DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

• Forward Corporation
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: DIREC001346

Description

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.