International Product Group Manager PastryCategory Manager - Vandemoortele - Belgique

Vandemoortele

Région

Belgique

Purpose of the job:

The International Product Group Manager Pastry designs and implements the overall international category strategy for Pastry (Croissants, Pain Choc etc.).
In the context of a change towards a more consumer and marketing driven approach within Vandemoortele, the International Product Group Manager is responsible for managing the category Pastry on an international, European level. S/He holds full responsibility for the category, including P&L/turnover. S/He needs to develop a long-term strategy for the categories with a focus on innovation and margin improvement. At the same time, s/he needs to execute and implement his/her product group strategy in the countries, helping the local businesses to activate the products and brands in their respective markets.

Tasks and responsibilities:
The International Product Group Manager Pastry has the following tasks and responsibilities:

  • Define the category objectives in terms of volume, market share, net sales value, gross profit;
  • Increase the profitability of the portfolio and the quality of the product mix in all its dimensions (regarding market share, evolution, penetration, distribution, etc.);
  • Perform a SWOT-analysis of the portfolio, eliminating non-performing products and driving new product development;
  • Monitor the products throughout the product lifecycle, gathering and prioritizing product, consumers needs & expectations and customer requirements, defining the product vision;
  • Transform consumer needs, market insights, trends, sales data and shopper insights into marketing plans and actions within the different channels (foodservice, artisanal bakeries, retail) for all European countries;
  • Translate the product category strategy (product range, pricing, brands, marketing) into local action plans within the country organizations;
  • Stimulate buy-in from the local markets by participating in country commercial meetings, local projects, etc.;
  • Assist the International Key Accounts regarding the development of their assortment of pastryin line with their portfolio and marketing plans;
  • Set-up and follow-up the product group management budgets and plans;
  • Provide internal communication and external marketing communication about the category
  • Work closely together with R&D, sales and others departments, to deliver winning products;
  • Manage teams in the local markets, structure and organize the department to come to an efficient organization.

About you:

  • You hold a Master Degree preferably in Economics, Engineering or a related field. An additional Master Degree is a plus.
  • You have at least 10 years of marketing experience, including experience in brand, product or category management;
  • You have a track record in the food industry, ideally both in B2B and B2C, alternatively only in one of both;
  • You are highly analytical. You analyze issues in a clear, consistent and objective manner.
  • You act strategically and formulate effective strategies.
  • You are able to make sound decisions in time and involve the right people for the job. You act decisively and choose the best resources.
  • You leverage innovation. You approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness, generate innovative ideas, solutions to problems and opportunities.
  • You are able to influence others. You adopt a diplomatic and empathic approach in order to gain buy-in from the local markets. You exercise good judgment and timing, identify the concerns of others. You generate enthusiasm for ideas.
  • You build and establish trust with employees, shareholders and customers.
  • You are driven and take initiative. You are committed to excellence and willing to invest in your work. You are proactive, you focus on meaningful results, put in the necessary effort and persist when things get tough.
  • You are hands-on, pragmatic and decisive with a no-nonsense attitude. You are able to remain calm in difficult circumstances and take decisions.
  • You are working at the HQ is based in Ghent (Belgium) and are willing to travel 40-50% of your time.
  • You have excellent knowledge of English. French, Dutch or other European languages is a plus.

Vandemoortele

Société

Vandemoortele