Project Manager, Marketing (IHOP)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Project Manager, Marketing (IHOP)

🔹 Company: Dine Brands Global

🔹 Location: Pasadena, California

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing cross-functional projects to improve processes and organizational alignment
• Enhancing team performance by providing tools and resources for growth
• Collaborating with various teams to ensure successful development and execution of marketing initiatives
• Overseeing multiple programs and projects, delivering them on time, within budget, and exceeding company expectations

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a deep understanding of the restaurant industry, strong project management skills, and a background in marketing or agency work. The ideal candidate will be able to apply structure to processes, manage details, and improve team effectiveness and efficiency.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Build and maintain project plans and trackers, define project scope, develop workbacks, conduct cross-functional intake, and ensure deadlines are met

✅ Develop and update project timelines, deliverables, and status reports to ensure accurate and timely completion of milestones

✅ Manage multiple portfolio projects and programs simultaneously

✅ Develop and manage processes for projects, delivering against goals and objectives

✅ Implement and refine project management methodologies tailored to each project

✅ Manage the development of new programs and processes supporting brand strategic initiatives and ongoing programs

✅ Improve project team effectiveness and efficiency by applying rigor and structure to processes, while managing the details and seeing the big picture

✅ Support the full lifecycle of cross-functional initiatives with varying degrees of complexity, definition, and risk, through the development, implementation, and maintenance of templated and custom tools

✅ Communicate effectively and navigate complex stakeholder relationships

✅ Facilitate collaboration, visibility, and efficiency across all levels of leadership and cross-functional teams, ensuring programs and initiatives are complete and prepared for implementation, driving overall brand performance

✅ Lead regular stakeholder meetings to align priorities and maintain project momentum

✅ Identify and proactively address potential roadblocks through risk assessment and mitigation planning, analyze and overcome project risks, and produce reports for managers and stakeholders as needed

✅ Create and maintain documentation for content workflows, approval processes, and campaign performance metrics

✅ Manage resource allocation and budget requirements for each project

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously without losing sight of the details.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent, preferably in Business Administration, Culinary, Operations Management, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: 5-8 years of related professional experience, including 4+ years in project management, preferably on marketing initiatives

Required Skills:

• PMP or other project management certification
• Strong communication, presentation, and storytelling skills (oral and written)
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
• Outstanding organizational skills and detail orientation
• Strong project management skills including organizational, problem-solving, and analytical abilities
• Experience in client or agency settings, ideally in retail, CPG, or restaurant/hospitality environments
• Highly flexible and adaptable leader who thrives under high pressure and tight deadlines
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior
• Proactive ownership mentality
• Commitment to teamwork and knowledge sharing
• Strong understanding of content development processes and marketing campaign structures
• Ability to translate business objectives into actionable content plans
• Proficiency with project management software; expected to be proficient with Smartsheet within 30 days. Expert Excel knowledge required. Proficient in MS Word and PowerPoint.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a franchise environment

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the restaurant industry, strong project management skills, and a background in marketing or agency work. They will excel in applying structure to processes, managing details, and improving team effectiveness and efficiency.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for project demands)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a project manager role in the marketing department of a mid-sized restaurant company. Benefits may vary based on the company's benefits package.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Dine Brands Global is a public company in the restaurant industry, franchising restaurants under the Applebee's, IHOP, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop brands. With over 3,500 restaurants combined in 18 countries and 354 franchisees, Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world.

Company Size: Dine Brands Global has 501-1,000 employees, making it a mid-sized company. This size allows for opportunities to work on diverse projects and collaborate with various teams while still maintaining a manageable work environment.

Founded: Dine Brands Global was founded in 2007, but its brands have a rich history dating back to the 1950s and 1980s.

Company Description:

• Dine Brands Global passionately nurtures and grows the world’s most beloved restaurant brands
• Embracing new ideas, authenticity, and collaboration to unite franchisees, brands, and team members to go further together
• Values commitment, openness, and fosters a collaborative, creative environment

Company Specialties:

• Franchising
• Brand revitalization
• Consumer marketing

Company Website: https://www.dinebrands.com/en

ASSUMPTION: Dine Brands Global is a well-established company in the restaurant industry with a strong focus on franchising and brand management. Its mid-sized structure offers opportunities for growth and collaboration while maintaining a manageable work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a significant amount of experience and expertise in project management and marketing. It offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Reporting Structure: The Marketing Project Manager reports to the Director, PMO, and works closely with various teams, including the Tools & Resources team, to ensure successful project execution.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in Pasadena, California, with flexibility for remote work based on project demands.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a senior project management role or a leadership position within the PMO or marketing department
• Expanding responsibilities to include additional brands or departments within the company
• Developing expertise in specific areas of project management or marketing to become a subject matter expert

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for growth and advancement within the company, allowing the successful candidate to expand their skills and take on new challenges as they progress in their career.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment with a casual dress code and a collaborative work culture

Office Location(s): 10 W Walnut St, Pasadena, California 91103, US

Geographic Context:

• Pasadena is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, offering a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options
• The office is easily accessible by public transportation and major highways
• The area has a mild, Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for project demands)

ASSUMPTION: The office environment at Dine Brands Global is collaborative and casual, with a focus on teamwork and open communication. The location in Pasadena offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities, and the work schedule is flexible to accommodate project demands.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
• Final interview with the director or another senior leader
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Project management skills and experience
• Communication and presentation skills
• Leadership and teamwork abilities
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills
• Alignment with company values and culture

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your project management experience and marketing background
• Include specific examples of your experience managing complex projects and stakeholder relationships
• Demonstrate your understanding of the restaurant industry and Dine Brands Global's brands
• Prepare questions to ask during the interview to show your interest in the role and the company

ATS Keywords: Project Management, Marketing, Stakeholder Relationships, Cross-Functional Teams, Process Improvement, Risk Assessment, Project Planning, Project Tracking, Project Execution, Project Delivery, Project Management Methodologies, Project Management Software, Smartsheet, Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Restaurant Industry, Franchising, Brand Management, Consumer Marketing

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is typical for a mid-sized company in the restaurant industry. The interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's project management skills, marketing background, and cultural fit with the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Smartsheet (expected proficiency within 30 days)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in project management software and Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with collaboration tools and other project management software is also beneficial.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment: We are committed to our franchisees, brands, and team members, and we take personal accountability for our actions
• Openness: We value openness, authenticity, and foster a collaborative, creative environment
• Collaboration: We believe we will go further when we Dine Together

Work Style:

• Casual dress code and flexible work environment
• Collaborative and team-oriented culture
• Focus on open communication and continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a deep understanding of the restaurant industry and a strong background in project management and marketing?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented culture that values openness and authenticity?

ASSUMPTION: Dine Brands Global values commitment, openness, and collaboration in its work environment. Candidates who align with these values and are comfortable in a casual, team-oriented culture will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Navigating complex stakeholder relationships and balancing competing priorities
• Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines
• Working in a franchise environment, which may have unique challenges and requirements

ASSUMPTION: This role presents several challenges, including managing multiple complex projects, navigating complex stakeholder relationships, and adapting to a fast-paced work environment. Candidates who are organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable will be best suited to succeed in this role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Project Manager, Marketing role in other industries, but with a focus on the restaurant industry and franchise environment
• Compared to other Project Manager, Marketing roles, this position requires a deeper understanding of the restaurant industry and franchise management
• Career path for this role may include advancement to senior project management roles, leadership positions within the PMO or marketing department, or transition to other departments within the company

ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other Project Manager, Marketing roles but has a unique focus on the restaurant industry and franchise environment. The career path for this role may include advancement to senior project management roles or leadership positions within the PMO or marketing department.

📝 Sample Projects

• Managing the development and launch of a new marketing campaign for IHOP, including coordinating with cross-functional teams, vendors, and franchisees
• Implementing a new project management methodology tailored to the marketing department, improving efficiency and effectiveness
• Managing the development and execution of a brand revitalization initiative for IHOP, including market research, strategy development, and implementation planning

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of complexity involved in this role. Candidates should be prepared to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve successful project delivery.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current project management methodologies used within the marketing department, and how this role will contribute to their evolution?
• How does the marketing department collaborate with other departments, such as operations and culinary, to ensure brand consistency and successful project execution?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the IHOP brand, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does Dine Brands Global support the growth and development of its team members, and what opportunities are available for professional advancement within the company?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help candidates better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development within the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your project management experience and marketing background
• Prepare questions to ask during the interview to show your interest in the role and the company
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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