Head of Marketing - Canada

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Head of Marketing - Canada

🔹 Company: Nando's

🔹 Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (on-site and remote work)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading marketing efforts to deliver the Nando's brand in Canada
• Executing the annual marketing strategy and managing the marketing calendar
• Overseeing brand initiatives, budget management, and cross-functional team alignment
• Protecting the brand and advocating for the guest, challenging short-term tactics
• Guiding a team of three to four marketing professionals and external agencies

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of marketing strategies to drive guest traffic and brand engagement.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Deliver the annual Canadian Marketing Plan and Calendar, ensuring alignment with US and Partners Division counterparts on campaign timing, messaging, and support needs.

✅ Own the annual Canadian marketing budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for maximum impact.

✅ Execute all brand initiatives across touchpoints, ensuring consistent and compelling in-restaurant and digital guest experiences.

✅ Monitor Brand Health Tracking to ensure the brand remains strong, relevant, and resonant.

✅ Ensure all campaigns and programs are well-communicated and operationally enabled, to allow for flawless execution and memorable guest experiences.

✅ Conduct post-campaign analysis to inform future tactical decisions and improve performance.

✅ Drive the development and deployment of integrated marketing campaigns across all channels.

✅ Partner with internal teams and external agencies to activate campaigns across social media, PR, influencer marketing, loyalty programs, and delivery platforms.

✅ Oversee PR strategies, including crisis communications, to protect and enhance brand reputation.

✅ Ensure social media platforms are vibrant, engaging, and reflective of Nando’s brand voice.

✅ Manage the execution of menu strategy and updates, including pricing optimization, menu engineering and design, innovation, and new product development.

✅ Coordinate all menu updates and ensure timely rollout across all guest-facing platforms.

✅ Serve as a voice for the guest in leadership forums, ensuring decisions reflect customer needs and protect long-term brand value.

✅ Push back on reactive or short-term tactics that risk eroding guest trust or brand equity.

✅ Execute digital marketing plans that support guest acquisition and retention goals.

✅ Monitor KPIs and analytics to assess digital campaign effectiveness and optimize ROI and engagement.

✅ Develop loyalty communications and promotions to drive repeat visits and deepen customer connection.

✅ Leverage NPS insights to continuously enhance the guest experience.

✅ Define and guide Local Restaurant Marketing (LRM) strategies to support localized campaigns and initiatives.

✅ Support planning and execution of local events, catering activations, and community engagement initiatives.

✅ Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of three to four marketing professionals.

✅ Inspire and guide external agencies and partners by delivering insight-driven briefs that unlock exceptional creative work.

✅ Hold agencies and partners accountable for performance, timelines, and budget alignment, while providing constructive feedback to elevate output.

✅ Act as the primary Canadian marketing liaison to US Marketing and Partners Division teams, ensuring operational alignment and joint accountability for calendar, messaging, and resourcing.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a hands-on leadership style, with the ability to wear multiple hats, spot opportunities to strengthen the brand, and inspire team members to do their best work.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field

Experience: 8+ years of progressive marketing experience, with 3-5 years in a leadership role within the restaurant, hospitality, food service, or retail sectors

Required Skills:

• Proven success in driving guest traffic and brand engagement through integrated strategies
• Deep understanding of brand management, campaign planning, menu strategy, and how marketing impacts restaurant P&L levers
• Strong expertise in digital marketing, social media, loyalty programs, influencer marketing, CRM, and customer engagement
• Experience with PR, brand partnerships, community engagement, influencer campaigns, and crisis communications
• Knowledge of delivery aggregators, app-based ordering, and digital sales strategies
• Demonstrated success managing marketing budgets, agencies, and vendors, with a clear track record of ROI delivery
• Strong analytical skills with experience in brand tracking, NPS reporting, performance measurement, and leveraging insights to inform strategy
• A natural storyteller and communicator who can inspire teams and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing marketing teams
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and adept at navigating complex stakeholder dynamics

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in French
• Experience working in a multi-unit restaurant environment
• Knowledge of the Canadian market and consumer trends

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the restaurant or hospitality sectors and a strong understanding of marketing strategies will be well-suited for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD 120,000 - 150,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Head of Marketing role in Canada)

Benefits:

• Eligible for annual bonus
• Hybrid Work
• Technology Reimbursement
• Wellness Incentive
• 20 days of PTO per year
• Company-paid benefits

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Head of Marketing role in Canada, with experience and qualifications considered.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Nando's operates in the restaurant industry, specializing in flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken with a focus on unique flavors and a vibrant brand.

Company Size: Nando's Canada has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Nando's was founded in 1987 in South Africa and entered the Canadian market in 2008.

