Customer Marketing Manager (North American Foodservice)

The Customer Marketing Manager, North American Foodservice, is responsible for the annual planning (with Sales), execution & tracking of Operator customer marketing - metrics to include both Operator reach and driving Operator engagement. The primary function is to work closely with FS Marketing Managers to gain intimate knowledge of the brand direction, content and messaging, in order to provide leadership, direction & execution on tactical and strategic Operator-centric activation supporting VA Branded business, by leveraging the Distributor and Non-Commercial marketing program vehicles/outlets.

Accountabilities and responsibilities

• This role provides leadership and execution planning/direction to Branded Operator content & Operator messaging/promotion, through Distributor marketing programs, or thru Non-Commercial marketing programs.
• This role works very closely and collaboratively with FS Marketing Managers to ensure strategic alignment of the VA Branded message across all customer execution. In accordance with Marketing strategy, this role proactively creates 'campaigns' of activity in a given month, quarter, season, to activate against & support VA Branded initiatives (product, innovation, HLF value prop) in a broader and more impactful way to the external marketplace through the planned customer platforms.
• This role has ownership of a Customer Marketing fixed marketing budget, allocated in accordance with the annual plan and ROI expectation from customer activation and/or customer contractual commitments
• This role is responsible for collaborating with Sales team(s) to compile the robust annual calendar which includes all possible activation vehicles available to HLF; present that plan to gain alignment with FSLT before devising and communicating quarterly, bi-annual and annual execution plans with Sales & Customers.
• Where necessary and is seen as valuable by the partner, this role may liaise directly with external customers - Distributor (Marketing department) and Non-Commercial (Marketing department) - in order to execute successful annual activation plans
• This role is responsible for compiling Operator segment & reach information customer by customer, tracking each activation and summarizing the value to HLF; in collaboration with Digital Team (and FS Marketing Managers), this role will enable Operator acquisition (engagement) to the HLF Operator Database through CTA loop back to HLF properties
• This role will support targeted (and somewhat limited) National Account Sales in building target custom customer presentations and sell stories (in collaboration with Data/Insights & Marketing Managers) by leveraging operator, market, and category insights.
• This role provides guidance & collaboration to ensure a high performing team.
• This role will establish, build, and maintain key internal and external relationships, including cross functional teams (Digital, GDSN, Sales Planning, Sales, Marketing).
• This role will keep up to date on trends and dynamics driving the seafood and foodservice industry. Incorporate learnings into recommended strategies and plans, in collaboration with FS Marketing Managers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, advertising, communications, or a related field (MBA is a plus).
• 3-5 years direct Foodservice experience - familiarity with distribution, national accounts, and associated marketing responsibilities.
• Previous experience in marketing, advertising, or a related field.
• Comprehensive understanding of the marketing and product planning process.
• Strong cross-functional management skills with demonstrated ability to effectively utilize internal resources to meet project deadlines and objectives
• Highly effective project management, prioritization, multi-tasking, and time management skills to meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage and coordinate the end-to-end development process while meeting deadlines and budget requirements
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills
• High attention to detail and quality standards
• Comfortable presenting data and strategies and leading discussions with internal and external customers