Bachelor's in marketing or related field, MBA preferred.
5+ years in marketing within retail, restaurant, or CPG.
Demonstrated project leadership from strategy to execution.
Expert in project management; Six Sigma training is a plus.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Experience working with franchise groups and senior teams.
High personal responsibility and integrity.
Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of brand initiatives and marketing calendar events.
Guide product innovation in collaboration with culinary/R&D teams.
Use analytics to measure and optimize marketing programs.
Own and balance the marketing calendar with brand priorities and promotional windows.
Align cross-functional teams to ensure flawless execution of campaigns.
Collaborate with creative teams to develop and implement communication strategies.
Build and manage strategic partnerships with influencers and brands.
Benefits
Opportunity for growth within a dynamic and ambitious organization.
Be at the forefront of brand storytelling and product innovation.
Engage in creative collaborations with cross-functional teams.
Work in a leadership role influencing a high-performing team.
Contribute to significant marketing initiatives with real cultural relevance.
Full Job Description
Position Summary
In the strategic role of Director of Brand Marketing, reporting directly to the Vice President of Brand Marketing you will own the marketing calendar, develop crave-worthy limited-time products and offers, and lead breakthrough partnerships that keep our brand top of mind in culture. This role sits at the center of brand storytelling, product innovation, and cross-functional execution, helping us stand out in the highly competitive QSR burger category.
To thrive in this role, you'll need to be a bright, highly motivated, and ambitious team player-driven to succeed and eager to advance through proven performance. The ideal candidate combines outstanding leadership skills with attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and a true sense of ownership-not only of their work, but also of the team they lead.
Position Accountabilities
Growth + Innovation:
Leads the cross-functional development and execution of strategic brand initiatives and marketing calendar events to deliver on business objectives.
Guides product development Culinary/R&D and Insights to concept, test, and launch innovative, buzzworthy LTOs that drive sales and traffic.
Applies financial, consumer, and operational analytics to measure and optimize programs.
Marketing Calendar + Campaign Execution
Owns the marketing calendar, balancing brand priorities, limited-time offers, promotional windows, and cultural moments.
Aligns cross-functional teams (operations, supply chain, culinary, digital, field, finance, etc.) for flawless execution.
Partners with the creative team/agencies to develop communication strategies and bring concepts to life in-restaurant and in media.
Develops positioning, creative briefs, and go-to-market plans for events and launches.
Tracks and analyzes campaign results to improve future initiatives.
Partnerships & Brand Activation
Build and manage partnerships with influencers, celebrities, athletes, entertainment properties, other brands, etc.
Negotiates and activates co-marketing programs that extend brand relevance and reach.
Ensures consistent messaging across paid, owned, and earned channels.
Leadership
Coach and develop Brand Team members while fostering growth across the organization
Act as a brand ambassador internally and externally
Employment Standards
Education
Bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field, MBA a plus
Experience
5+ years of marketing experience in retail, restaurant, or consumer packaged goods is required.
Proven ability to lead projects, challenges, and opportunities from strategy creation to final execution process. Experience working with cross-functional teams that bring new products and promotions to market.
Expert project management skills. Six Sigma training is a plus.
Excellent presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
Proven history of working with key franchise groups, developing team/staff and ability to contribute positively in a senior/executive team environment.
High level of personal responsibility and integrity. Must be personally committed to executing at a high standard and bringing a high level of passion to the work.
Essential Physical Requirements
Individual must live in the Tampa area and is required to be in the Restaurant Support Center or Innovation Center 3 days per week, at a minimum.
Ability to Travel for meetings, innovation sessions, photo shoots, etc.
Competencies
Strategic Agility
Innovation Management
Drive for Results
Collaboration
Influencing
Customer Focus
Decision Quality
#LI - AV1
About Checkers
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. is one of the largest chains of double drive-thru restaurants in the United States. The company operates Checkers and Rally's restaurants in 28 states and the District of Columbia. They specialize in hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, and milkshakes. Checkers was founded in 1986 in Mobile, Alabama, and Rally's was founded in 1985 in Louisville, Kentucky. The two chains merged in 1999. The company is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
