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Sr. Manager, Trade Marketing (Saucy by KFC)

Plano, TX

Who is Saucy by KFC?

At Saucy by KFC, we’re not just disrupting fast-casual dining—we’re redefining what it means to crave a bold, flavorful experience. Backed by KFC, our brand thrives on speed, innovation, and a fierce commitment to unforgettable guest moments. We’re scaling fast and need a trade marketing powerhouse to bring our brand to life at the local level.

Saucy by KFC brings bold flavor to crispy chicken tenders, creating an undeniable indulgence for diners to dip, dunk, slather and satisfy any craving. Inspired by the iconic 11 herbs and spices of KFC’s Original Recipe®, Saucy offers a customizable tenders, sauce and beverage experience designed to delight a new generation seeking golden-fried goodness with global inspirations. Saucy by KFC is operated by KFC Corporation, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville, Ky. 

About the Job:

As Trade Marketing Manager, you’ll play a critical role in bridging brand strategy with restaurant-level execution by leading the charge to create localized marketing programs that fuel sales and bring our bold Saucy! energy to life in every restaurant. You’ll build and execute strategies that elevate the guest experience and grow our footprint with purpose. From in-store promotions and new store launches to regional campaigns and community partnerships, using localized promotions, crew incentives, POP materials, community partnerships, and drive-thru conversion tactics to lift traffic, check averages, and guest frequency in measurable ways. Success in this role means thinking like an operator and building marketing that delivers clear commercial impact—not just brand awareness.

The Day-to-Day:

Localized Marketing Strategy & Execution:

  • Develop and implement targeted marketing plans that align with regional business goals, adapting national strategies to meet the unique needs of each market.
  • Oversee campaign planning, from conception to execution, to drive local engagement and increase brand presence.

Partnership & Sponsorship Development:

  • Identify and establish partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and event sponsors to enhance brand visibility and create community connections.
  • Collaborate on joint marketing efforts and co-branding opportunities that bring mutual value.
  • Partner closely with Field Operations and RGMs to ensure marketing programs are aligned to operational priorities and can be executed effectively at the restaurant level.

Campaign Performance & Analytics:

  • Monitor and analyze the performance of field marketing campaigns, using data to refine strategies and optimize future initiatives.
  • Provide regular reporting to leadership on the effectiveness of campaigns, including ROI, customer feedback, and growth metrics.

Regional Team Collaboration & Training:

  • Work closely with market leadership to ensure alignment on goals and effective campaign execution.
  • Provide training and support to in-market teams on brand standards, campaign messaging, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality across locations.

Customer Insights & Market Research:

  • Conduct market research to stay informed about customer preferences, competitor activities, and emerging trends.
  • Use insights to make data-driven decisions that resonate with the target audience and adapt strategies accordingly.

Perform other duties and ad-hoc projects as required.

Is This You?

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field is required; an advanced degree or certification in marketing is a plus.
  • 5 years’ experience in trade marketing, field marketing, or consumer-facing marketing in QSR, fast-casual, retail, or hospitality sectors.
  • Prior experience with restaurant P&L and a deep understanding of how marketing connects to unit-level profitability.
  • Proven success in developing and executing high-impact local campaigns that drive measurable sales results (traffic, check average, guest frequency).
  • Strong preference for candidates with experience in high-growth brands or similar operations-focused concepts.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Ability to think both creatively and strategically, adapting broad marketing strategies to local markets and creating engaging, tailored campaigns.
  • Proficient in using data analytics tools to track performance, assess campaign impact, and make informed decisions that drive future marketing efforts.

Work-Hard, Play-Hard:

  • 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 

Salary Range: ­­$139,000 to $163,500 annually + bonus eligibility + benefits

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.

KFC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic.

KFC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs.  

US Job Seekers/Employees - To view the "Know Your Rights" poster, click here: https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal.  You may also access Taco Bell’s Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

Employment eligibility to work with Taco Bell in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.

California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect from you and how we use, sell, and share that information, please see our Privacy Notice for California Employees at https://jobs.tacobell.com/wp-content/themes/jobs.tacobell.com-2024/assets/build/doc/Employee+Privacy+Notice+%28TB%29+%2820230701%29_2024%2811-15-2024%29-Final.pdf

 

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