Beverage Brand Manager - Red Lobster

Overview

The Brand Manager of Beverage will co-lead the strategic direction and execution of Red Lobster's beverage program. This role demands a blend of analytical rigor, creative insight, and strategic thinking to optimize our beverage portfolio, merchandising and operational procedures. This position reports to the Senior Brand Manager of Core Menu & Beverage, and works in close collaboration with a beverage agency, vendor partners, and internal cross functional stakeholders, driving growth in beverage sales through short & long-term planning & strategy.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Partner with Senior Brand Manager of Core Menu & Beverage to develop and deploy a comprehensive beverage strategy that optimizes product offerings, pricing, promotions, merchandising, and in-restaurant execution.
• Drive the end-to-end process of beverage innovation and operationalization, including the development of seasonal limited-time offers (LTOs).
• Partner closely with Supply Chain / Strategic Sourcing to procure & manage SKUs.
• Monitor beverage performance against key performance indicators (KPIs), making data-driven adjustments to the program to enhance outcomes and achieve company objectives.
• Analyze consumer trends, sales data, and industry developments to translate insights into actionable strategies and plans.
• Continuously evaluate and optimize the selection of liquor, beer, wine (LBW), and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) to ensure alignment with consumer preferences and business goals.
• Partner with Senior Brand Manager or Core Menu & Beverage, Finance, Operations, and Training teams to develop pricing strategies, menu models, and service standards that drive profitability and guest satisfaction.
• Co-manage relationships with beverage agencies and vendors to maximize funding and ensure compliance with LBW mandates.
• Collaborate with the Legal team to ensure full compliance with local alcohol regulations and contractual obligations.
• Identify potential business risks and present solutions to Senior Brand Manager of Core Menu & Beverage to mitigate issues and ensure continuous improvement.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong project leadership and project management capabilities
• Attention to detail
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including executive-level presentations
• Ability to interact effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint
• Robust analytical and problem-solving skills

REQURED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Passion for food and hospitality
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field (MBA preferred)
• 3+ years of brand management experience, with 2+ years of direct product development experience, preferably in restaurants, hospitality, retail, or consumer packaged goods
• Availability for occasional travel

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to embrace change and support shifting priorities, demands and timelines
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, concurrent initiatives and drive projects to completion
• Self-starter with initiative to proactively identify and act upon opportunities without direction
• Ability to facilitate relations between cross functional teammates
• Persuasive, encouraging and motivating workstyle
• Persistence with follow up matters as needed
• Must be able to learn, understand, and apply new technologies