Marketing Director

*THIS IS NOT A JOB AT FORCEBRANDS*

**MUST BE ABLE TO COMMUTE TO RAHWAY, NJ HQ 4X/WEEK**

SUMMARY:

This brand is a sizable, fast-growing, profitable manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of branded, better-for-you fresh and frozen foods sold to leading retailers nationally including Food, Mass, and Club Stores. The Company has over 80,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehouse space in the Tri-State area. They are engaged in an aggressive expansion program which includes deepening the brand’s connection with consumers, broadening the product portfolio and channel penetration, and beginning the next stage of capacity and warehouse expansion. The Company’s unique culture is a critical component to its success. Led by two highly successful, serial entrepreneurs, they have built a fast-paced, demanding environment yet treats every employee like family. Our client’s management team is focused on building an apolitical environment and treating employees, vendors and customers in a fair and ethical way.

The increasing Brand-focus and requirements for greater analytics and insights that comes from the Company’s success are the drivers to create this position within the organization. Due to the unique nature of the organization, cultural fit will be an important element of the hiring process.

SCOPE:

Reporting to the CMO, the Director of Marketing will play a major role in growing the brand. Specific responsibilities include:

• Serve as an enthusiastic steward and advocate for growing brand equity;
• Aid in developing the long term strategic plan and the annual marketing plan;
• Develop metrics to monitor marketing performance against plan and expectations on an ongoing basis. Provide ROI analysis and recommendations on an as needed basis.
• Assist in the development of a more refined understanding of the Brand, its consumers and overall market trends;
• Monitor market changes and shifts in competitors’ programs and recommend appropriate actions;
• Lead the monthly data analytics to provide better understanding and insights into marketplace performance;
• Monitor the marketing budget and making appropriate trade-offs;
• Help develop a highly effective marketing team;
• Play a key role in the new product development process. Help drive the process from concept to product execution and consumer programming;
• Oversee marketing communications, including digital/social marketing, branding, public relations, advertising, trade shows, market research management, and website content and design;
• Work closely with the sales organization to develop and manage channel and partner strategies and programs.

EXPERIENCE:

8-10+ years of increasing success in a brand management organization, most recently as Director or Marketing or as experienced Category Manager of a mid-size company in a high velocity consumer products food business. The candidate must be a practical, ‘hands-on’ brand management executive who not only demonstrates creativity but will also have a demonstrable track record of excellence in driving results, executing plans and delivering both the top-line and bottom-line results. The Director of Marketing will have deep knowledge of marketing to all channels as well as leading edge experience with digital/social marketing, retailer tie-ins and event marketing.

• The ideal candidate has been classically trained at a large consumer packaged goods company and then moved into a middle market marketing-driven company.
• The Director of Marketing will have demonstrated:
• A strategic but practical approach to marketing:
• An understanding of consumers and consumer needs;
• Success in new product development;
• Ability to respond to competitive actions;
• The ability to build marketing plans based on strategic goals and company capabilities and resources;
• Experience translating marketing plans into practical action plans and then personally leading the execution of those plans;
• Understanding retail challenges and opportunities: shelving, demos, merchandising and using marketing/innovation;
• A solid track record of developing the skills and capabilities of their teams.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Curiosity
• Personal passion for food and healthy eating
• A collaborative team player
• An ability to work effectively in an entrepreneurial environment
• A hands-on “do-er”, action oriented, high level of enthusiasm and tenacity.
• Highly analytical
• A quick learner who can rapidly embrace a new organization, culture, and responsibilities
• Possesses leadership skills and sound business judgment
• A believer in measuring performance and return on investment
• Ability to develop productive relationships with all members of the senior management team, customers, vendors, etc.
• Strong communication skills
• High integrity
• Kindness

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree with MBA preferred

ForceBrands