About the position
The Regional Marketing/Merchandising Manager plays a critical role in driving corporate initiatives, ensuring brand standards, and leading marketing strategies that support regional growth and strategic sales objectives. This role requires a balance of creativity and strategic thinking, as well as the ability to coordinate and execute marketing plans that enhance brand presence and customer engagement. The Regional Marketing/Merchandising Manager will collaborate closely with the corporate marketing & creative services department, and operational services to support regional programs, develop innovative marketing initiatives, and ensure alignment with company-wide goals. This position also focuses on promotional materials, digital applications, and service innovations to elevate the business. This role would receive a company car for business travel and requires up to 30% travel (via plane outside of NJ) within the region to support marketing efforts, site visits, account reviews, and operational initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Partner with operations teams to implement monthly marketing initiatives, maintain quality assurance standards, and support presentation needs, site visitations, and account reviews.
- Develop and recommend customized regional marketing strategies that align with local market trends and consumer preferences.
- Coordinate and execute regional and corporate strategic marketing projects, ensuring seamless collaboration with the marketing team.
- Analyze and report back to the Chief Creative Officer on marketing performance metrics and revenue-driving initiatives, ensuring alignment with YOY growth goals and KPIs.
- Build deep knowledge of the regional marketplace, providing education and insights to unit operators.
- Develop innovative, on-trend marketing and merchandising strategies to maintain a competitive edge against local food retailers and corporate dining services.
- Manage the development and distribution of monthly marketing resources, ensuring creative and promotional materials meet quality standards.
- Support new account openings, focusing on front-of-house (FOH) marketing, branding, and communication strategies.
- Stay ahead of industry trends by continuously exploring emerging marketing technologies and service models to enhance brand positioning.
- Collaborate with operational services, IT, print/digital vendors, and other partners for seamless execution of marketing programs.
- Assist unit operators in crafting quarterly business reports, summarizing marketing efforts and their impact on business performance.
- Support corporate sales, wellness, culinary, and marketing teams during site tours, refreshes, and strategic brand-building initiatives.
- Lead and contribute to marketing projects related to business development, digital solutions, and account openings.
- Assist in the creation and execution of sales development strategies, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in marketing, communications, or operations within a similar role.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills with the ability to craft compelling brand messaging.
- Strong merchandising and station presentation skills, ensuring visually impactful brand representation.
- Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva for content development and presentations.
- Experience with project management, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and meet deadlines efficiently.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
- Familiarity with video content creation and editing to enhance marketing materials.
- Experience with CRM platforms, social media content management, and digital applications is a plus.
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Personal Leave
