top of page
Kristan, Sr. Manager, Global Strategy at Fast Food Chain Company: Advize Career Interview
A fast-paced career journey from entry-level roles and a startup's diverse challenges to a senior global strategy position at Taco Bell is revealed.
This marketing strategist's path highlights the value of early experience, showcasing a multifaceted role encompassing data analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration.
The work involves navigating large organizational structures, influencing stakeholders, and leveraging data-driven insights for growth.
Success in this field, according to the interviewee, requires strategic foresight, strong communication, adaptability, and leadership skills, alongside an understanding of the industry's unique challenges and growth limitations.
The interviewee champions the benefits of agency experience for aspiring strategists and emphasizes the importance of networking and an open mind for career advancement.
This exciting world blends analytical rigor with creative brand building, offering a rewarding blend of data science and collaborative teamwork within a dynamic, competitive industry.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kristan Hannigan
Sr. Manager, Global Strategy
Fast Food Chain Company
University of California, San Diego
MBA from UCLA Anderson
Business Management & Admin
Food, Beverages & Alcohol
Business Strategy
Honors Student
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a Senior Manager Global Strategy at Taco Bell
Kristan's career path began with entry-level jobs, then transitioned to an internship and full-time role at a startup, eventful.com, where "you are forced to wear a million hats," gaining diverse experience in sales, marketing, and product management. After a stint at CBS and an agency focusing on performance marketing, a move to Taco Bell six years ago saw Kristan progress through digital media, broader marketing, analytics, and finally, their current role in marketing strategy, highlighting the value of early startup experience in a corporate setting.
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Manager Global Strategy at Fast Food Chain Company
Kristan's role as a Sr. Manager, Global Strategy at Taco Bell involves three key areas: "diagnosis," assessing business performance and consumer trends; "strategy," determining investment priorities and growth opportunities; and "operations and tactics," ensuring successful execution through cross-functional collaboration. This highlights the multifaceted nature of marketing strategy, requiring both analytical skills and effective teamwork to achieve business goals.
A Day in the Life of a Senior Manager Global Strategy at Fast Food Chain Company
A day for a marketing strategist at Taco Bell involves significant collaboration, "a lot of meetings" to ensure alignment across departments in a large organization, and strategic diagnosis work involving sales data analysis to "make sure that we're focusing on the right thing." This blend of collaborative meetings and data-driven strategy is key to their role.
Most Important Skills for a Senior Manager Global Strategy at a Fast Food Chain
For a marketing strategist at a large company, Kristan highlighted the importance of understanding "where the trajectory of industries is going," demonstrating strategic foresight. Effective communication and influence are also crucial for ensuring alignment and driving ideas forward within a large organization.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Senior Manager Global Strategy At Fast Food Chain Company
Kristan, a Senior Manager of Global Strategy, thrives in the "marketing science" aspect of their role, enjoying the data-driven approach to finding growth opportunities. This blend of analytical work with collaboration with the creative marketing team, along with mentoring their "rockstar team," makes the job incredibly rewarding.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Senior Manager Global Strategy at Fast Food Company
Kristan's biggest challenge as a Senior Manager, Global Strategy, is securing "buy-in across a lot of teams" within the large corporation's established processes, unlike the scrappier environment of a startup. This requires Kristan to act as a "conductor," aligning numerous stakeholders—from executive teams to cross-functional partners—to successfully launch new products and promotions.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Fast Food Industry As A Senior Manager Global Strategy
Kristan, a Senior Manager of Global Strategy at a fast-food chain, enjoys the industry's "fun" and competitive nature, citing "very serious meetings about nacho fries" as an example of its unique dynamic. The constantly evolving landscape and strong brands, along with opportunities for creative brand voice and product development, are key aspects that make the work engaging.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Fast Food Industry, According To A Senior Manager, Global Strategy At A Fast Food Chain
Kristan, a Senior Manager of Global Strategy at a fast-food chain, identifies "someone who's driven" and a "good leader" as key traits for success in the industry. The ability to be "nimble," "bring people along," and "drive new ideas" are also crucial for career advancement, highlighting the importance of both individual initiative and collaborative leadership skills.
What a Senior Manager Global Strategy at a Fast Food Chain Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Fast Food Industry
Kristan, a Senior Manager of Global Strategy at a fast-food chain, reflects on the industry's growth challenges, noting that "growth is hard to come by" due to intense competition and a reliance on either increasing sales at existing locations or building new ones. This contrasts with potentially faster-growing sectors, and the expectation of growth in a publicly traded company presents unique difficulties.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Global Strategists
Kristan, a Senior Manager of Global Strategy at a fast-food chain, advises aspiring marketing strategists to gain experience at marketing agencies first, stating, "I always recommend...work for an agency first," because agency work offers diverse experience across various industries and clients, preparing individuals for higher-level corporate roles where agency management is a key component.
Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Manager Global Strategy At A Fast Food Chain
Kristan's most significant career lesson is leveraging professional networks, stating that "a lot of the jobs I've had have been from referrals". This, coupled with maintaining an open mind to explore various opportunities and "be willing to try new things," has allowed for unexpected career growth and the discovery of fulfilling roles.
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page