JOB DESCRIPTION

 

The Marketing Director will be responsible for leading the planning and implementation of all marketing activities in the Italy Country Cluster to ensure the successful promotion and growth of our brand and product portfolio towards different customer types. This role demands a passion for customer proximity, consistent excellence in execution, and a commitment to create bespoke customer experiences.

 

You directly report to the Managing Director of the Italy Cluster and dotted line to the VP Marketing Western Europe Member of the Italy commercial leadership team and key contact for global brand and regional marketing teams You lead and develop Italy Marketing Managers, you manage the marketing budget and collaborate with local agencies. Work location: 80%  -  Travel: expected 20% Based in Milan - Italy

 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE:

Business Planning and Execution:

Develop and implement comprehensive marketing plans that align with the company’s business & marketing strategy and the cluster growth objectives. Member of the Cluster Leadership team. Main contact to Global/Regional Marketing. Collaborate with global market intelligence to generate actionable customer insights, competitive mapping and market trends. Own the 12 mth rolling Marketing Plan for the Cluster, manage the Product Portfolio and identify gap filling/innovation needs. Ensure all marketing activities are executed to the highest standard, monitor & report performance in collaboration with Sales. Owner of the Cluster Marketing budget

 

Lead Customer Engagement for Industrial Key Accounts

Cultivate a deep understanding of our customers through market research, customer feedback, and engagement initiatives. Foster strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders to better understand their needs and preferences. Support customer-specific innovation initiatives to grow their business. Collaborate with product development teams. Organize bespoke events & memorable experiences to deepen customer relationships. Support regional content creation and implement customer-centric marketing campaigns that enhance customer satisfaction.

 

Oversee Brand & Product Marketing to Artisans

Collaborate with global brand,  regional marketing and agency teams to activate local communication channels and optimize content for local relevance. Create well selected and targeted local campaigns and customer experiences on fairs & events. Manage strategic partnerships with distributors, influencers and industry partners to leverage digital campaigns.

 

Lead the team on Trade Marketing to Distributors & Marketplaces

Build and execute a brand activity plan for distributors in priority segments. Lead marketing initiatives for strategic distribution partners based on Joint Business Plans Support ecommerce sales with strong digital product & activation assets.

 

 

    EDUCATION, LANGUAGE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

 

Master degree  or equal by experience 10y+ of experience in Marketing roles in B2B/ B2C, preferably in Food & Beverages in international context. Language: Local language (native), English (full proficiency). Any other European language is a plus. Strong commercial acumen

 

 

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE / TECHNICAL OR FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

 

B2C or B2B marketing experience, in local or regional roles, in an international environment Deep understanding of business models in Food: Artisans & Chains, Food Manufacturing, CPG, private label producers, retailers Proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing plans that drive growth and customer engagement. Analytical & business planning skills. Strong stakeholder management & influencing skills. Mature, inspiring and confident communicator able to build strong working relationships Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks and keep the team motivated.

 

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES & PERSONAL STYLE

Passion for food: Naturally curious about products and technologies for food. Customer Focus: Deep commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of customers Leadership: Ability to inspire, guide and develop a commercial team towards achieving common goals. Strategic action planning: Ability in turning strategy into action plans that align with business goals Execution Excellence: Proactive, flexible and hands on in delivering results consistently. Innovation: Aptitude for creative problem-solving and developing novel marketing approaches. Team player with a positive mindset and leading by example. Agility: Open to change and ability to adapt. Able to deal with ambiguity and complexity in large organizations.