Senior Manager, Gift Cards

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

We have an exciting new opportunity available for a Senior Manager, Gift Cards supporting the Dairy Queen brand.  The Senior Manager, Gift Cards will lead the evolution and growth strategies for the gift card program at Dairy Queen. This role requires an entrepreneurial mindset to establish a new capability, build strategies, identify opportunities, and drive quick wins in an evolving digital landscape. The role requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the gift card and QSR industry, digital commerce, and consumer behavior. This role involves managing relationships with suppliers, developing marketing strategies, ensuring operational efficiency, and driving profitable sales through promotional activities. The Senior Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver a best-in-class gift card experience.

Key Accountabilities Include:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop a gift card strategy from the ground up, focusing on untapped opportunities, quick wins, and integrating the program into broader business goals
• This role is ideal for a proactive leader ready to take full ownership, build strategies, and lead efforts that drive growth and innovation in the gift card space
• Identify and capitalize on market trends, consumer insights, and competitive dynamics to drive gift card sales.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, digital, operations, finance) to integrate the gift card program into broader business initiatives.
• Evaluate the need for additional staff and develop a business case to support hiring of new team members.

Program Management:

• Establish processes, marketing campaigns, and distribution channels for both B2C and B2B sales, creating structure and direction where it is currently undefined
• Lead the strategic direction for in-store and online gift card programs, including seasonal promotions and digital strategy.
• Manage gift card production, inventory, fulfillment processes and work closely with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, company policies, and implement fraud prevention measures.

Partnerships & Sales Growth:

• Cultivate and manage relationships with third-party distributors, corporate clients, and strategic partners to expand gift card distribution and drive sales.
• Develop and execute B2B sales strategies to increase corporate gift card sales, including holiday promotions, bulk purchasing, and loyalty programs.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to design and launch targeted campaigns that boost gift card awareness and sales during key periods (e.g., holidays, special events).

Analytics & Performance Optmization:

• Leverage data-driven insights not only to optimize existing processes but also to identify new avenues for growth and innovation
• Provide regular reporting on key metrics, trends, and forecasts to senior leadership.
•  Continuously evaluate and improve the customer journey for purchasing, redeeming, and managing gift cards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field; MBA preferred, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 7+ years of experience in gift card management, digital commerce, or a related field within the QSR industry.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful gift card programs that drive revenue growth.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with B2B sales and third-party partnerships is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in digital marketing and e-commerce platforms.

The US national base salary range for this position is $102,987- $126,159. This position is also eligible for a bonus. The base salary range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location and relevant education or experience.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more!  To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.  Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ.  We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.