Director, Marketing, Global Food Retail Product Licensing

Position Summary

Join Checkers & Rally's at an exciting inflection point in our growth story. As Director of Global Food Product Retail Licensing, you'll lead a multi-million-dollar retail product portfolio with nationwide distribution across all major U.S. retailers. This high-impact role combines strategic vision with hands-on execution as you drive performance across frozen foods, licensed merchandise, and apparel categories while identifying and launching the next generation of retail products.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, you'll be the architect of our retail licensing strategy-partnering with manufacturers, retailers, and internal stakeholders to accelerate market share growth and expand our brand footprint beyond the restaurant.

This is more than a licensing role-it's an opportunity to shape how millions of consumers experience our brand beyond our restaurants. If you're ready to drive meaningful growth, build strategic partnerships, and leave your mark on an iconic QSR brand, we want to hear from you.

Position Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop category and brand strategies using market share analytics, consumer insights, and competitive intelligence to drive growth across all product lines
• Identify and evaluate new category opportunities that align with brand positioning and business objectives
• Own the 3-year strategic plan for retail licensing, including annual budget development and AOP target-setting
• Lead monthly forecasting and performance tracking against financial goals

Partnership & Relationship Management

• Manage end-to-end licensee relationships, from contract negotiation through product launch and ongoing business optimization
• Conduct regular business reviews with manufacturing partners and lead internal/external line reviews
• Negotiate deal terms and financial structures for new partnerships and renewals with executive support
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Culinary, Marketing, Supply Chain, Legal, and Finance teams to ensure seamless execution

Product Development & Go-to-Market

• Guide creative direction and product development in partnership with licensees and the Brand team
• Build comprehensive marketing and product launch plans with key retail partners
• Provide licensees with brand guidelines, product information, and sales support materials
• Integrate retail products into broader brand marketing initiatives

Performance & Growth

• Drive revenue growth and market share expansion across assigned categories
• Monitor industry trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging opportunities
• Conduct cost assessments and manage research budgets for category development
• Identify distribution gaps and develop targeted strategies to capture white space opportunities

Employment Standards

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 7+ years in packaged food retail placement, sales, and category management
• 5+ years in the food industry with specific licensing experience
• Proven track record of managing multi-million-dollar product portfolios

Competencies

• Deep expertise in manufacturer/retail sell-in processes, retail distribution channels, and the competitive retail landscape
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management
• Data-driven decision maker skilled in market research, analytics, and translating insights into actionable strategies
• Hands-on experience with product development, brand planning, and go-to-market execution
• Exceptional communicator and presenter who can influence and inspire at all organizational levels
• Collaborative leader who builds trust and drives results through cross-functional partnerships
• Entrepreneurial self-starter comfortable with ambiguity and fast-paced environments
• Solutions-oriented problem solver with intellectual curiosity and adaptability
• Proven ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical execution
• Passion for the QSR industry and consumer packaged goods
• Understanding of licensee production capabilities and creative processes
• Experience working in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments

Essential Physical Requirements

• Individual must live in the Tampa area and is required to be in the Restaurant Support Center or Innovation Center 3 days per week, at a minimum.
• Ability to Travel for meetings, innovation sessions, or as the business demands.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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