Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a VP of International Marketing.  This position is a remote based role supporting our international marketing teams located around the globe.  This role will develop, lead, and execute international brand, digital and activation strategy to drive traffic, store sales, awareness, customer retention and profits for Dairy Queen Franchisees in all International countries across traditional and digital channels.

Provides strategic marketing leadership to franchisees, advertising agencies, 3PD partners and cross-functional stakeholders.  Works closely with Research and Development (Culinary), IT, Operations and Supply Chain to ensure alignment of all international marketing, digital product and menu initiatives.     Develops customer acquisition and retention strategy across digital/ecommerce channels for respective regions/markets.  Acts as a thought leader on the international team and works to establish long-term strategic vision for the brand. 

Principal Accountabilities Include:

• Leads and directs the development, execution and analysis of marketing plans and programs for new markets, existing markets and regional areas. Evaluates and advises on the impact of long-range planning, introduction of new programs/strategies and action.  Leads market research and analysis including identifying target markets, monitoring market trends and the competitive environment, projecting market potential and product penetration opportunities.   Develops digital and channel strategies to reach customers across on and off-premises occasions.
• Works closely with franchisees, especially the marketing leaders of the franchisees, to influence their understanding and support of the international marketing strategies and plans, while ensuring the strategic plan is incorporated into everyday business with the franchisees and the international team.   Ensures the development of brand strategies to ensure long-term competitiveness of DQ concept and business.
• Works closely with the International regional leaders to drive strategic results.  Manages effective relationships with all members of the international team, franchisees, agencies, research companies and vendors.  Provides regular updates on business results, strategies, consumer insights and competitive reviews to cross functional leaders and franchisees and tracks against established corporate goals.  Communicates and coordinates international marketing activities with the US and Canadian marketing functions within the company.
• Drives the new product development/innovation process internally and with the franchisees, leading the roll out and introduction of new products. Creates linkage between brand strategy and product strategy ensuring a robust product pipeline to fuel marketing calendars and strengthen brand positioning.
• Provides leadership and direction to advertising agencies. Monitors and manages agency communication with franchisees. Holds agencies accountable for performance, media buying, creative direction, brand building and budget compliance. Formally reviews agency performance on an annual basis.  Works with licensees and agencies on proper placement and execution of media plans.  Approves all marketing and creative materials developed by licensees and/or agencies.  Works with and trains licensees on proper merchandising and the development of materials.
• Provides relevant business and financial analysis of key issues to internal and external shareholders including comp sales, sales trends by category and sales results generated by specific media activity. Evaluates local and national promotions, media investments and sales trends to help form plan recommendations. Presents analysis to necessary shareholders as appropriate.

Education/Experience:

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Marketing or related field, MBA preferred.
• Must have at least 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in Marketing in consumer related marketing organization(s), including consumer research, product development and the development of advertising and promotional campaigns.
• Experience working within a franchisor organization, preferably a QSR brand.
• At least 10 years of experience effectively managing professional level marketing staff.

Skills:

• Demonstrable record of achievement in creating and leading a pipeline of product innovation across multiple platforms.  Track record of clear product successes, creating and leading from product inception to launch.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Creative thinker who can quickly develop innovative ideas across a wide variety of business units.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.  Ability to collaborate with and influence others.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate marketing strategies to a variety of audiences, including senior leadership teams, franchisee leadership groups/councils and to the media.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to lead other departments, such as R&D, Operations, Training and Supply Chain, to complete projects on time.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Fluency in English.

• International travel is required and is approximately 40%-50%. Valid passport with no restrictions to global travel.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.   You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Benefits

Benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, employer paid basic life insurance, short and long-term disability, paid sick and vacation, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, wellness challenges and more!

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ.  We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.