NANDO'S VISION
At Nando's, we want to be the most loved restaurant brand in Canada, sharing the spirit of Nando's PERi-PERi with everyone who chooses to access it. We will redesign and build a business that thrives as it answers fully it is consumers' needs -and endures overtime through genuinely putting people at the heart of what we do. We will lead with our values and act with care, compassion, and kindness. By doing this, we will Change Lives Together, every day and everywhere.
ROLE SUMMARY
As Head of Marketing Canada, you will be a critical operator and executional leader responsible for delivering the Nando's brand in Canada, by ensuring its integrity, voice, and standards are upheld in every campaign, communication, and customer interaction.
A key leader within the Canadian leadership team, you will focus on delivering the annual marketing strategy, ensuring campaign execution supports performance and guest engagement across all touchpoints.
You will manage and deliver against an annual marketing calendar, oversee menu strategy and customer experience initiatives, and manage critical budget and agency partnerships. Collaborating closely with the Country Head, and cross-functional teams, you'll ensure seamless coordination and timely execution while guiding a team of three marketers.
You'll also serve as a key liaison with the US Marketing team and the Partners Division, ensuring alignment on campaign timing, messaging, and resource planning. Above all, you will protect the brand and advocate for the guest, challenging short-term or reactive tactics that may compromise long-term brand equity or guest trust.
Like all Nandocas, you'll bring a dynamic, hands-on leadership style rolling up your sleeves when needed, wearing multiple hats, spotting opportunities to strengthen our brand, and inspiring those around you to do their best work.
Key Responsibilities
Marketing Execution & Brand Operations
- Deliver the annual Canadian Marketing Plan and Calendar, ensuring alignment with US and Partners Division counterparts on campaign timing, messaging, and support needs.
- Own the annual Canadian marketing budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for maximum impact.
- Execute all brand initiatives across touchpoints, ensuring consistent and compelling in-restaurant and digital guest experiences.
- Monitor Brand Health Tracking to ensure the brand remains strong, relevant, and resonant.
- Ensure all campaigns and programs are well-communicated and operationally enabled, to allow for flawless execution and memorable guest experiences.
- Conduct post-campaign analysis to inform future tactical decisions and improve performance.
Campaigns, Content & Social Media
- Drive the development and deployment of integrated marketing campaigns across all channels.
- Partner with internal teams and external agencies to activate campaigns across social media, PR, influencer marketing, loyalty programs, and delivery platforms.
- Oversee PR strategies, including crisis communications, to protect and enhance brand reputation.
- Ensure social media platforms are vibrant, engaging, and reflective of Nando's brand voice.
Menu Strategy & Pricing
- Manage the execution of menu strategy and updates, including:
- Pricing optimization
- Menu engineering and design
- Innovation and new product development
- Coordinate all menu updates and ensure timely rollout across all guest-facing platforms.
Guest Advocacy & Brand Stewardship
- Serve as a voice for the guest in leadership forums, ensuring decisions reflect customer needs and protect long-term brand value.
- Push back on reactive or short-term tactics (e.g., discounting under pressure) when they risk eroding guest trust or brand equity.
Digital Marketing & Loyalty
- Execute digital marketing plans that support guest acquisition and retention goals.
- Monitor KPIs and analytics to assess digital campaign effectiveness and optimize ROI and engagement.
- Develop loyalty communications and promotions to drive repeat visits and deepen customer connection.
- Leverage NPS insights to continuously enhance the guest experience.
Local Restaurant Marketing (LRM)
- Define and guide LRM strategies to support localized campaigns and initiatives.
- Support planning and execution of local events, catering activations, and community engagement initiatives.
Leading & Growing the Team
- Lead, mentor and develop a high performing team of three to four marketing professionals.
- Inspire and guide external agencies and partners by delivering insight-driven briefs that unlock exceptional creative work.
- Hold agencies and partners accountable for performance, timelines, and budget alignment, while providing constructive feedback to elevate output.
- Act as the primary Canadian marketing liaison to US Marketing and Partners Division teams, ensuring operational alignment and joint accountability for calendar, messaging, and resourcing.
- You lead in the Nando's way:
- Blending having fun, making money and changing lives
- Living our values and being our best selves
- Valuing people first
- Making decisions like an owner
- Living the spirit of Ubuntu
What You Bring
- 8+ years of progressive marketing experience, preferably with 35 years in a leadership role within the restaurant, hospitality, food service, or retail sectors.
- Proven success in driving guest traffic and brand engagement through integrated strategies including local restaurant marketing (LRM), national campaigns, and digital activations.
- Deep understanding of brand management, campaign planning, menu strategy, and how marketing impacts restaurant P&L levers (traffic, check size, guest frequency).
- Strong expertise in digital marketing, social media, loyalty programs, influencer marketing, CRM, and customer engagement.
- Experience with PR, brand partnerships, community engagement, influencer campaigns, and crisis communications.
- Knowledge of delivery aggregators, app-based ordering, and digital sales strategies.
- Demonstrated success managing marketing budgets, agencies, and vendors, with a clear track record of ROI delivery.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in brand tracking, NPS reporting, performance measurement, and leveraging insights to inform strategy.
- A natural storyteller and communicator who can inspire teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing marketing teams.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and adept at navigating complex stakeholder dynamics.
- Willingness to travel to restaurants, markets, and key events as needed.
Benefits:
- Eligible for annual bonus
- Hybrid Work
- Technology Reimbursement
- Wellness Incentive
- 20 days of PTO per year
- Company-paid benefits
Nandos Canada provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.