Job Description

JOB OVERVIEW:

This position is responsible for developing plans and executing projects and initiatives that support short and long-term marketing strategies of the brand. In collaboration with key business partners (e.g., Consumer Insights, Enterprise Digital Marketing, CRM, etc.) he/she ensures that relevant, effective projects and initiatives are delivered. The ABM works with vendor partners, agencies, and his/her team, in delivering projects that support the brand promise. The ABM works closely with the Brand Manager and Brand Team to effectively plan media and PR support for NROs, Focus and Watch markets, as well as brand news and initiatives. This involves collaborating with brand teams to understand equity and financial objectives and then working with internal stakeholders and agency partners on development, execution and measurement.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Develops and nurtures cross-functional relationships to exchange information and support ongoing projects and initiatives

- Develops and uses project timelines and calendars

- Interfaces with and leverages vendors/agencies to ensure that projects are properly executed

- Uses feedback from Darden teams (e.g., Operations, Consumer Insights) to ensure that new products support operations excellence

- Communicates results of marketing projects and initiatives; identifies implications for the brand and provides recommendations for future actions

- Executes brand marketing projects and initiatives by applying an understanding of consumer, market, and industry trends

- Manages creative and initiatives for various marketing communications (e.g., in-restaurant merchandising, gift cards, coupons, broadcast, digital, FSI)

- Executes action plans that leverage market segments

- Executes the promo, offering, item, platform, and/or advertising/communication development process including ideation, development, testing, implementation, and post-analysis steps

- Contributes to the conversion of brand strategies into action plans that deliver on marketing growth opportunities

- Collaborates with others to ensure that marketing strategies and action plans are aligned with financial models and business models

- Organizes, monitors, and controls projects to ensure engagement, commitment, and risk management

- Ensures that promotions, offerings, items, platforms, and/or advertising/communication messages support brand identity and are aligned with the brand; protects intellectual properties of the brand

- Monitors and analyzes key brand performance metrics

- Develops briefs to provide ongoing communications support on project status to ensure leadership alignment

- Supports budgeting, contract agreements, and invoice payment for vendor/agency-related work

- Executes the monitoring, tracking, evaluation, and development of marketing plans

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

- 3+ years of relevant work experience with at least one year in a Brand Marketing role

- Knowledge and comfort with the use of computers and various programs and information systems

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field required; MBA preferred

OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

- Ability to adjust communication style such that it is effective with various audiences

- Ability to analyze and evaluate information, communicate (verbal and written) with clarity in the business environment

- Ability to exercise appropriate judgement by using information and knowledge to make timely, effective decisions

- Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize various job activities/tasks, including the ability to multi-task when necessary

- Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision

- Adjusts scope or resources as appropriate; Mitigates potential risk to the project

- Organization and time management skills with the ability to organize, plan, and follow-up with tasks

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

- Ability to mentor and train others on work processes/procedures