Vice President of Marketing & Innovation

A&W Restaurant - Lexington, KY

Full-time - Senior

Lexington, KY

Gasoline Stations and Fuel Dealers

About the position

The Vice President of Marketing & Innovation at A&W Restaurants Inc. is a strategic leadership role responsible for amplifying the brand's legacy while driving growth and innovation. This position involves developing comprehensive marketing, advertising, and product development strategies to enhance same-store sales and open new restaurants. The VP will collaborate with various teams and maintain relationships with the National A&W Franchisee Association, ensuring alignment with the company's goals and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop top-line marketing strategies to grow brand awareness, same-store sales, and new unit development.
• Create short and long-term brand strategies, including national sales events and local store marketing.
• Leverage data-driven insights to guide strategic recommendations.
• Monitor market trends, customer feedback, and competitors to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Deliver upon innovation strategies surrounding menu mix, new product offerings, and packaging.
• Develop the Marketing department to support cross-functional teams' marketing needs.
• Serve as a key member of the Executive Committee, providing insights for organizational decisions.
• Maintain positive relationships with the NAWFA Board, offering guidance and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to accomplish strategic initiatives.
• Manage relationships with key marketing vendor partners.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive marketing experience, including brand management and digital marketing.
• Bachelor's Degree in marketing, public relations, communications, business administration, or related field.
• Significant budget management experience.
• Multiple years of department leadership experience.
• Marketing experience specific to restaurant and food service.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's Degree
• 10+ years in the Restaurant Industry, specifically Quick Service Restaurants.