Blue Plate Catering
Vice President of Marketing
Blue Plate Catering, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Job Title:
Vice President of Marketing
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Department:
Marketing
Reports To:
CEO
Blue Plate is hiring the "Head of Marketing"
Over the past 40+ years, we have become known for our delicious food, dedicated service, deep relationships, and generous word-of-mouth promotion from our customers.
We're active members of the community. We're partners with all (85+) of Chicago's top venues. We hire the best and most dedicated people. We're constantly trying new things and being amazing at it because we're entrepreneurial to our core. Plus, we're working on some new things that are going to surprise people.
Right now, we're looking for someone who can help us tell our story. We know who we are and where we want to go. We need someone who can embrace our vision and help us mold that story into a comprehensive Marketing Strategy that deliberately moves customers through the journey from awareness to consideration to trial (hopefully repeatedly). This role - the Head of Marketing - will lead this effort.
About the Job
Fundamentally, this job is about developing and executing a broad strategy to bring more people to the front of the funnel by increasing awareness and interest outside of what we've already built. This is a role for someone who knows how to mix a wild idea with a practical pitch, someone that is used to collaborating across teams, someone who is proactive and takes a detail-oriented approach to their work.
While we'll support your strategy with a sizable budget and creative support from the CEO, you'll start this process with a lean internal team. Presently we have designer, a social media coordinator, and other team members that wear many hats and can assist, but we do not have a full-on marketing department. This means you'll initially be expected to identify, vet, choose, and manage external vendors or agencies to help pull off your plan. Over time, and true to our history, we expect to continue to build a robust in-house team, one which we will build as the business continues to grow.
It boils down to this: this is a high-impact role. Once you're on the team, we'll do better and better. More people will find us, and make the right call by choosing us and our Sales & Marketing teams will be an essential part of this process.
About You
You're creative. You're organized. You're an experienced marketer. You've done this kind of work before. You want to do it again. And last but not least, you know food. You absolutely want to do it for Blue Plate.
We value people that work hard (though we don't think hard work just = long hours). We want people who bring their opinions to the debate and aren't afraid to defend them. We want someone who's comfortable interacting with stakeholders at all levels, demonstrates superior written and verbal communication skills, has strong presentation, negotiation, and analytical (budgeting, audience analysis) skills.
You're resourceful, results-oriented, have a track record of strategic planning and successful execution, and are comfortable in fast-paced and flexible environments, juggling multiple initiatives at once.
You have a Master's degree in Marketing, Business, Hospitality or a related industry. You have a minimum of nine years of comprehensive experience owning marketing, ideally with 12 or more years and experience specific to hospitality.
Now the technical stuff..."Essential Job Functions" :Lead the development and implementation of strategic marketing plans to drive sales growth and increase market share in order to meet sales and business objectives. Direct the planning, development and execution of the marketing calendar. This includes identifying target markets, defining positioning strategies, and creating compelling marketing campaigns.Work closely with the sales team to develop marketing collateral, sales tools, and presentations to support the sales process. Provide sales enablement resources and training to ensure alignment between marketing and sales efforts.Provides leadership and/or supports the design, development, and implementation of products and service lines. Directs and support content management and concept development across the organization.Utilize creative and contemporary marketing strategies along with traditional marketing concepts.Maintain knowledge of current or new marketing concepts including but not limited to: social media, grassroots marketing, etc...Drive digital marketing efforts, including website optimization, SEO/SEM, social media, and online advertising campaigns to enhance brand visibility and generate leads. Manage digital channels to engage with our target audience and drive conversion.Enhance external communications strategies and programs to support sales initiatives.Creates a system-wide marketing reporting function that can track, measure and analyze performance.Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and initiatives. Analyze marketing metrics and ROI to optimize strategies and drive continuous improvement.Initiate competitive assessments to gauge pricing, menu range, trends, and business growth opportunities.Direct the management of outside vendors to ensure expectations are communicated and met, and pricing and contracts are effectively negotiated and maintained. Review these arrangements on a quarterly basis.Coordinate and nurture our community relations partners. Ensure these partnerships are aligned with the Blue Plate strategic direction. Evaluate on a bi-annual basis.Professionally develop team members by conducting regular evaluations against defined expectations. Correct any deficiencies through coaching, mentoring and instructing.Assist with the P&L reporting process with specific focus on budget design and management, and financial analysis.Ensure effective communication between Marketing and all other functions within the organization.Maintain an exemplary level of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive issues.Develop a holistic understanding of the Blue Plate corporate identity. Champion these values and business disciplines throughout the organization in order to develop and maintain alignment and our winning culture.Participate in professional associations related to food service industry in general and the marketing profession in particular.Perform other job related tasks as assigned.Requirements
