Field Marketing Specialist (US Marketing)

Company Description

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We’re looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

Job Description

Provide marketing leadership and counsel to franchisees, territory operators, advertising agencies, vendors, and internal teammates. Develop, manage, implement, and analyze marketing plans and programs to positively impact traffic, transactions, store sales, and profits while maintaining or exceeding fan expectations in assigned markets. Protect Dairy Queen® Trademarks. Ensure national level marketing initiatives are completed effectively.

Primary Accountabilities:

Marketing Planning Leadership with Franchisees and Key Stakeholders:

• Drive same store sales growth through communication of the National brand strategy and the development and implementation of complimenting tactics in assigned markets.
• Establish and manage the marketing budget and media plans. Seek input from key franchisee constituents (DMA chairs, Ad Committees, Territory Operators) and gain alignment for proposed plans with DQ operations team. Communicate and document media and budget plans using corporate systems.
• Provide leadership and direction to regional advertising agencies. Monitor and manage agency communication with franchisees. Hold agencies accountable for media buying performance, media added value, field service and budget compliance. Formally review agency performance on an annual basis.
• Assist in the review and approval process for all marketing and creative materials developed by franchisees and/or agencies to ensure proper use of all Dairy Queen® Trademarks.
• Collaborate with Regional Directors of Operations and Business Consultants to determine appropriate strategies to meet corporate sales goals for assigned markets.
• Lead the execution of media tests as assigned including the franchisee communication, media plan development and collaboration with the operations team and franchisees.
• Provide market level expertise for key strategic areas of focus such as digital sales growth.
• Support efforts to maximize participation in the National Marketing Fund.

Program Development & Execution:

• Generate tools for local efforts to extend national promotions.
• Develop and execute local programs aimed at sales growth such as coupon books.
• Share and promote “Best Practices” for effective program and promotion execution.
• Create tools for optimized promotion execution such as local fundraising events.
• Amplify franchisee CMNH program participation and event execution.
• Evaluate local promotions, media investments and sales trends to help form plan recommendations. Present analysis to necessary shareholders as appropriate.

Communications/Collaboration with Key Stakeholders:

• Plan, produce and execute written communications, virtual meetings, in-person meetings and conference calls with franchisees and franchise leaders in assigned markets.
• Provide relevant business and financial analysis of key initiatives to internal and external shareholders including comp sales, sales trends by promotion or category and sales results generated by specific media activity.
• Support efforts to maximize participation in the national marketing calendar promotions.
• Collaborate closely with Operations team to effectively leverage marketing promotions to drive same store sales growth.
• Prepare and present at annual leadership meetings and business workshops in cooperation with cross functional teammates.
• Leverage in market experience to bring feedback on program and promotion effectiveness to cross-functional teams.

Additional Responsibilities:

• May participate or contribute to managing key marketing strategic initiatives including the development of timelines, management of goals and guidelines for assigned projects on behalf of the marketing team.
• Assist with new store openings as required.
• Other duties as assigned and necessary.

Qualifications

Education and Qualifications:

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Business Management, Marketing or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum 5-8 years of prior progressive marketing experience, including proven experience in the development of advertising campaigns.
• Proven experience in the development, execution, and reporting/stewardship of media plans, gained either by working within an agency, or by managing/directing an agency in the creation of such plans.
• Experience working within a franchisor organization, preferably a QSR brand, highly preferred.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas to a variety of audiences.
• Exceptional presentation skills.
• Creative thinker who can quickly develop innovative ideas across a wide variety of business units.
• Ability to coordinate with other departments to complete projects on time.
• Track record of providing excellent customer service to both internal and external clients.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment. Ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment with interruptions.
• Travel required for meetings with teammates, franchisees, territory operators and required meetings. Travel could meet or exceed 25-30%.
• Valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets the requirements of IDQ insurance program are required.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more! To learn more about our great benefit offerings,Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week. Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs. Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program. You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

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