📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Integrated Marketing Communications Manager
🔹 Company: Inspire Brands
🔹 Location: Atlanta Support Center, Atlanta, GA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing influencer strategy and execution to drive business goals
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to tap into culture 24/7
- Developing creative social activations to support brand partnerships
- Identifying opportunities in culture for Sonic to show up in unique ways
- Supporting the execution of paid social initiatives and influencers with brand activations
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of influencer marketing, social media trends, and cultural shifts to effectively drive brand engagement and growth.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage influencer agency to develop influencer strategies that drive business goals and bring Sonic to the forefront of culture
✅ Collaborate with IMC team and PR team on influencer vetting process
✅ Execute Sonic surprise and delight initiatives by identifying and engaging with brand fans and influencers at the speed of culture
✅ Develop briefs and reports as needed for Influencer agencies and leadership
✅ Identify new and creative ways to integrate influencers into various brand activations and social campaigns
✅ Strategize and develop social activations to support brand partnerships, influencers, paid social, and organic social support
✅ Work closely with media team and IMC Comms planning team to ensure social activations are driving buzz and hitting KPIs
✅ Strategize new and unique ways to promote the Sonic LTO calendar, activations, and always-on opportunities in paid social
✅ Support the creative review process for all paid social assets
✅ Help identify opportunities in culture for Sonic to show up in unique and clever ways
✅ Strategize unique ways to leverage social to amplify brand activations, merchandise, and buzzy cultural opportunities
✅ Support the execution of paid social initiatives and influencers with brand activations
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, adaptability, and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Preferred 4-year degree
Experience: 6+ years of experience in Marketing, specifically social or brand activations
Required Skills:
- Creative mindset with the ability to think outside the box and generate new ideas
- Passion for social media and the speed of culture
- Well-versed in top social platforms – TikTok, Meta, X, Snap, and Pinterest
- Ability to identify cultural trends and provide recommendations on how to execute
- Excellent project and time management skills
- Ability to balance multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to adapt to frequent change
- Event planning and logistics experience
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated experience in problem-solving and managing multiple tasks
- Personal integrity, humility, an appreciation for the power of true teamwork, and a sense of humor
- Self-starter mentality
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the restaurant industry
- Fluency in Spanish
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience in the restaurant industry and fluency in Spanish may be beneficial for this role but are not strictly required.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Marketing Manager with 6+ years of experience in the Atlanta area)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Employee discounts at Sonic and other Inspire Brands restaurants
- Opportunities for career growth and development
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for occasional evening and weekend events)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Marketing Manager with the required experience level in the Atlanta area. Actual salary may vary based on factors such as the candidate's specific experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company with a portfolio of iconic restaurant brands, including Sonic, Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, and Jimmy John’s. The restaurant industry is highly competitive and fast-paced, with a strong focus on marketing and customer engagement.
Company Size: Inspire Brands has 10,001+ employees, making it a large corporation with significant resources and opportunities for career growth.
Founded: Inspire Brands was founded in 2017 through the merger of Arby’s Restaurant Group and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Company Description:
- Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company with a portfolio of iconic restaurant brands
- The company operates more than 32,600 restaurants worldwide
- Inspire Brands is focused on igniting and nourishing flavorful experiences for its customers
Company Specialties:
- Restaurant operations and management
- Marketing and brand development
- Menu innovation and product development
- Franchise support and growth
Company Website: http://stories.inspirebrands.com
ASSUMPTION: Inspire Brands is a well-established company with a strong presence in the restaurant industry. Its large size and diverse portfolio of brands offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the Manager level, with significant responsibility for driving influencer marketing strategy and execution.
Reporting Structure: The Integrated Marketing Communications Manager will report directly to the Associate Manager of IMC and work closely with various cross-functional teams.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the expectation of working from the Atlanta Support Center. However, there may be opportunities for occasional remote work or hybrid arrangements.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a senior marketing role within Inspire Brands
- Expansion into other brands or business units within the company
- Development of leadership and management skills through mentorship and training programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within a large, established company. The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking out growth opportunities and taking on new challenges.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment
Office Location(s): Atlanta Support Center, Atlanta, GA
Geographic Context:
- Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of Georgia, with a diverse and vibrant culture
- The Atlanta Support Center is located in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, with easy access to major highways and public transportation
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with numerous amenities and attractions nearby
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for occasional evening and weekend events)
ASSUMPTION: The Atlanta Support Center offers a modern and collaborative work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Associate Manager of IMC or another senior leader
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Cultural fit and alignment with Inspire Brands' values
- Marketing and social media expertise
- Creativity and problem-solving skills
- Project management and organizational skills
- Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing and social media experience, as well as your ability to think creatively and adapt to change
- Provide specific examples of your experience with influencer marketing, social media campaigns, and brand activations
- Demonstrate your understanding of the restaurant industry and Sonic's unique brand identity
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the company's culture, growth opportunities, and the specific needs of the role
ATS Keywords: Influencer marketing, social media, brand activations, marketing strategy, project management, cultural trends, Sonic, restaurant industry
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on marketing and social media expertise. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their creativity, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit with Inspire Brands.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Social media platforms (TikTok, Meta, X, Snap, Pinterest)
- Influencer marketing and project management tools (e.g., Grin, Upfluence, BrandSnob)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's specific experience and the needs of the team. However, a strong working knowledge of social media platforms and marketing tools is essential.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-centricity
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and resilient
- Customer-focused and results-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest social media trends and cultural shifts?
- Can you provide an example of a successful influencer marketing campaign you've executed or contributed to?
- How do you balance multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment?
- How do you approach creative problem-solving and innovation in your work?
- How do you collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals?
ASSUMPTION: Inspire Brands values a customer-centric, innovative, and collaborative work environment. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these values and their ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment
- Keeping up with the latest social media trends and cultural shifts
- Adapting to frequent change and new opportunities
- Balancing the needs of various cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Maintaining a strong work-life balance in a demanding role
ASSUMPTION: This role presents numerous opportunities for professional growth and development but also comes with its own set of challenges. Candidates should be prepared to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change, and maintain a strong work-life balance.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Social Media Manager or Influencer Marketing Manager in other industries, but with a focus on the restaurant industry and Sonic's unique brand identity
- The restaurant industry is highly competitive and fast-paced, with a strong focus on marketing and customer engagement
- Career paths in this role may include advancement to senior marketing roles within Inspire Brands or expansion into other brands or business units within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for career growth and development within a large, established company in the restaurant industry. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their marketing and social media expertise, as well as their ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive influencer marketing strategy to drive brand awareness and engagement for a new product launch
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and execute a social media campaign to support a brand partnership or event
- Identifying and capitalizing on cultural trends to create unique and clever brand activations that drive influence and buzz
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to illustrate the types of initiatives the Integrated Marketing Communications Manager might be expected to lead or contribute to. The specific projects and priorities may vary depending on the needs of the team and the broader organization.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Sonic brand in the current market landscape, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role fit into the broader marketing and communications strategy for Sonic and Inspire Brands?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Inspire Brands support the professional growth and development of its employees, particularly in marketing and communications roles?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how is this role structured to support it?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the specific needs and priorities of the role, as well as the broader company culture and opportunities for professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Inspire Brands careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing and social media experience, as well as your ability to think creatively and adapt to change
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the company's culture, growth opportunities, and the specific needs of the role
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to provide specific examples of your experience with influencer marketing, social media campaigns, and brand activations
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within 24 hours of your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
