Manager, Brand Marketing (IHOP)

A key member of the IHOP restaurant brand marketing team, the Brand Marketing Manager is responsible for product and menu-related projects, effectively managing new product development and improvements, testing and system-wide rollouts.

Responsibilities:

• Usher product initiatives from strategy and development to testing and implementation
• Leverage existing consumer insights & business data to develop program strategies
• Manage cross-functional teams, serving as the primary point of contact and maintain category expertise
• Manage brainstorming of new menu items and platforms
• Develop new product concepts, initial product names and positioning
• Determine feasibility including strategic/operational fit, uniqueness, market size, ease of communication, motivation, and price value
• Create project plans, establish timelines, and maintain schedule in partnership with PMO
• Partner with culinary, operations & consumer insights on development of new menu items
• Review materials to maintain accuracy/consistency
• Analyze performance and develop fact-based recommendations based on approved success criteria
• Responsible for system-wide rollouts
• Partner with Consumer Insights and Business Analytics to establish goals and track progress against key consumer and business metrics
• Partner with creative marketing and agencies on creative materials
• Build support for business initiatives through effective communication with Leadership Team, internal/external groups, agencies, and franchisees
• Oversee key partner relationships related to brand, daypart, product line, or product initiatives
• Manage product improvements and cost-savings opportunities
• Build support through effective communication and influence
• Monitor business performance
• Perform other responsibilities, as needed

Skills & Requirements:

• College degree required; MBA preferred
• 3+ years brand, category or product management experience in a national chain restaurant, agency, or consumer products goods (CPG) environment required
• Effective leader and organizer of cross-functional teams
• Exceptional planning and project management skills required; ability to manage multiple projects of complex scope
• Demonstrated ability to establish strong working relationships with internal/external partners
• Nimble and flexible
• Excellent written/verbal communication skills, strong presentation skills and ability to influence, persuade & inspire others
• Strong organization and attention to detail
• Franchise experience preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office