Vice President, Franchise Sales (Remote)
full-time•Saint Louis Park•$190k - $275k
About this role
Position: Vice President, Franchise Sales
Status: Exempt
Location: St. Louis Park, MN or Remote
Department: Development:
Reports To: President/CEO
Position Summary: The Vice President of Franchise Sales is the most senior development leader at Taco John’s, reporting directly to the President and CEO and serving as the enterprise owner of all growth-related functions. This role has full accountability for franchise sales, development strategy, real estate, ensuring Taco John’s expands with discipline, speed, and brand integrity.
As a key member of the executive leadership team, the VP/Development shapes the long-term growth vision of the brand, translates strategy into executable plans, and aligns cross-functional partners around profitable, scalable expansion. This leader represents development at the highest level internally and externally, setting standards for decision-making, franchisee experience, and capital stewardship.
Responsibilities:
Growth Strategy & Leadership
- Own and execute Taco John’s multi-year development strategy, including market prioritization, unit growth targets, and format evolution (traditional, non-traditional, conversions, remodels).
- Lead and develop high-performing teams across franchise sales, and real estate.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on growth opportunities, risks, and capital allocation.
Franchise Sales & Development
- Lead franchise sales strategy, pipeline development, and deal execution with a focus on high-quality, well-capitalized operators.
- Evaluate franchisee candidates for cultural alignment, operational capability, and long-term growth potential.
- Structure and negotiate development agreements, ensuring alignment with brand standards and financial objectives.
Real Estate & Market Development
- Oversee site selection strategy, market planning, and trade area analysis to maximize unit economics.
- Establish and manage broker relationships; guide franchisees through real estate approvals.
- Ensure disciplined use of data, analytics, and market insights in real estate decisions.
Financial & Performance Management
- Partner with Finance to develop and manage development budgets, ROI models, and pro forma assumptions.
- Track and report development KPIs including pipeline health, time-to-open, cost variance, and unit performance.
- Continuously improve development processes to reduce friction, cost, and cycle time.
Franchisee Experience & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Champion a franchisee-first mindset throughout the development lifecycle.
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Training, and Marketing to ensure seamless restaurant openings and long-term success.
- Act as an escalation point for complex development issues and risk mitigation.
- Actively contribute to a culture of inclusion by valuing diverse perspectives, promoting equity, and creating an environment where all individuals feel respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.
- Demonstrate adaptability in a dynamic environment by stepping in where needed, even outside of core responsibilities, to ensure overall success.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Deep knowledge of restaurant franchising, real estate, and development economics.
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence across functions.
- Strong deal-making, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.
- Financial acumen with the ability to evaluate pro formas, ROI, and capital trade-offs.
- Strategic thinker who can translate vision into executable plans.
- Ability to balance brand integrity with practical, market-driven flexibility.
- Clear, confident communicator with franchisees, partners, and executives.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Real Estate, Finance, Construction Management, or a related field—or combination of education and professional experience.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in restaurant development, franchising, or real estate.
- 5+ years in a senior leadership role overseeing multi-unit or franchise development.
- Demonstrated success leading franchise sales and/or large-scale unit growth initiatives.
- Experience managing design and construction for QSR or fast-casual concepts.
- High ethical standards and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree (MBA or related).
- Experience leading development for a national or regional QSR brand.
- Background working with both traditional and non-traditional restaurant formats.
- Strong understanding of rural, suburban, and small-market development strategies.
- Track record of building scalable development processes and teams.
The pay range for this position is $190,000 - $275,000 annually, inclusive of potential annual bonus.
What you'll do
- The Vice President of Franchise Sales is responsible for executing Taco John’s multi-year development strategy and leading franchise sales and development efforts. This role includes overseeing site selection, managing broker relationships, and ensuring a franchisee-first mindset throughout the development lifecycle.
About Taco Johns International, Inc.
Starting as a small taco stand in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1968, our one-of-a-kind tacos and other bold flavors were an instant hit. Two local businessmen wanted to share these unique flavors with the world, so they purchased the franchise rights in 1969 and named the restaurant after the man who started it all: John.
Ever since that very first taco stand, Taco John’s has been all about bringing the flavor. From handmade salsas and classic Crispy Tacos with freshly-made shells to our signature Potato Olés®.
From there, Taco John’s restaurants began popping up across the Midwest, evolving to include drive-thrus and interior seating to bring you the unique flavors that made Taco John’s famous. Our menu evolved to include bold originals like Potato Olés, Meat and Potato Burritos, and our holiday specialty: Nachos Navidad®.
Ever hear of Taco Tuesday? We started it! We even trademarked it. That’s how seriously we take tacos.
Today, Taco John’s operates and franchises 350 restaurants in 22 states – making it one of the largest Mexican quick-service restaurant brands in America.
We continue to grow across the country – but some things never change. Like our uncompromising standards of food quality, dedication to using real ingredients, signature bold flavors, and our commitment to Olé The Day!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Taco Johns International, Inc. pay for a Vice President, Franchise Sales (Remote)?
Taco Johns International, Inc. offers a competitive compensation package for the Vice President, Franchise Sales (Remote) role. The salary range is USD 190k - 275k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a Vice President, Franchise Sales (Remote) do at Taco Johns International, Inc.?
As a Vice President, Franchise Sales (Remote) at Taco Johns International, Inc., you will: the Vice President of Franchise Sales is responsible for executing Taco John’s multi-year development strategy and leading franchise sales and development efforts. This role includes overseeing site selection, managing broker relationships, and ensuring a franchisee-first mindset throughout the development lifecycle..
Is the Vice President, Franchise Sales (Remote) position at Taco Johns International, Inc. remote?
The Vice President, Franchise Sales (Remote) position at Taco Johns International, Inc. is based in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Vice President, Franchise Sales (Remote) position at Taco Johns International, Inc.?
You can apply for the Vice President, Franchise Sales (Remote) position at Taco Johns International, Inc.directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.