📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Area Marketing Manager - Grand Forks, ND
🔹 Company: US Foods
🔹 Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 1, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and managing annual marketing plans for multiple markets within the defined area.
- Managing marketing spend and budgeting within all markets in the area.
- Planning, developing, coordinating, and executing marketing and sales activities.
- Serving as the area's voice of marketing leadership for center-led strategic initiatives.
- Counseling and supporting area leadership to maximize impact of center-driven marketing programs.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, communication, and leadership skills to manage multiple marketing projects and teams across different markets.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and manage annual marketing plan in conjunction with area leadership.
✅ Manage area marketing spend and budgeting within all markets in the area.
✅ Plan, develop, coordinate, and execute marketing and sales activities such as culinary events, sales meetings, promotions/incentives, etc.
✅ Serve as the area's voice of marketing leadership for center-led strategic initiatives.
✅ Counsel and provide support to area leadership to maximize impact of center-driven marketing programs and best practices for delivering local programs.
✅ Manage marketing activities to support and drive key results; sales and profit growth, penetration (account, Scoop, and E-Commerce) and account growth.
✅ Assess local sponsorship and partnership opportunities with marketing leadership.
✅ Implement and execute the center-led marketing activities.
✅ Develop marketing materials and communications to support area-led activities.
✅ Communicate local promotional results to sales team.
✅ Make recommendations to area leadership on how to improve results of promotional and marketing events.
✅ Partner with VPLS to execute marketing initiatives to drive sales growth and work with VP Merchandising to ensure alignment.
✅ Follow company brand standards when customizing and creating any local marketing materials.
✅ Provide Center provided product/program positioning materials and training materials for the sales force.
✅ Use and encourage the use of approved social media channels and collaboration tools Teams (Yammer) by all personnel within the area.
✅ Other duties assigned by manager.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of multitasking, prioritization, and project management to ensure all marketing activities are executed successfully across multiple markets.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: At least a four-year college degree in business, marketing, communications, or advertising.
Experience: 5 years of marketing experience
Required Skills:
- Excellent prioritization and time management skills.
- Sound understanding of marketing principles.
- Ability to build and maintain excellent working partnerships and interface with a variety of internal and external resources to attain organizational goals.
- Ability to make sound, independent decisions.
- Proficient communication skills.
- Able to work with various content management and online marketing systems.
- Self-directed and highly motivated.
- An advanced internet aptitude strongly desired.
Preferred Skills:
- High level of proficiency required in the use of Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Outlook; Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and Social Media applications.
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools may be beneficial for tracking and measuring marketing campaign performance.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $65,000 - $100,000 per year
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Employee discounts
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, traditional office hours
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a marketing manager role with 5-10 years of experience. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: US Foods is a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. They provide a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology, and business solutions.
Company Size: US Foods has 28,000 associates and more than 70 locations, with a LinkedIn following of over 360,000 employees.
Founded: US Foods was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Rosemont, IL.
Company Description:
- US Foods is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor.
- They partner with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed.
- US Foods provides its customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology, and business solutions.
Company Specialties:
- Provide food products and services to foodservice providers throughout the USA
- Provide Food Safety throughout the supply chain
- Exclusive Brands Development
- Distribution logistics
- Menu development/ Menu Cost optimization
- Imports and Specialty Foods
Company Website: http://www.usfoods.com
ASSUMPTION: US Foods is a large, established company with a strong presence in the foodservice industry, offering numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level management
Reporting Structure: The Area Marketing Manager reports directly to the Director of Field Marketing and works closely with the VP National Sales, Area Merchandising Team, Food Fanatics Chef, and Specialists.
Work Arrangement: This role works in the Grand Forks office Monday - Friday, during traditional office hours, with occasional overnight travel up to 20%.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a regional or national marketing role within the company.
- Expansion of responsibilities based on successful performance and company growth.
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive business results.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand responsibilities and advance within the company's marketing organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment
Office Location(s): Grand Forks, North Dakota
Geographic Context:
- Grand Forks is located in northeastern North Dakota, near the border with Minnesota.
- The city has a population of approximately 55,000 people and is home to the University of North Dakota.
- The cost of living in Grand Forks is relatively low compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, traditional office hours, with occasional overnight travel up to 20%.
ASSUMPTION: Grand Forks offers a pleasant, family-friendly work environment with a low cost of living and a strong sense of community.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the director of field marketing
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Marketing strategy and planning
- Budget management and allocation
- Event coordination and execution
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant marketing experience and achievements on your resume.
- Tailor your cover letter to emphasize your fit for the role and the company's mission and values.
- Prepare examples of successful marketing campaigns or projects you've led, focusing on results and impact.
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of the foodservice industry and US Foods' business.
ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, budget management, event coordination, communication skills, problem-solving, decision-making, foodservice industry, US Foods
ASSUMPTION: US Foods uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Adobe InDesign and Acrobat Professional
- Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
- Content management and online marketing systems
- Collaboration tools (Microsoft Teams, Yammer)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used daily for marketing planning, execution, and communication.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-focused
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and goal-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing strategies?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
- Do you possess strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders?
- Are you proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe InDesign, and Acrobat Professional, as well as social media platforms and collaboration tools?
ASSUMPTION: US Foods values candidates who align with their core values and work style, and who demonstrate a strong fit with the company culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple marketing projects and teams across different markets can be challenging and require strong organizational skills.
- Occasional overnight travel may be required, which can disrupt personal and family schedules.
- The foodservice industry is highly competitive, and the role may involve working with tight deadlines and high expectations.
- The cost of living in Grand Forks may be lower than in other major metropolitan areas, but the salary range for this role is competitive with industry standards for a marketing manager with 5-10 years of experience.
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development, it also presents several challenges that require strong skills, adaptability, and a commitment to success.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other marketing manager roles, this position focuses more on regional and local marketing strategies, rather than national or global campaigns.
- This role requires a strong understanding of the foodservice industry and US Foods' business, as well as the ability to build and maintain relationships with various internal and external stakeholders.
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into a regional or national marketing position within the company, rather than transitioning to a different industry or function.
ASSUMPTION: This role is well-suited for marketing professionals with experience in the foodservice industry or a related field, looking to advance their careers within a large, established company.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a successful marketing campaign to launch a new product line in multiple markets within the area.
- Coordinating and managing a series of culinary events and sales meetings to drive sales growth and customer engagement.
- Partnering with local vendors and sponsors to secure advertising and promotional opportunities for area marketing initiatives.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of strategic thinking required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
- How does this role fit into the company's overall marketing strategy and organization?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the marketing team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company's marketing organization?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees, particularly for those in management positions?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions can help you better understand the role's expectations, the company's marketing strategy, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant marketing experience and skills, including any experience working in the foodservice industry or with related tools and technologies.
- Write a cover letter that emphasizes your fit for the role and the company's mission and values.
- Prepare examples of successful marketing campaigns or projects you've led, focusing on results and impact.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