Education and Experience:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Master's Degree in Marketing or related discipline preferred.Minimum 10 years of progressive marketing experience that includes substantial and quantifiable success within the hospitality/restaurant industry. Must include experience with both catering operations, and growing a brand.Direct experience using social media management tools.Experience with GSuite (Gmail, GDrive, Docs, Sheets)Essential Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to demonstrate strong affinity for Blue Plate's mission: Our mission is to "care more" for others through food and service experiences that turn our partner's vision into reality.Strong project management skills from conception to completion, with ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously to deadline. Must include brand re-definition projects.Demonstrated skill with developing long-term strategic plans and lead/participate in short-term operational implementation (ability to be both strategic and tactical).Demonstrated record of continuous growth in bringing change to the forefront.Proven leadership with the ability to inspire others to work toward a common goal and reach their potential.Hands-on management style that emphasizes direct involvement in day-to-day functions.Strong business acumen with advanced knowledge of financial management disciplines to include but not limited to - P&L, budget design and management, financial analysis, and ROI.Ability to identify and resolve issues and alert executive leadership to potential areas of liability.Ability to function independently and intuitively in a fast-paced environment.Must be able to work effectively with Senior-level executives and leaders and staff of affiliated institutions and enterprises.Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise reports and presentations that are understandable by the target audience.Highly organized/strong attention to detail.Demonstrated initiative; results oriented and entrepreneurial minded.Ability to interact with diverse groups and foster a cooperative work environment.Ability to manage confidential information and maintain its integrity.Must be skilled in Instagram, Photoshop, InDesign or similar platforms. Experience with graphic design.Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.Possess the ability to fulfill any and all office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to: remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer entry, participating in filing activity, lifting and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.).The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.Fine hand manipulation.Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.Internal office space.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
Blue Plate Catering is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment with Blue Plate Catering without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Vice President of Marketing
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Department:
Marketing
Reports To:
CEO
Blue Plate is hiring the "Head of Marketing"
Over the past 40+ years, we have become known for our delicious food, dedicated service, deep relationships, and generous word-of-mouth promotion from our customers.
We're active members of the community. We're partners with all (85+) of Chicago's top venues. We hire the best and most dedicated people. We're constantly trying new things and being amazing at it because we're entrepreneurial to our core. Plus, we're working on some new things that are going to surprise people.
Right now, we're looking for someone who can help us tell our story. We know who we are and where we want to go. We need someone who can embrace our vision and help us mold that story into a comprehensive Marketing Strategy that deliberately moves customers through the journey from awareness to consideration to trial (hopefully repeatedly). This role - the Head of Marketing - will lead this effort.
About the Job
Fundamentally, this job is about developing and executing a broad strategy to bring more people to the front of the funnel by increasing awareness and interest outside of what we've already built. This is a role for someone who knows how to mix a wild idea with a practical pitch, someone that is used to collaborating across teams, someone who is proactive and takes a detail-oriented approach to their work.
While we'll support your strategy with a sizable budget and creative support from the CEO, you'll start this process with a lean internal team. Presently we have designer, a social media coordinator, and other team members that wear many hats and can assist, but we do not have a full-on marketing department. This means you'll initially be expected to identify, vet, choose, and manage external vendors or agencies to help pull off your plan. Over time, and true to our history, we expect to continue to build a robust in-house team, one which we will build as the business continues to grow.
It boils down to this: this is a high-impact role. Once you're on the team, we'll do better and better. More people will find us, and make the right call by choosing us and our Sales & Marketing teams will be an essential part of this process.
About You
You're creative. You're organized. You're an experienced marketer. You've done this kind of work before. You want to do it again. And last but not least, you know food. You absolutely want to do it for Blue Plate.
We value people that work hard (though we don't think hard work just = long hours). We want people who bring their opinions to the debate and aren't afraid to defend them. We want someone who's comfortable interacting with stakeholders at all levels, demonstrates superior written and verbal communication skills, has strong presentation, negotiation, and analytical (budgeting, audience analysis) skills.
