Director of Marketing

Position & Perks

The Director of Marketing is responsible for leading and executing the company’s marketing strategy across its portfolio of restaurant brands, with primary accountability for Applebee’s marketing for Doherty Enterprises. 

This role serves as the senior marketing leader, overseeing the internal marketing team, directing priorities and workload, and ensuring marketing efforts are aligned with company strategy, operational needs, and franchisor requirements. The Director operates as both a strategic leader and hands-on operator, ensuring marketing initiatives drive measurable business results.

We offer a generous benefit package that includes:

• Competitive Pay
• Health Care Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• WOW-a-Friend Employee Assistance Fund
• 401k with Company match and much more!

Responsibilities

• Own and lead Applebee’s marketing strategy for Doherty Enterprises, ensuring alignment with initiatives while driving local performance
• Develop and execute marketing strategies across all brands to support sales, traffic, and profitability
• Lead, prioritize, and oversee the marketing team, including assigning work, managing workload, and ensuring accountability for deliverables
• Establish clear direction, timelines, and standards for execution across all marketing initiatives
• Partner closely with Operations and cross-functional leaders to ensure marketing initiatives are practical, executable, and aligned with business needs
• Own and maintain a 12-month marketing calendar across brands
• Oversee all advertising, digital, social, and in-store marketing to ensure brand consistency and effectiveness
• Ensure compliance and coordination with franchisor marketing programs and requirements
• Manage relationships with external agencies and vendors as needed
• Use data and insights to evaluate performance and adjust strategy
• Own and manage the marketing budget to ensure effective use of resources
• Lead marketing strategy for new restaurant openings, remodels, and key initiatives

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and ability to set direction and drive accountability
• Ability to operate at both strategic and execution levels
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment
• Solid business acumen with understanding of how marketing drives performance
• Effective communication and ability to influence at all levels
• Experience managing and developing teams
• Data-driven mindset with ability to interpret performance and adjust strategy
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field
• 5–8+ years in a marketing leadership role with direct reports
• Experience in multi-unit restaurant, retail, or hospitality environment preferred
• Experience working within franchise systems strongly preferred
• Proven track record of driving measurable business results
• Office and restaurant environment with occasional travel (~10–20%)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment