📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager
🔹 Company: Denny's
🔹 Location: Irving, TX - 2900 Ranch Trail (75063)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-site
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-28
🔹 Experience Level: 5-7 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading product initiatives for the brand, including core menu and regional menus
- Managing the product implementation process, from planning to execution and analysis
- Overseeing menu testing efforts and communicating results to internal leaders
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful marketing initiatives
- Supporting the product marketing team on ad-hoc initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively lead product initiatives and collaborate with various teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage the product implementation process for core menu, non-traditional travel center locations, and regional menus
✅ Oversee all core menu testing efforts, from planning to execution and analysis
✅ Plan, develop, execute, and analyze marketing tests and recommend action steps
✅ Communicate test results and key learnings to internal leaders to sell-in core menu changes and programs
✅ Manage programs from development to testing to national launch with effective communication and flawless execution
✅ Partner with Brand Insights and Product Development to identify key areas of opportunity for new products
✅ Write briefs for internal and agency partners to guide the development of creative material
✅ Consult with merchandising teams to ensure in-restaurant creative materials deliver on the brand strategy
✅ Provide direction to and coordinate research needs with Consumer Insights group for assigned projects
✅ Partner with Ops/Restaurant Readiness group to produce training materials for new marketing initiatives and train stores as needed
✅ Attend key meetings to present and capture notes; run cross-functional team meetings and work with teams to populate key information
✅ Support the Product Marketing team on ad-hoc initiatives
✅ Other duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required
Experience: 5 - 7 years’ work experience; marketing or related function in retail/restaurant industry preferred
Required Skills:
- Strong project management background
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Experience with PowerPoint, SmartSheet, and Excel
- Strong attention to detail
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills; able to quickly build cooperative and productive relationships with internal partners and external vendors
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the retail or restaurant industry
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in marketing or a related function in the retail or restaurant industry will have a strong foundation for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $84,000 - $115,500 per year
Benefits:
- Not specified in the job description
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Brand Manager role with 5-7 years of experience in the marketing or related field.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Denny's is a publicly traded company in the restaurant industry, specializing in breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining options.
Company Size: Denny's has 10,001+ employees, making it a large corporation with extensive resources and opportunities for growth.
Founded: 1953, in Lakewood, Ohio
Company Description:
- Denny's is America's Diner, known for its wide range of menu options and commitment to feeding people - body, mind, and soul.
- The company operates over 1,700 franchised, licensed, and company-owned restaurants in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and New Zealand.
- Denny's is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military or veteran's status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law.
Company Specialties:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining options
- Franchising and licensing opportunities
- Community involvement and charitable initiatives
Company Website: http://www.dennys.com
ASSUMPTION: Working at Denny's offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a large, established company in the restaurant industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management career stage, requiring a balance of strategic thinking and tactical execution.
Reporting Structure: The Brand Manager reports directly to the VP of Menu Strategy and Innovation and works closely with the Director of Menu Strategy.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the primary office location in Irving, TX.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to senior management roles within the marketing department or other areas of the business
- Expansion of responsibilities and leadership opportunities as the company grows and evolves
- Access to professional development resources and training programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within a large, established company in the restaurant industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a professional work environment
Office Location(s): 203 E Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29319, US
Geographic Context:
- The Irving, TX office is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, offering a mix of urban and suburban living options
- The area is known for its diverse economy, with strong industries in technology, healthcare, and logistics
- The cost of living in Irving is generally lower than in other major metropolitan areas in the United States
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with some flexibility for remote work or adjusted hours as needed
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Denny's is professional and collaborative, with a focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Project management skills and experience
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your project management, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Research Denny's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Brand Manager, Product Marketing, Menu Strategy, Core Menu, Regional Menus, Menu Testing, Marketing Tests, Creative Material, Cross-Functional Teams, Project Management, Communication Skills, Attention to Detail, Organizational Skills, Time Management, Interpersonal Skills, Influencing Skills, PowerPoint, SmartSheet, Excel
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should demonstrate strong project management, communication, and interpersonal skills to be successful.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- PowerPoint
- SmartSheet
- Excel
- Other tools and technologies as needed for specific projects or initiatives
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have experience with PowerPoint, SmartSheet, and Excel, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new tools and technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer focus
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work
- Adaptable and able to manage multiple projects and priorities
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate customer focus in your work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a complex project with multiple stakeholders?
- How do you handle feedback and criticism, and how do you use it to improve your work?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Denny's company values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Balancing strategic thinking with tactical execution
- Working effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Adapting to changes in the market and competitive landscape
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively, work well with cross-functional teams, and adapt to changes in a dynamic business environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Product Marketing Manager or Brand Manager in other industries, but may have a stronger focus on menu strategy and testing in the restaurant industry
- In comparison to other marketing roles, this position requires a balance of strategic thinking and tactical execution, as well as strong project management skills
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to senior management roles within the marketing department or other areas of the business
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles in the restaurant industry and other industries to gain a better understanding of the responsibilities and requirements for this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing test for a new menu item or promotion
- Managing the product implementation process for a regional menu launch
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create training materials for new marketing initiatives
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with menu strategy, testing, and cross-functional team collaboration in their interviews.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical timeline for a menu testing project, from planning to execution to analysis?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as Operations or Restaurant Readiness, to ensure successful marketing initiatives?
- What are the most important priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role contribute to the overall menu strategy and innovation efforts at Denny's?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the marketing department or other areas of the business?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of the company's goals and objectives.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your project management, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Research Denny's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