You're resourceful, results-oriented, have a track record of strategic planning and successful execution, and are comfortable in fast-paced and flexible environments, juggling multiple initiatives at once.
You have a Master's degree in Marketing, Business, Hospitality or a related industry. You have a minimum of nine years of comprehensive experience owning marketing, ideally with 12 or more years and experience specific to hospitality.
Now the technical stuff..."Essential Job Functions" :Lead the development and implementation of strategic marketing plans to drive sales growth and increase market share in order to meet sales and business objectives. Direct the planning, development and execution of the marketing calendar. This includes identifying target markets, defining positioning strategies, and creating compelling marketing campaigns.Work closely with the sales team to develop marketing collateral, sales tools, and presentations to support the sales process. Provide sales enablement resources and training to ensure alignment between marketing and sales efforts.Provides leadership and/or supports the design, development, and implementation of products and service lines. Directs and support content management and concept development across the organization.Utilize creative and contemporary marketing strategies along with traditional marketing concepts.Maintain knowledge of current or new marketing concepts including but not limited to: social media, grassroots marketing, etc...Drive digital marketing efforts, including website optimization, SEO/SEM, social media, and online advertising campaigns to enhance brand visibility and generate leads. Manage digital channels to engage with our target audience and drive conversion.Enhance external communications strategies and programs to support sales initiatives.Creates a system-wide marketing reporting function that can track, measure and analyze performance.Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and initiatives. Analyze marketing metrics and ROI to optimize strategies and drive continuous improvement.Initiate competitive assessments to gauge pricing, menu range, trends, and business growth opportunities.Direct the management of outside vendors to ensure expectations are communicated and met, and pricing and contracts are effectively negotiated and maintained. Review these arrangements on a quarterly basis.Coordinate and nurture our community relations partners. Ensure these partnerships are aligned with the Blue Plate strategic direction. Evaluate on a bi-annual basis.Professionally develop team members by conducting regular evaluations against defined expectations. Correct any deficiencies through coaching, mentoring and instructing.Assist with the P&L reporting process with specific focus on budget design and management, and financial analysis.Ensure effective communication between Marketing and all other functions within the organization.Maintain an exemplary level of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive issues.Develop a holistic understanding of the Blue Plate corporate identity. Champion these values and business disciplines throughout the organization in order to develop and maintain alignment and our winning culture.Participate in professional associations related to food service industry in general and the marketing profession in particular.Perform other job related tasks as assigned.Requirements
Education and Experience:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Master's Degree in Marketing or related discipline preferred.Minimum 10 years of progressive marketing experience that includes substantial and quantifiable success within the hospitality/restaurant industry. Must include experience with both catering operations, and growing a brand.Direct experience using social media management tools.Experience with GSuite (Gmail, GDrive, Docs, Sheets)Essential Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to demonstrate strong affinity for Blue Plate's mission: Our mission is to "care more" for others through food and service experiences that turn our partner's vision into reality.Strong project management skills from conception to completion, with ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously to deadline. Must include brand re-definition projects.Demonstrated skill with developing long-term strategic plans and lead/participate in short-term operational implementation (ability to be both strategic and tactical).Demonstrated record of continuous growth in bringing change to the forefront.Proven leadership with the ability to inspire others to work toward a common goal and reach their potential.Hands-on management style that emphasizes direct involvement in day-to-day functions.Strong business acumen with advanced knowledge of financial management disciplines to include but not limited to - P&L, budget design and management, financial analysis, and ROI.Ability to identify and resolve issues and alert executive leadership to potential areas of liability.Ability to function independently and intuitively in a fast-paced environment.Must be able to work effectively with Senior-level executives and leaders and staff of affiliated institutions and enterprises.Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise reports and presentations that are understandable by the target audience.Highly organized/strong attention to detail.Demonstrated initiative; results oriented and entrepreneurial minded.Ability to interact with diverse groups and foster a cooperative work environment.Ability to manage confidential information and maintain its integrity.Must be skilled in Instagram, Photoshop, InDesign or similar platforms. Experience with graphic design.Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.Possess the ability to fulfill any and all office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to: remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer entry, participating in filing activity, lifting and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.).The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.Fine hand manipulation.Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.Internal office space.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
Blue Plate Catering is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment with Blue Plate Catering without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.