Sr. Associate Manager, Precision Media

KFC•Irvine, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Taco Bell is seeking a Senior Associate Manager of Precision Media to lead and scale our integrated paid media strategies across first-party programs: loyalty acquisition, and e-commerce retention. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Precision Media, you will focus on expanding our known customer base through app acquisition initiatives while creating greater value from existing customers by reducing churn and increasing repeat purchase frequency. Leveraging a robust, full-funnel media mix—including digital, paid social, mobile, programmatic, search, and video—you will champion innovative, first-to-market media opportunities that keep Taco Bell top-of-mind. In this role, you will lead day-to-day collaboration with external media agencies and internal cross-functional teams (Digital Product, Brand, Creative, and Insights & Analytics) to ensure flawless campaign execution. You will be directly responsible for orchestrating advanced first-party audience segments, managing the loyalty media budget, and partnering with MarTech to ensure seamless tracking and deep-linking infrastructure. The ideal candidate brings a strong analytical mindset, a passion for building structured test-and-learn roadmaps, and a proven track record of optimizing KPIs to deliver measurable retention and customer lifetime value.

Requirements

6+ years of customer-led media experience (agency, AdTech, or client-side).
Proven track record in cross-channel media planning and buying across digital channels; deep expertise in Paid Social, Programmatic, Search, and App Performance Marketing (App Install campaigns) is a plus.
Experience leveraging first-party data or Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) to build advanced audience segmentation and suppression strategies.
Creative yet strategic approach to campaign management with success in split testing, conversion rate optimization (CRO), and designing media-supported promotional frameworks, offers, or gamification elements that drive repeat behavior.
Highly analytical thinker focused on data-driven marketing and familiar with key loyalty performance metrics, including Customer Lifetime Value (LTV), retention rates, churn reduction, and purchase frequency. Understanding and knowledge of MMP platforms like AppsFlyer is a plus.
Expert collaborator with the ability to influence, drive efficiency, and lead change across diverse teams (including Brand, Insights + Analytics, Creative, and Digital Product).
Strong project management, organization, and budgeting skills with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent presentation and communication skills, with a proven ability to distill complex data and strategies clearly for stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

Campaign Strategy & Execution: Partner with internal team leads to design, execute, and lead targeted, integrated paid media campaigns that drive new user acquisition, customer recovery, app engagement, and retention.
App Growth Initiatives: Collaborate with the Digital Product and Product teams to develop app download campaigns, leveraging compelling messaging to expand the known user base and increase digital transactions.
Audience Orchestration: Oversee first-party audience orchestration across ad platforms, ensuring customer segments (e.g., New, Lapsed, Retention) are accurately targeted, refreshed, and suppressed.
Agency & Partner Leadership: Lead agencies of record and external media partners to build integrated media plans, gather campaign inputs, and align on go-to-market strategies.
Cross-Functional Orchestration: Oversee end-to-end project management to fuel media campaigns and plan execution across internal departments, including Brand, Creative, Digital, Insights, and Legal.
MarTech & Attribution: Partner with the MarTech team to ensure proper tracking infrastructure, deep-linking, and attribution models are flawlessly executed across all digital media touchpoints.
Testing & Innovation: Establish structured, customer-led media tests and test-and-learn scenarios to continuously innovate, accelerate performance, and create first-to-market opportunities for disruptive Loyalty campaigns.
Optimization, Reporting & Budgeting: Oversee ongoing optimization efforts to maximize media plan efficiency. Manage and track the Loyalty media budget—ensuring accurate forecasting, optimal fund allocation, and efficient media pacing—while leading regular reporting on customer acquisition and retention efforts.

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, and 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