Advertising, Advertising Agencies, Alliance/Partner Management, Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Brand Management, Brand Marketing (Branding), Brand Positioning, Brand Strategy, Budget Management, Business Strategy, Campaigns, Coaching, Communication Skills, Community Relations, Consumer Branding, Content Development, Corporate Communications, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Customer/Client Research, Email Marketing, Emerging Technology, Engagement Marketing, Fast Food, Food Services, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Manufacturing, Market Trend Analysis, Marketing, Marketing Campaign, Marketing Metrics, Marketing Strategy, Mentoring, Online Advertising, Online Marketing, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Public/Media/Press/Analyst Relations, Relationship Management, Resource Management, Restaurant, Retail, Return on Investment (ROI), Revenue Growth, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Social Media Marketing, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Television Broadcasting, Trend Analysis, Vendor/Supplier Management
About the Opportunity
Forward Corporation is seeking a strategic and innovative Director of Marketing to lead the marketing efforts for a diverse portfolio of brands spanning convenience retail, restaurants, hospitality, energy, manufacturing, and specialty products. This senior leadership role will be responsible for driving brand strategy, customer engagement, advertising, digital marketing, public relations, and market growth initiatives across the organization.
The ideal candidate is a creative and analytical leader with a proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing strategies, managing multiple brands, and building high-performing teams. This individual will work closely with executive leadership to strengthen brand presence, drive revenue growth, and enhance customer loyalty across all business segments.
About Forward Corporation
Forward Corporation is a fifth-generation, family-owned Michigan company with nearly 100 years of history. Our 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, Forward proudly employs approximately 800 team members throughout the state and continues to grow through innovation, customer service, and strong community partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- 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.
Brand Management
- Oversee brand strategy, positioning, and messaging across all Forward Corporation business units.
- Ensure consistency and integrity of each brand across all customer touchpoints.
- Strengthen brand awareness, customer loyalty, and market presence.
Advertising & Vendor Management
- Manage relationships with advertising agencies, media partners, digital vendors, and other marketing service providers.
- Oversee traditional and digital advertising efforts, including radio, television, social media, search marketing, streaming platforms, and other emerging channels.
- Develop and manage marketing budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and measurable return on investment.
Digital Marketing & Customer Engagement
- Lead digital marketing initiatives, including social media, email marketing, website strategy, online advertising, and content development.
- Monitor and analyze marketing performance metrics and adjust strategies to maximize results.
- Stay informed on emerging marketing technologies and industry best practices.
Campaign Development & Execution
- Direct the planning, development, and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across multiple brands.
- Collaborate with operational leaders and cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation.
- Evaluate campaign performance and leverage data-driven insights to improve future initiatives.
Team Leadership
- Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing team.
- Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented work environment.
- Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and performance management.
Public Relations & Community Engagement
- Serve as a key steward of 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.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive marketing leadership experience.
- Experience leading marketing efforts across multiple brands, locations, or business units strongly preferred.
- Experience in retail, convenience store, food service, hospitality, or other consumer-facing industries preferred.
- 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.
Location
This position is based in Standish, Michigan and requires an in-office presence.
Apply Today
If you are a strategic marketing leader who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-brand environment and is passionate about driving business growth, we invite you to apply at www.work4forward.com