Director of Marketing Communications - Carrabba's Italian Grill The Director, Marketing Communications for Carrabba’s Italian Grill will report to the Vice President, Marketing, Sara Bittorf, and will be responsible for assisting with the development of strategies and tactics designed to drive system traffic, revenue, and growth. S/he will lead the development and implementation of advertising initiatives including TV, radio, print, online, OOH, and in-store, etc. Additionally, the Director, Marketing Communications will assist the Vice President, Marketing in developing sales promotions to drive traffic and sales. • Assisting the Vice President, Marketing with strategic planning, development, and coordination of all marketing communications programs to promote Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s products and further the company’s sales objectives • Collaborating with agencies, creative services, local marketing, and media to develop external communications and advertising campaigns and in-restaurant materials and communications • Managing the production budget for all print and broadcast executions • Preparing materials for internal and external presentations on products, business plans, and management communications • Partnering with Finance, Operations, and R&D to identify implications of each marketing initiative and make recommendations for success while also reviewing project results and recommendations with management and presenting business solutions and marketing concepts to field management • Supporting key brand initiatives to ensure successful achievement of the fiscal year business plan • Identifying and delivering improvements in areas such as in-restaurant and external communications, transitioning work to creative services, design innovation, competitive analysis, and response plans • Developing and maintaining partnerships with internal management stakeholders (Senior Executives, Bain Capital, Local Marketing Directors, Operations Vice President, Regional Vice Presidents, and Joint Venture Partners) in order to influence business decision-making • Leading external agencies in the development of strategies that employ multiple tactics in order to leverage marketing spending and maximize value for the Carrabba’s Italian Grill system • Supporting and managing agenda setting, prioritization and resource allocation, balancing short and long-term needs/priorities • Jointly, in partnership with Vice President, Marketing, leading the development, approval, communication, and stewardship of Marketing Communications Required/Requested Skills • Experience overseeing the creative development process, including brief writing, creative evaluation, budget management and production processes for print, radio, television, OOH and digital • The ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines and have a strong understanding of the P&L side of the business • Proven ability to transform current marketing trends and information into profitable strategies for the business • Demonstrated success in creating and executing promotional programs to drive sales • Proficiency in market analysis, competitive front, and restaurant opportunities, challenges, and operations is desired • Strong organizational and people skills, the ability to effectively create and deliver presentations, and the ability to set appropriate priorities and use time effectively • Demonstrated analytical, creative, problem solving skills focused on driving for results; must be able to effectively work in a team environment with a natural inclination toward coaching, developing, and motivating others • A drive to innovative business improvements: develops new insights into solutions that result in organizational improvements. Promotes a work environment that fosters creative thinking, innovative and rational risk taking. • An ability to focuses on the critical few objectives that add the most value and channels own and others’ energy to consistently deliver results that meet or exceed expectations. • The ability to balance immediate and long-term priorities: seeks to meet critical objectives while considering the impact of those decisions and activities on the ability to achieve long-term goals. • The ability to identify, attract, and retain top talent to ensure bench strength for the future Leverages individual differences as a driver for long-term business results Qualifications • An undergraduate degree in Marketing, Advertising, or Business (required) with an advanced degree desired • A minimum of 12 years of brand strategy/marketing experience in a fast-paced, consumer-oriented marketing environment with demonstrated success of building strong brands • Possesses a strong service orientation, a disciplined work ethic, and a high standard of excellence for the overall marketing team • Is an executive of unquestioned personal and professional ethics and integrity • A balanced individual capable of forging productive working relationships with a broad range of personality types and styles • Understands the vital role branding plays in capturing market share and attaining business objectives • Demonstrates the values of Carrabba’s Italian Grill through words, actions, and by example. Fosters an environment that reflects the values of the company. • Has the ability to travel approximately 25 percent • This position is located at the corporate offices in Tampa, FL Qualified applicants are requested to submit resumes. return to home office opportunities