Director, Core Menu & Marketing

Job Summary

• Provides strategic direction and leadership for key product and platform initiatives related to the Denny's menu and calendar messaging.
• Manages the product and marketing program implementation process for all new core menu product tests, menu creative tests, menu daypart tests and national menu refreshes, working closely with all functional areas to ensure flawless execution.
• Leads the brand's strategic Daypart Initiatives. While initiatives may change over time, the current need is to reverse the declining traffic trend for the dinner daypart. Partners with VP Marketing, Operations, Finance, Product Development, Field Marketing & Training, the Sr Manager will lead the cross functional team and in collaboration, identify the needs of the target consumer for dinner and subsequent initiatives required to change perceptions and build awareness for the dinner business.
• In partnership with VP, Menu Strategy and Innovation as well as the VP, Brand Strategy, oversees development of marketing calendar that drives profitable system traffic. Collaborates with Insights, Agency partners, D&I, Brand Communications, Media, Digital, Finance and GE/DoD to develop multi-layer promotional and product messaging that is relevant to key segments.
• Partners with VP, Menu Strategy and Innovation to identify key areas of opportunity for new menu items that will meet existing consumer needs and drive traffic to our restaurants. Co=leads the Menu Task Force and internal leadership meetings to define and align on the optimization of the core menu.
• Develops pricing strategies that effectively balance the goals of maximizing the brand's sales/profit and delivering on our core value proposition. Leverages and manages RMS partnership to optimize pricing tiers. Partners with Sr Director of Field Marketing in managing RMS franchise relationship.
• Writes briefs for internal and external culinary teams to guide the development of new products the strategic needs of the initiative.
• Consults with merchandising teams to ensure that in-restaurant creative materials deliver on the brand strategy.
• Provides direction to and coordinates research needs with Consumer Insights and Product Development for assigned projects.
• Partners with Field Marketing to manage the integration of local/regional product offerings with the national core menu and dinner daypart initiatives.
• Plans, develops, executes, and analyzes marketing tests and recommends action steps.
• Communicates strategy, test results, and key learnings to key Franchise partners to successfully sell-in new products and initiatives.
• Leads, develops and mentors two marketing professionals, including a Manager and a Sr. Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field required. Master's degree in Business Administration preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 10 - 15 years of consumer marketing experience in the restaurant or retail sector.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Experience in building strategic marketing calendars and core menu strategy. Franchisee experience a plus.
• Strong project management background.
• Ability to demonstrate high-energy leadership while working with a team.
• Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills; able to quickly build cooperative and productive relationships with internal business partners and external vendors.
• Ability to lead cross functional teams and build collaborative working relationships within marketing, other departments and field operations.

Denny's, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should contact 864-597-8000. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THIS NUMBER TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION.

Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please contact the DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.