Senior Vice President Planning & Development
Description: ABOUT SMOKEY MO'S TX BBQSmokey Mo's TX BBQ is a beloved Central Texas barbecue brand known for slow-smoked meats, made-from-scratch sides, and the kind of genuine Texas hospitality that keeps guests coming back. Founded in Austin and grown across the Lone Star State, Smokey Mo's has built a loyal following through an unwavering commitment to quality, community, and authentic pit-master tradition.As we enter an exciting new phase of strategic growth, we are seeking a seasoned franchise development executive to lead our expansion and bring the Smokey Mo's experience to guests across Texas and beyond.POSITION OVERVIEWThe Vice President of Franchise Development is a critical senior leadership role responsible for driving Smokey Mo's franchise growth strategy from end to end — from prospecting and lead generation to franchisee validation, territory development, and onboarding. This leader will build and manage a high-performing development team, cultivate a robust pipeline of qualified franchise candidates, and ensure that every new franchisee is set up for long-term success aligned with our brand standards.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESFranchise Growth StrategyDevelop and execute a multi-year franchise development plan aligned with Smokey Mo's growth targetsIdentify target markets and trade areas across Texas and key expansion statesEstablish annual unit growth goals and report pipeline progress to executive teamConduct competitive and market analyses to inform strategic territory prioritizationLead Generation & SalesBuild and manage a qualified franchisee pipeline through broker networks, trade shows, digital campaigns, and referralsLead all franchise sales activities from initial inquiry through execution of franchise agreementsQualify candidates against defined financial, operational, and cultural criteriaGuide prospective franchisees through the full discovery and validation processFranchisee Onboarding & RelationsCollaborate with Operations, Training, and Marketing to deliver a best-in-class onboarding experienceServe as the strategic partner to new franchisees during the pre-opening phaseEnsure new franchisees are fully equipped to uphold Smokey Mo's brand standards from Day OneFranchisee Ongoing Relationship ManagementServe as primary point of contact for franchisees.Build strong relationships and provide ongoing support.Monitor performance and provide coaching.Ensure compliance with brand standards.Conduct regular business reviews.Resolve issues and support growth opportunities.LeadershipOwn and optimize the franchise development process and toolsEnsure full compliance with FDD disclosure requirements and federal/state franchise regulationsPartner with legal counsel to manage franchise agreements, renewals, and transfersRequirements: QUALIFICATIONSRequired5+ years of franchise development experience, with at least 3 years in a director-level or above capacityDemonstrated track record of closing franchise deals and growing a franchise systemDeep knowledge of FDD requirements, franchise law, and compliance best practicesExperience in the restaurant, food & beverage, or hospitality franchise sector strongly preferredExceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skillsProficiency with CRM platforms and franchise development technology stacksWillingness to travel up to 40% for candidate meetings, discovery days, and industry eventsPreferredExperience with Texas-based or regional restaurant conceptsExisting relationships within the FranConnect, FranChoice, or Fransmart broker ecosystemsMBA or related advanced degreeIFA membership and CFE designation a strong plusWHY SMOKEY MO'S?Established brand with a fiercely loyal Texas customer base and proven unit economicsFranchise-friendly culture with a collaborative, people-first leadership teamSignificant white space opportunity across Texas and adjacent marketsAuthentic product that practically sells itself — because Texas BBQ is not a trend, it's a way of lifeCompetitive compensation with meaningful upside tied to franchise growth performanceCompensation details: 150000-175000 Yearly SalaryPIf3d2e05073ba-38059-40650134