Director, Marketing, Global Food Retail Product Licensing

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.•Tampa, FL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join Checkers & Rally's at an exciting inflection point in our growth story. As Director of Global Food Product Retail Licensing, you'll lead a multi-million-dollar retail product portfolio with nationwide distribution across all major U.S. retailers. This high-impact role combines strategic vision with hands-on execution as you drive performance across frozen foods, licensed merchandise, and apparel categories while identifying and launching the next generation of retail products. Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, you'll be the architect of our retail licensing strategy—partnering with manufacturers, retailers, and internal stakeholders to accelerate market share growth and expand our brand footprint beyond the restaurant. This is more than a licensing role—it's an opportunity to shape how millions of consumers experience our brand beyond our restaurants. If you're ready to drive meaningful growth, build strategic partnerships, and leave your mark on an iconic QSR brand, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
7+ years in packaged food retail placement, sales, and category management
5+ years in the food industry with specific licensing experience
Proven track record of managing multi-million-dollar product portfolios
Deep expertise in manufacturer/retail sell-in processes, retail distribution channels, and the competitive retail landscape
Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management
Data-driven decision maker skilled in market research, analytics, and translating insights into actionable strategies
Hands-on experience with product development, brand planning, and go-to-market execution
Exceptional communicator and presenter who can influence and inspire at all organizational levels
Collaborative leader who builds trust and drives results through cross-functional partnerships
Entrepreneurial self-starter comfortable with ambiguity and fast-paced environments
Solutions-oriented problem solver with intellectual curiosity and adaptability
Proven ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical execution
Passion for the QSR industry and consumer packaged goods
Understanding of licensee production capabilities and creative processes
Experience working in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments

Responsibilities

Develop category and brand strategies using market share analytics, consumer insights, and competitive intelligence to drive growth across all product lines
Identify and evaluate new category opportunities that align with brand positioning and business objectives
Own the 3-year strategic plan for retail licensing, including annual budget development and AOP target-setting
Lead monthly forecasting and performance tracking against financial goals
Manage end-to-end licensee relationships, from contract negotiation through product launch and ongoing business optimization
Conduct regular business reviews with manufacturing partners and lead internal/external line reviews
Negotiate deal terms and financial structures for new partnerships and renewals with executive support
Collaborate cross-functionally with Culinary, Marketing, Supply Chain, Legal, and Finance teams to ensure seamless execution
Guide creative direction and product development in partnership with licensees and the Brand team
Build comprehensive marketing and product launch plans with key retail partners
Provide licensees with brand guidelines, product information, and sales support materials
Integrate retail products into broader brand marketing initiatives
Drive revenue growth and market share expansion across assigned categories
Monitor industry trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging opportunities
Conduct cost assessments and manage research budgets for category development
Identify distribution gaps and develop targeted strategies to capture white space opportunities