Director Of Marketing
About The Position
Forward Corporation is seeking a strategic and innovative Director of Marketing to lead marketing for a diverse portfolio spanning convenience retail, restaurants, hospitality, energy, manufacturing, and specialty products. This senior leadership role drives brand strategy, customer engagement, advertising, digital marketing, public relations, and market growth initiatives across the organization. The Director works closely with executive leadership to strengthen brand presence, grow revenue, and enhance customer loyalty across business segments. Forward Corporation is a fifth-generation, family-owned Michigan company with nearly 100 years of history. Its portfolio includes 31 Shell and Marathon convenience stores, nearly 40 Subway and Sbarro restaurant locations, Super 8 and LumberJack Lodge hotels, Lumber Jack Food & Spirits, Hops & Schnapps, Ideal Party Stores, Shamrock Dairy Bar, Forward Energy, T.R. McTaggart, and Kristin & Company Candles. Headquartered in Standish, Michigan, the company employs approximately 800 team members throughout the state. The position is based in Standish, Michigan and requires an in-office presence.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive marketing leadership experience.
- Strong understanding of brand management, digital marketing, advertising, and customer engagement strategies.
- Demonstrated success managing budgets, vendors, and agency relationships.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical, strategic-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Proven ability to drive results and influence organizational growth.
- Ability to work in-office in Standish, Michigan.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree.
- Experience leading marketing efforts across multiple brands, locations, or business units.
- Experience in retail, convenience store, food service, hospitality, or other consumer-facing industries.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies that support company growth, customer engagement, and revenue objectives.
- Identify market trends, competitive opportunities, and customer insights to guide strategic decision-making.
- Partner with executive leadership to align marketing initiatives with overall business goals.
- Oversee brand strategy, positioning, and messaging across all Forward Corporation business units.
- Ensure consistency and integrity of each brand across customer touchpoints, and strengthen brand awareness, customer loyalty, and market presence.
- Manage relationships with advertising agencies, media partners, digital vendors, and other marketing service providers.
- Oversee traditional and digital advertising, including radio, television, social media, search marketing, streaming platforms, and emerging channels.
- Develop and manage marketing budgets, allocating resources effectively and measuring return on investment.
- Lead digital marketing initiatives, including social media, email marketing, website strategy, online advertising, and content development.
- Monitor and analyze marketing performance metrics, adjusting strategies to maximize results.
- Stay informed on emerging marketing technologies and industry best practices.
- Direct the planning, development, and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across multiple brands.
- Collaborate with operational leaders and cross-functional teams to ensure successful campaign implementation.
- Evaluate campaign performance and use data-driven insights to improve future initiatives.
- Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing team; foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented environment.
- Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and performance management.
- Steward the company's reputation and public image.
- Develop and maintain relationships with media partners, community organizations, and industry stakeholders.
- Support corporate communications, public relations, and community engagement initiatives.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
