📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: CRM Manager - Marketing Foodservice
🔹 Company: Henderson Group
🔹 Location: Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: June 27, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing a comprehensive CRM strategy to drive customer engagement, loyalty, and revenue growth across all customer touchpoints.
- Collaborating with sales, marketing, and e-commerce teams to define and implement CRM strategies that enhance customer engagement, retention, and loyalty.
- Fostering a strong CRM culture across the business, promoting its value, demonstrating impact, and addressing barriers to adoption.
- Managing and optimizing CRM tools and platforms to deliver personalised, data-driven marketing campaigns across multiple channels.
- Leveraging customer behaviour insights (online and offline) to inform and refine CRM activity.
- Ensuring CRM data is structured, permissioned, and segmented in compliance with data protection regulations (including GDPR).
- Developing and maintaining CRM data integration processes across business systems (e.g., Accord, Adobe Commerce, Klaviyo).
- Monitoring, measuring, and reporting on CRM performance, providing actionable insights to both operational teams and senior leadership.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively across departments. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in CRM management and a strong understanding of data protection regulations.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Collaborate with sales, marketing, and e-commerce teams to define and implement CRM strategies that enhance customer engagement, retention, and loyalty.
✅ Foster a strong CRM culture across the business, promoting its value, demonstrating impact, and addressing barriers to adoption.
✅ Drive daily CRM adoption across key teams, providing training and guidance as needed.
✅ Serve as the business's CRM and customer data expert, ensuring alignment with best practices and continuous improvement.
✅ Manage and optimize CRM tools and platforms to deliver personalised, data-driven marketing campaigns across multiple channels.
✅ Leverage customer behaviour insights (online and offline) to inform and refine CRM activity.
✅ Ensure CRM data is structured, permissioned, and segmented in compliance with data protection regulations (including GDPR).
✅ Develop and maintain CRM data integration processes across business systems (e.g., Accord, Adobe Commerce, Klaviyo).
✅ Monitor, measure, and report on CRM performance, providing actionable insights to both operational teams and senior leadership.
✅ Oversee customer data quality, identifying and resolving issues while expanding valuable data capture.
✅ Support the broader marketing team and undertake other related duties as required.
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of customer lifecycle management principles, customer segmentation strategies, and project management. They will also be proficient in using digital analytics tools and have experience conducting A/B testing.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent qualifications), including English and Mathematics.
Experience: Proven track record of managing customer data within a CRM platform, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role.
Required Skills:
- In-depth understanding of customer lifecycle management principles.
- Demonstrable experience in developing customer segmentation strategies.
- Demonstrable experience of project management.
- Proven ability to work effectively across departments and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
- Strong knowledge and practical understanding of GDPR and data protection regulations.
- Full Valid UK/EU driving license.
Preferred Skills:
- A third-level qualification or a relevant professional certification aligned with the role.
- Experience working within a B2B (business-to-business) environment.
- Hands-on experience with Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) integrated with CRM systems.
- Proficient in using digital analytics tools such as Google Analytics.
- Practical experience conducting A/B testing.
- Familiarity with marketing automation platforms and personalisation strategies.
- Experience collaborating with e-commerce and/or marketing teams.
- Proven ability to deliver user training and support.
- Experience managing relationships with third-party vendors or service providers.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Foodservice industry.
ASSUMPTION: While a degree or relevant certification is desirable, it is not a strict requirement for this role. The ideal candidate will have a strong combination of relevant experience and skills.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (based on experience and qualifications)
Benefits:
- Attractive salary, benefits, company car, and bonus.
- Contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, and employee assistance programme.
- Social club and Reward Gateway Employee Recognition & Discount Scheme throughout UK/Ireland.
- Staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores.
Working Hours: 36.5 hours per week (Monday-Thursday: 8:45am-4:45pm, Friday: 8:45am-3:45pm) with hybrid and flexible working arrangements available.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-senior level CRM manager role in the United Kingdom. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and negotiation.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Wholesale (Foodservice)
Company Size: Large (5,001-10,000 employees)
Founded: 1897
Company Description:
- Henderson Group is Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider, encompassing Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice, and Henderson Group Property.
- The group employs over 5,500 staff and has been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024.
- Henderson Group is an Investors in People accredited, family-owned group with a culture lived out through four core values: Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork, and Integrity.
- The group has been recognised for excellence through many prestigious awards in recent years, including “Food Distribution Company of the Year 2023” and the “Workforce Developer Award” by both the Regional and National Chambers of Commerce in 2023.
- As part of their “Tomorrow Matters Strategy,” Henderson Group has installed 276 defibrillators across NI, which have saved 20 lives so far.
Company Specialties:
- Retail
- Wholesale
- Foodservice
- Property
Company Website: http://www.henderson-group.com
ASSUMPTION: Henderson Group's size and extensive history provide a stable and established environment for employees. The company's commitment to community focus and sustainability sets it apart in the industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Marketing.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (on-site with remote flexibility)
Growth Opportunities:
- As Henderson Group continues to grow, there will be opportunities for the CRM Manager to expand their team and take on more strategic responsibilities.
