Manager, Media Strategy & Execution

Manager, Media Strategy & Execution

Minneapolis, MN-hybrid

Taco John's International is looking for a full-time Manager, Media Strategy & Execution, to lead the planning, execution, and optimization of media initiatives in partnership with Taco John’s franchisees and their media buying partners. The position requires strong expertise in both national and local media planning, with the ability to integrate traditional and digital channels to drive measurable business outcomes. This position will serve as the primary media business owner and strategic advisor for franchisee media efforts, driving profitable traffic to restaurants.

ABOUT TACO JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL

Starting as a small taco stand in Cheyenne, WY back in 1968, our one-of-a-kind tacos and other bold flavors were an instant hit in the community. Ever since that first taco stand, we have been all about bringing the flavor, from handmade salsa to our classic Crispy Tacos! Today, we operate and franchise over 300 restaurants in 22 states – making it one of the largest Mexican quick-service restaurant brands in America. Ever heard of the iconic Taco Tuesday? We started it!

We continue to grow across the country – but some things never change. Like our uncompromising standards of food quality and customer service. That commitment starts with our team. Our team is the heart of our success—preparing delicious meals and creating positive experiences for every guest. We believe in fostering a supportive, upbeat work environment where team members feel valued and empowered. With us, you will find real opportunities for growth and advancement, while making a difference every day.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE MANAGER, MEDIA STRATEGY & EXECUTION

The Manager, Media Strategy & Execution, is responsible for ensuring media strategies are aligned with brand objectives while supporting the unique needs of franchise-owned restaurants. In this role, you will also serve as a key liaison between the corporate marketing team, franchisees, and external agencies to influence media placements and optimize return on investment. You will build and maintain strong relationships with franchisees and their media buyers to influence decisions that align with brand goals. You will lead the planning and execution of co-op media strategies, reporting, and optimizations across promotional windows, brand-level campaigns, and local activations (e.g., new store openings, relocations, market-specific initiatives). You will facilitate bi-annual co-op media summits and develop content to generate media plans. You will develop and present strategy decks, campaign launch materials and media plans for all promotional windows and opportunities. You will oversee omni-channel media campaigns with an emphasis on digital, premium video, paid social, and emerging platforms. You will monitor campaign performance and optimize strategies to maximize ROI. The Manager, Media Strategy & Execution, will partner with internal teams to ensure cohesive messaging and timely delivery of creative assets to media buyers. You will recommend media budget allocation, pacing, and reconciliation reporting in coordination with media partners to connect investments with business results. Additionally, you will continuously monitor and recommend optimized media investments to drive efficiency and achieve traffic and sales targets.

Taco John’s is a fast-paced organization where flexibility and teamwork are essential. You will be expected to demonstrate adaptability in a dynamic environment by stepping in where needed, even outside of core responsibilities, to ensure overall success. You will actively contribute to a culture of inclusion by valuing diverse perspectives, promoting equity, and creating an environment where all individuals feel respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE MANAGER, MEDIA STRATEGY & EXECUTION

• 5+ years of media planning and strategy experience, preferably within a franchise, retail, or QSR restaurant environment.
• Demonstrated success and progressive responsibility working with well-known brands and high-profile campaigns.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify insights, and drive performance improvements.
• Proficiency with Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager; experience testing and optimizing digital creative across the funnel (impression to conversion).
• Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to manage complex campaigns and budgets.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with proven ability to influence third-party partners, agencies, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience managing multimillion-dollar media budgets and external agency relationships.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Do you have a deep knowledge of media planning, buying, and optimization across traditional and digital channels, with emphasis on digital, premium video, paid social, and emerging platforms? Do you understand the dynamics of franchise and co-op media planning, including local activations, new store openings, and market- level initiatives? Can you translate business objectives into integrated media strategies that drive measurable results? Are you skilled in building and maintaining partnerships with franchisees, agencies, and cross-functional teams; able to influence decisions and drive alignment? Do you have experience in developing, managing, and reconciling media budgets, with the ability to balance efficiency and impact? Are you energized by a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving business priorities? If yes, you might just be perfect for this position!

BENEFITS

We provide competitive pay and fantastic benefits, including flexible work schedules, a 401(k) with match, medical, dental, vision, short-and long-term disability, free / discounted food, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, paid time off (PTO), and life insurance. The pay range for this position is between $80,000-$124,000 / year. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, apply today!

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

If you feel that you would be right for this position, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!