Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships

Taco Bell Private•Irvine, CA

27d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships at Taco Bell, you’ll be at the heart of the development and execution of partnership integrations across high-impact national campaigns. This role will provide senior-level oversight, working at the intersection of brand strategy, creative execution, and partner collaboration. Whether it’s shaping co-branded campaigns or overseeing tentpole activations, your work will amplify Taco Bell’s brand further deepening and expanding brand love with our consumers. This role reports to the VP, Entertainment, Energy & Events. You’ll work alongside a dynamic, cross-functional team to bring cutting-edge campaigns to life and ensure Taco Bell stays at the forefront of what’s next. As a key leader within the team, you’ll act as the central liaison between internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless integration and alignment across all initiatives. You’ll also play a key role in shaping Taco Bell’s overarching Entertainment & Energy strategy with the Culture Catalyst, ensuring it’s embraced across the entire business.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field preferred
8+ years of experience in marketing, brand partnerships, or related roles, with a strong focus on integrated campaign management
Proven success in leading cross-functional teams and external partners through campaign development and execution.
Experience managing marketing activations, celebrity partnerships, and culturally relevant brand moments.
Understanding of production timelines and on-set needs (e.g., talent, crew, creative approvals).
Ability to balance multiple high-priority projects and stakeholders with a strong attention to detail
Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
Budget management experience and strong business acumen.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and navigate ambiguity while delivering results
Passion for culture, entertainment, and staying ahead of emerging trends in the marketplace
Curiosity and the ability to think outside the box
Winning mindset, consistently seeking opportunities to learn, grow and push the status quo
Ability to manage and lead through change

Responsibilities

Drive the vision and roadmap for partnership marketing within national campaigns, ensuring alignment with brand priorities and revenue goals.
Co-develop and evolve the partnerships strategy in collaboration with the Culture Catalyst, ensuring cultural relevance and brand consistency.
Partner closely with the Culture Catalyst to ensure that all cultural opportunities are aligned with Taco Bell’s brand standards and integrated seamlessly into product campaigns or standalone cultural moments.
Lead integration of partner activations into the broader marketing calendar, collaborating closely with Brand, Marketing Ops, and subject matter experts to ensure seamless rollouts across multiple channels.
Work cross-functionally with Creative, Operations, PR, Franchisees, and Field Marketing to bring partnership campaigns to life—from creative development to on-set production and launch support.
Own and manage key relationships with partners, agencies, and internal stakeholders.
Provide on-set and in-the-moment support to ensure campaign success.
Oversee partnership marketing budgets in collaboration with Marketing Operations, ensuring resource efficiency and strategic investment.
Mentor and lead a high-performing team, providing strategic direction, coaching, and development opportunities to support both individual and team growth.
Serve as a decision-maker and escalation point, ensuring smooth problem-solving and alignment during fast-paced campaign cycles.

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule (onsite expectation Tues, Wed, Thurs) and year-round flex day Friday
Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons
Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building)
Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash,
Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions
Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering
Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program
401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting
Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
Discounts, free food, swag and… honestly, too many good benefits to name