- The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the CRM function and make a significant impact on the business's growth.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing environment, with the potential for career progression and professional development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (on-site with remote flexibility)
Office Location(s): Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Newtownabbey is located in County Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough, Northern Ireland.
- The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to Belfast and other nearby towns.
- Newtownabbey is home to various retail outlets, including SPAR and EUROSPAR stores, as well as other local amenities.
Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday: 8:45am-4:45pm, Friday: 8:45am-3:45pm
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to enjoy the best of both worlds.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and relevant team members
- Final interview with the Head of Marketing or another senior leader
Key Assessment Areas:
- CRM management experience and expertise
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Understanding of data protection regulations (GDPR)
- Alignment with Henderson Group's core values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant CRM management experience and skills.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your CRM management experience and problem-solving skills.
- Research Henderson Group's core values and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs.
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team dynamics, and the company's CRM strategy.
ATS Keywords: CRM, customer data management, customer lifecycle management, customer segmentation, project management, GDPR, data protection, marketing automation, A/B testing, foodservice industry
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's CRM management experience, strategic thinking, and cultural fit with Henderson Group.
🛠 Tools & Technologies
- CRM platform (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, HubSpot)
- Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) integrated with CRM systems
- Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, Pardot, HubSpot)
- Digital analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Office suite (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience with CRM platforms, marketing automation tools, and digital analytics tools. Familiarity with project management tools and office suites is also beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Ambition: Henderson Group always strives to be better and seeks new challenges.
- Customer First: Henderson Group provides exceptional service and puts customers at the heart of everything.
- Teamwork: Henderson Group succeeds together and helps colleagues to succeed, sharing knowledge and skills.
- Integrity: Henderson Group is fair, honest, and ethical, treating everyone with dignity and respect. They are inclusive and champion diversity.
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Henderson Group values teamwork and encourages employees to support and learn from one another.
- Customer-focused: Henderson Group prioritises customer needs and strives to exceed expectations.
- Ambitious: Henderson Group encourages employees to set and achieve challenging goals.
- Inclusive: Henderson Group fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone feels valued and respected.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Henderson Group's core values?
- Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a challenging goal. What was the outcome, and what did you learn?
- How do you approach setting and achieving ambitious goals in your personal or professional life?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Henderson Group's core values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's continued growth.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large volume of customer data and ensuring data quality and compliance with GDPR regulations.
- Collaborating effectively with multiple teams (sales, marketing, e-commerce) to implement CRM strategies and drive adoption.
- Keeping up-to-date with the latest CRM tools and technologies, as well as industry best practices.
- Balancing the need for strategic thinking and planning with the day-to-day management of CRM systems and data.
- Working in a hybrid environment, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills to maintain productivity and engagement with remote team members.
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to overcome these challenges by leveraging their CRM management experience, strong communication skills, and a strategic mindset.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- CRM Manager vs. Marketing Manager: CRM Manager focuses more on customer data management and CRM strategy, while Marketing Manager oversees broader marketing campaigns and market research.
- CRM Manager vs. Sales Operations Manager: CRM Manager focuses on customer data and CRM systems, while Sales Operations Manager oversees sales processes, analytics, and reporting.
- CRM Manager vs. Data Analyst: CRM Manager requires a strong understanding of data analysis and CRM systems, while Data Analyst focuses on data interpretation, visualization, and reporting.
ASSUMPTION: While these roles share some similarities, the CRM Manager role is unique in its focus on customer data management, CRM strategy, and collaboration with multiple teams.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a new CRM strategy to improve customer engagement and retention for a foodservice client.
- Managing a team to migrate customer data from an outdated CRM system to a new, more efficient platform.
- Collaborating with marketing and sales teams to create targeted campaigns that leverage customer data and insights.
- Conducting a comprehensive review of CRM data quality and developing processes to improve data accuracy and completeness.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and initiatives a CRM Manager might undertake in this role at Henderson Group.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of the CRM system and any plans for future development or migration?
- How does the CRM team collaborate with other departments, such as sales and marketing, to drive customer engagement and revenue growth?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the CRM function, and how does the company plan to address them?
- How does Henderson Group support the professional development and growth of its CRM team members?
- What are the company's priorities for CRM in the next 12-24 months, and how does this role contribute to achieving those objectives?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role's responsibilities, the team's dynamics, and the company's CRM strategy, allowing you to make an informed decision about the opportunity.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the linked job posting
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant CRM management experience and skills.
- Prepare for phone or video screening and face-to-face interviews, focusing on your CRM management experience, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Research Henderson Group's core values and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs.
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team dynamics, and the company's CRM strategy.
- Follow up with the hiring manager, Joanne McClelland, after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
