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 Director of Marketing.  The Director of Marketing will provide marketing leadership and counsel to franchisees, advertising agencies and internal teammates. Develop, manage and implement marketing plans and programs to optimize traffic, store sales, brand building, service fees and profits for Dairy Queen Franchisees.  Protect Dairy Queen® Trademarks. 

Key Accountabilities Include:

• Develops, leads and executes the strategic plans and annual marketing calendars for assigned countries. Works with franchisees to obtain their understanding and support of the plans, while ensuring the strategic plan is incorporated into everyday business with the franchisees and APAC team.   In collaboration with the VP- Int’l Marketing and Regional Director, ensures the development of brand strategies to ensure long-term competitiveness of DQ concept and business.
• Responsible for teaching, planning and trade zone level execution of all LSM programs.
• Responsible for teaching, planning and ongoing market level execution of all digital and social media programs.
• Responsible for teaching, planning and execution of comprehensive Grand Opening Plans for all new stores and new markets within the region where relevant.
• Leads and directs all consumer and product market research and analysis including identifying target markets, monitoring market trends and the competitive environment, projecting market potential and product penetration opportunities.
• 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 including proper use of all DQ trademarks.
• Manages effective relationships with all members of the international team, franchisees, agencies, research companies and vendors.  Presents information, strategies, and concepts to cross functional leaders and franchisees in a manner that inspires action and to achieve established corporate goals. Includes the ongoing leadership and management of Franchisee Advisory Councils (FACs) where relevant.
• Drives the new product development/innovation process internally and with the franchisees, leading the roll out and introduction of new products. Spearheads development and coordination of product launch kits, including developing materials regarding local marketing efforts. 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 development and execution of media plans.
• 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.

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in Marketing or related field, MBA preferred.
• Must have 7 to 9 years of prior Marketing experience 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.
• Experience with planning and executing digital and social media marketing programs.
• Experience with teaching, planning and ensuring trade zone level execution of LSM programs.
• Experience effectively managing marketing staff.
• 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.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate marketing strategies to a variety of audiences.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment.
• Ability to lead projects involving other departments such as R&D, Operations, Training and Supply Chain and complete projects within deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Verbal and written fluency in English and Spanish.
• Travel required for internal and external meetings.  Local and international travel is required and is approximately 25%. Valid passport with no restrictions to global travel.

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.