Marketing Brand Manager

This position requires schedule flexibility (including nights, weekends, and holidays) and up to 40% travel.

The Marketing Brand Manager leads day-to-day marketing execution for Hickory Tavern, supporting broader brand strategy to increase awareness, drive traffic, and deepen guest engagement. This role partners cross-functionally with Operations and Culinary to deliver impactful marketing across digital channels and in-restaurant touchpoints, including loyalty initiatives through Punchh.

Essential Functions

Brand & Campaign Execution

• Own and execute day-to-day marketing initiatives aligned with overall brand strategy
• Support programs that grow brand awareness, drive traffic, and increase guest engagement 

Lifecycle, Loyalty & Digital Marketing

• Lead loyalty and lifecycle marketing programs using Punchh
• Develop and execute targeted email campaigns to increase engagement and retention
• Analyze campaign performance and continuously optimize based on insights
• Implement digital marketing initiatives while staying current on trends and best practices 

Digital Guest Touchpoints

• Manage brand website content to ensure accuracy and alignment with current promotions
• Execute marketing programs within third-party platforms (e.g., online ordering and delivery tools), ensuring offers and messaging are accurate and effective
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors as needed

Local Store Marketing

• Partner with Area Leaders and Restaurant Managers to develop community-specific marketing initiatives
• Identify and cultivate local partnerships to increase brand visibility and drive traffic 

Social Media & Guest Engagement

• Develop and execute social media strategies to grow brand presence and engage target audiences
• Monitor social channels, respond to guest inquiries, and support online reputation efforts 

Online Reputation Management

• Monitor and respond to guest reviews across platforms
• Implement strategies to drive positive guest feedback and ratings 

Menus, In-Store Experience & Promotions

• Collaborate with Culinary to update menus in alignment with brand positioning and trends
• Oversee design, printing, and distribution of physical menus
• Develop in-store collateral and promotional materials to enhance the guest experience
• Coordinate production of marketing assets across channels 

Budget & Performance Management

• Manage marketing budget(s) to ensure efficient allocation and strong ROI
• Provide regular performance reporting and data-driven recommendations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 3+ years of marketing experience, preferably within restaurants, hospitality, or multi-location consumer brands
• Proven experience developing and executing marketing programs across digital channels
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Operations and Culinary teams to execute in-restaurant marketing initiatives
• Background in local store marketing and community partnership development
   

Skills

• Strong brand acumen with a keen attention to detail
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Clear communicator and collaborative partner, particularly with restaurant operations teams
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to analyze performance and optimize marketing efforts
• Proficiency in social media platforms and working knowledge of design tools such as Canva or Adobe