Marketing Manager - Food Industry

Pierre Foods, Inc., an innovative processor of premium quality beef, pork and poultry products, has an immediate opportunity available for a MARKETING MANAGER. 

 

 

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: 

 

Develops the strategic marketing and business plans for assigned Division. Key activities include:  developing the strategic plan of the division, on-going maintenance of existing product lines, new product development, business analysis, promotional program development and execution, merchandising materials development, package design, advertising, and sales communication.  Will also lead and/or contribute to cross functional division and company wide initiatives.  Responsible for being the expediter and point person for contracts, license agreements, legal needs, etc.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 

1.  Marketing/Business Plan

?  Prepares the annual business plan for the assigned Division to include:  competitive analysis, market and industry analysis, product and product group analysis, volume analysis, past performance analysis, and other activities needed to develop the Plan.  Participates in company wide strategies to include acquisitions, new plants, etc.

 

2.  New Products

?  Leads new product projects through the six step process:  (1) Idea Generation, (2) Idea Evaluation, (3) Concept and Strategy Development, (4) Product Development, (5) Product Introduction and (6) Product Feedback and Analysis.  Meet projected timelines for key new product roll-outs.  Also include management of all aspects of package development and production.  Work in co-ordination with the New Product Development Manager to assure that products are launched when planned.  Look outside of the company present capabilities to identify, source, and create co-pack or expansion opportunities.

 

3.  Merchandising Materials

?  Develop cost effective marketing tools (point of sale, point of purchase, sell sheets, price lists, etc.) for new and existing products.  See all projects from conception to final field communication.  Results of programs to be analyzed at minimum on an annual basis.  Manage material inventory levels and ensure all material is updated and that as little as possible material is ever written off as an obsolete expense.

 

4.  Advertising and Promotion

?  Work with agencies to develop advertising to support existing business and new products and programs.  Develop marketing materials, promotions and incentives for existing and new products including direct mail and newsletters, as appropriate.  See all promotions from conception to final field execution.  Responsible for accuracy and timeliness of assigned division  accuracy of the Pierre Web Site.

 



5.  P& L  Responsibility/Business Analysis



?  Major responsibility for budgeted profits and control of expenses for assigned Division.  Perform appropriate financial and market analysis and assist in determining  pricing, break-even points, and payback for needed projects with-in assigned division.  Monthly reviews all division expenses for improvement opportunities and/or irregularities.

 

6.  Product and Competitive Information

?  Manage packaging and labeling of existing products to ensure information is accurate and meets customer and regulatory requirements.  Maintain industry information and files on competition.  Research all main competitors at least yearly as to their product and other competitive information.

 

7.  Communications

?  Ensure timely and accurate communications of all programs, product information, competitive information, etc., to the field and internally, including electronic communication.  Maintain the Pierre Web Site.  Lead Monthly, Quarterly, Yearly updates as needed.

 

8.  Customer/Field Support

?  Support Regional Sales Manager, Brokers, and Customers at presentations and trade shows as appropriate.  Provide timely support to ad hoc requests for information or assistance in meeting customer needs.  Develop all Division Trade Show objectives, promotions, and imagery for approval by Division Head.

 

9.  Packaging

?  Work with outside resources on package design as appropriate and be well versed on all elements of package development.

?  Maintain files on current and relevant package history.

?  Look for ?Way Out? types of packaging options to decrease costs or increase sales.

 

10. Forecasting

? Responsible for all inventory Target levels and Warehouse levels of all division SKU?s.  Weekly and monthly watch for any trends or changes that need to result in less or more production.  Communicate daily with Operations and Material Management on shortages and/or changes needed in production schedules.  Contact Regional Sales Managers monthly to discuss any significant SKU changes in sales in their regions.  Responsible for the reduction of obsolete inventory write off expense.

 

11. Market Research

? Recommend, execute and analyze market research as business needs dictate.

? Attend multiple Trade Shows, Equipment Shows, Packaging Shows, etc. so as to be totally current with our industry.

 

12. Cost Management

? Monitor product costs on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis so as to be able to identify options needed to assure competitive costs.  Develop cost savings in Product/Packaging that still supply a product consistent with overall product strategy.  Identify ingredient options to reduce cost, improve product, and/or further meet our customer?s needs.

 

13.  Pricing

? Responsible to create pricing strategy and tools needed to maintain, that supports the budgeted profits of the Division assigned.  Also responsible to keep all Division Price Lists current and distributed.

 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

 

1.  Strong written and verbal communication skills.

2.  Strong analytical ability.

3.  Computer proficiency (Word, Excel, Power Point).

4.  Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse personalities.

5.  Proven ability to think strategically.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

 

1.  Four (4) year college degree.  MBA preferred.2.  Minimum five (5) years experience in a related marketing function.