General Contractors, Equipment, etc.), as well as built the systems that make rapid scaling actually work.

This isn't a coordination role. You will 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 SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE — YEAR ONE

Stores opening on schedule at 2–3/month with measurable cost-per-build improvement quarter over quarter. A functioning playbook and vendor roster in place. Zero CEO surprises on the pipeline.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Required

• Must have 5+ years managing retail, QSR, or foodservice 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, site development, 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

COMPENSATION

Base Salary: $95,000 – $135,000 annually

Total Compensation (with bonus): $110,000 – $160,000+

Bonus Basis: On-time openings, under-budget delivery, documented cost savings

Benefits include health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and full travel reimbursement. Base scales with experience; higher end for California-based candidates.

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.