Company Description:

• Nando's is known worldwide for its succulent PERi-PERi chicken, marinated for 24 hours, flame-grilled to perfection, and basted to the customer's preferred flavor and spice.
• The company is equally renowned for its spicy PERi-PERi, the Bird's Eye chili pepper that Africans introduced to the Portuguese centuries ago.
• Nando's offers a unique dining experience with a vibrant atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of Africa and the passion for PERi-PERi.

Company Specialties:

• Flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken
• Unique flavors and sauces
• Vibrant atmosphere and branding
• Community engagement and events

Company Website: http://www.nandosperiperi.com

ASSUMPTION: Nando's Canada is a dynamic and growing company with a strong focus on its unique brand and customer experience.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Country Head and overseeing a team of three to four marketing professionals.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Marketing - Canada reports directly to the Country Head and collaborates closely with US Marketing and Partners Division teams.

Work Arrangement: This role is hybrid, with a combination of on-site and remote work, requiring flexibility to work from different locations as needed.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow within the marketing department or explore other leadership roles within the organization
• Opportunities to work on cross-functional projects and collaborate with various teams
• Chance to develop and mentor junior team members

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to lead marketing efforts for a well-established and growing restaurant brand in Canada, with potential for career growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Nando's Canada has a hybrid work environment, with a combination of on-site and remote work.

Office Location(s): Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Geographic Context:

• Mississauga is the sixth-largest city in Canada and is part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
• The city is home to a diverse population and a thriving business community.
• Mississauga offers easy access to major highways, public transportation, and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work environment offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing for a better work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• In-depth behavioral and skills-based interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the Country Head
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Marketing strategy and campaign development
• Budget management and resource allocation
• Leadership and team management skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Nando's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing experience, leadership skills, and passion for the Nando's brand.
• Prepare examples of successful marketing campaigns you've led, emphasizing your strategic approach, execution, and results.
• Research Nando's brand, values, and marketing strategies to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its unique offerings.

ATS Keywords: Marketing Strategy, Brand Management, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Guest Engagement, Campaign Planning, Menu Strategy, Crisis Communications, Team Leadership, Analytical Skills, Community Engagement, Influencer Marketing, Budget Management, Customer Engagement, Loyalty Programs, Performance Measurement

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's marketing expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit with Nando's values and brand.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Google Workspace (e.g., Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies will be beneficial for managing marketing campaigns, tracking performance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Blending having fun, making money, and changing lives
• Living our values and being our best selves
• Valuing people first
• Making decisions like an owner
• Living the spirit of Ubuntu

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-driven and proactive
• Passionate about the Nando's brand and customer experience

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody Nando's values in your professional and personal life?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment or marketing strategy. How did you approach this challenge, and what was the outcome?
• How do you balance the need for short-term results with long-term brand equity and customer trust?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Nando's values and demonstrate a strong work ethic, adaptability, and passion for the brand will be well-suited for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team remotely and ensuring consistent brand execution across multiple channels
• Balancing short-term tactical needs with long-term brand strategy
• Adapting to changes in the market, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape
• Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and external agencies

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other Head of Marketing roles in the restaurant industry, this position offers a unique opportunity to lead marketing efforts for a well-established and growing brand with a strong focus on customer experience and community engagement.
• Unlike other roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the Canadian market and consumer trends, as well as experience working in a multi-unit restaurant environment.
• Career progression in this role may involve growing within the marketing department or exploring other leadership roles within the organization, providing opportunities for professional development and growth.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic marketing leadership, brand stewardship, and community engagement, making it an attractive opportunity for experienced marketing professionals.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a national marketing campaign to launch a new menu item, including digital advertising, social media activations, and in-restaurant promotions
• Managing a team to execute a local restaurant marketing (LRM) strategy, including event planning, community engagement, and targeted promotions to drive foot traffic and sales
• Conducting a comprehensive brand audit and developing a strategic plan to enhance Nando's brand equity and relevance in the Canadian market

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and hands-on nature of the Head of Marketing role, requiring a strong understanding of marketing tactics, brand management, and team leadership.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the marketing team structure and how this role fits within the organization?
• How does Nando's approach marketing strategy and campaign development, and what are the key priorities for this role?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the Nando's brand in the Canadian market, and how can this role address them?
• How does Nando's support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of marketing campaigns, and how are they tracked and reported?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help candidates understand the role's expectations, the company's marketing strategy, and the team's dynamics, enabling them to make an informed decision about the opportunity.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing experience, leadership skills, and passion for the Nando's brand.
• Prepare examples of successful marketing campaigns you've led, emphasizing your strategic approach, execution, and results.
• Research Nando's brand, values, and marketing strategies to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its unique offerings.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications for the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.