Maple & Ash Chicago - Brand Manager

Join Maple Hospitality Group, where culinary excellence meets unparalleled service. Led by renowned restaurateur Jim Lasky and two-Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant, known for his innovative approach to fine dining, we're building a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to creating iconic destinations.

We believe success hinges on impeccable food, world-class service, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. As we expand across Chicago, Scottsdale, Dallas, Santa Barbara, Miami, Boston and New York, you'll find endless opportunities for growth, travel, and continuing education.

Our culture is built on four core principles:

• Generosity: Always give more, exceed expectations.
• Excellence: Deliver exceptional work with unmatched expertise.
• Fun: Love what you do, laugh often, and enjoy the journey.
• Fail Fast: Learn from mistakes, adapt, and keep improving.

The Senior Brand Manager for Maple Hospitality Group will be an integral part of our marketing team, and will report to the Director of Marketing. The Senior Brand Manager will be responsible for overseeing all marketing policies and programs for designated brands. The Brand Manager is expected to embody and live the Maple Hospitality lifestyle. The Senior Brand Manager will identify areas of improvement to increase brand awareness, brand loyalty, media and social media reach. Must have a background in marketing for restaurants with direct or agency (preferably upscale/ fine dining).

What You Will Do:

Brand Marketing Strategy

• Responsible for managing, owning and communicating Maple Hospitality Group brands to grow awareness, drive traffic and uphold standards across all communication efforts and platforms.
• Work with the Director of Marketing to develop comprehensive strategic marketing plans for designated markets/brands to ensure the business and marketing goals of internal and external partners are supported.
• Work with creative lead and operations teams in the creation and development of onsite programming, marketing content/creative assets and delivery.
• Liaise and direct designated public relations and media agencies as needed around campaigns, daily project needs and overall project management.
• Lead brand management efforts across cross-functional marketing team members and marketing partners (social media, public relations, etc.) to develop strategies and ensure project goals, timelines and budgets are met.
• Work closely with digital ad agency to optimize performance of paid media campaigns, run test campaigns and ensure ads are accomplishing individual restaurant goals.
• Display a strong proficiency in company’s CRM platform, and leverage tools for email marketing, text marketing and analytics.
• Compile and share results of comprehensive performance reports and status updates for marketing and operations leadership on marketing plan performance.

Brand Ambassador

• Embody and live the Maple Hospitality lifestyle.
• Identify and experience new hospitality concepts in markets which MHG operates, and consistently keep a pulse on industry and cultural trends.
• Represent the marketing department and Maple Hospitality Group with external partners in a collaborative and cohesive manner to advance both parties' mutual objectives.
• Drive innovative idea generation by monitoring trends and exploring new tools, trends and applications.
• Attend and represent Maple Hospitality Group in market events, and ensure integrated marketing objectives are achieved, and ideal guest experience achieved.

Marketing Optimization and Analysis

• Analyze campaign performance and suggest improvements based on engagement and revenue generated.
• Manage segmentation of the database and implement remarketing strategies.
• Identify the target audience to grow the database and increase loyalty.
• A/B testing on campaigns to establish the most effective approach and optimized budget.

Social Media & Content Management

• Create and implement an editorial social media calendar to manage content and plan specific, timely content and campaigns for designated brands.
• Create, capture, and edit original photo and video content for all brands for use on all marketing platforms. Proficiency in Canva is a must.
• Work with marketing leadership to schedule, plan, and execute approved photoshoots.
• Create engaging content in text, image, and video format.
• Create an optimal schedule for posting, considering both customer engagement metrics and web traffic.
• Measure and report on the success of social media campaigns.

On Premise Marketing

• Coordinate, support, execute, document, and promote off-site and in-house marketing events.
• Attend operations and other relevant meetings as marketing team representative.
• Manage weekly onsite collaborative marketing meetings with operators for designated brands.
• Assist on special projects as needed.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive marketing experience, ideally within hospitality, luxury lifestyle, or entertainment.
• Strong personal and professional ties to the market, with deep understanding of local trends, cultural events, and key influencers.
• Exceptionally organized with advanced project management skills, able to manage multiple campaigns, content calendars, and event timelines simultaneously.

• This is an on-the-ground, in-market role — ideal for someone energized by being in the community, cultivating relationships, and making a direct impact.

Benefits & Incentive Package Includes:

• Health & Wellness Benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision & Life
• Generous Dining Benefits at all Maple Hospitality Group Locations
• Gym Membership Discounts
• Discounted Parking
• Travel & Growth Potential
• Staff Meals
• Progressive Paid Time Off
• Referral Program
• Proven success in building and executing multi-channel marketing strategies with clear performance metrics.
• Experience in guerrilla marketing and creative campaign execution.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools including social media platforms, email marketing software, CRM systems, and analytics tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen sense of brand storytelling.
• Creative, strategic, and analytical thinker who thrives in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
• Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and markets while also operating independently.
• Self-starter with a collaborative mindset and a hands-on, proactive approach.
• Passion for hospitality, guest experience, and creating culturally relevant brand moments.

This position is expected to work in the office or onsite at a restaurant Monday through Friday, with weekends as needed.