Global Head of Customer Marketing & Development

**📌 Core Information** 🔹 **Job Title:** Global Head of Customer Marketing & Development 🔹 **Company:** Westfalia Fruit 🔹 **Location:** Kings Hill, England, United Kingdom 🔹 **Job Type:** Full-Time, On-Site (with remote flexibility) 🔹 **Category:** Food and Beverage Manufacturing 🔹 **Date Posted:** April 24, 2025 🔹 **Experience Level:** 10+ years **🚀 Job Overview** Key aspects of this role include: - Developing and implementing a 3-5 year customer marketing strategy - Managing joint business plans with key retailers - Overseeing category management and omnichannel initiatives - Leading event marketing and digital strategies - Building and mentoring a high-performing commercial marketing team *ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong commercial background, capable of balancing long-term vision with day-to-day execution.* **📋 Key Responsibilities** ✅ Lead the development and execution of a 3-5 year customer marketing strategy aligned with brand vision, category trends, and retail growth plans. ✅ Own and drive the Integrated Business Planning cycle for marketing, aligning forecasts with campaign and launch schedules. ✅ Design and manage Joint Business Plans with key retailers, establishing shared KPIs, co-funded marketing, and innovation goals. ✅ Establish and manage an Insights Hub combining POS, loyalty data, social listening, and agronomy inputs to guide strategy. ✅ Oversee category management by maintaining the Global Avocado Category Vision and implementing data-driven planograms. ✅ Champion omnichannel retailer initiatives, including e-commerce, Q-commerce, and retail media, to maximize shopper engagement. ✅ Lead end-to-end planning and execution of flagship events such as Fruit Logistica and key customer immersions with ROI tracking. ✅ Develop and implement digital marketing strategies, connecting media performance to in-store and online sales impact. ✅ Partner with R&D and Value Added teams to stage-gate innovation projects and explore new revenue opportunities through co-branding. ✅ Serve as company spokesperson for sustainability and nutrition; manage crisis communication and public relations readiness. ✅ Build and mentor a high-performing commercial marketing team, driving a culture of insights, innovation, and inclusion. ✅ Ensure robust financial governance through zero-based budgeting, ROI tracking, and scenario planning. ✅ Continuously refine premiumisation strategies and assortment to grow market share and deliver category value. *ASSUMPTION: This role requires a hands-on approach, with responsibilities spanning strategic planning, day-to-day execution, and team management.* **🎯 Required Qualifications** **Education:** - Bachelor’s degree or higher in Marketing, Business, Economics, or a related field (MBA or master’s preferred) **Experience:** - Extensive experience in senior marketing, category, or shopper roles within FMCG, fresh produce, or retail - Demonstrable success working with top European grocery retailers **Required Skills:** - Advanced consumer & shopper insight methodologies - Category management (e.g., Space & Assortment, Nielsen/IRI) - PR & media relations, including crisis comms - Event marketing & trade-show execution - Budget ownership and ROI modelling - Proficiency with syndicate data tools, Power BI/Tableau, digital marketing platforms **Preferred Skills:** - Experience working with avocados or fresh produce - Fluency in additional European languages *ASSUMPTION: While experience in the fresh produce industry is not strictly required, it would be beneficial for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within this sector.* **💰 Compensation & Benefits** **Salary Range:** €80,000 - €120,000 per year (AI-estimated, based on experience level and industry standards for similar roles in the UK) **Benefits:** - Competitive benefits package (details to be discussed during the application process) - Opportunities for international travel and collaboration with global teams **Working Hours:** Full-time, with flexible working arrangements available *ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles in the UK. The final offer will depend on the candidate's experience and qualifications.* **📌 Applicant Insights** **🔍 Company Context** **Industry:** Westfalia Fruit operates in the competitive and dynamic food and beverage manufacturing industry, with a focus on fresh produce and value-added products. **Company Size:** Westfalia Fruit is a mid-sized company with approximately 5,000-10,000 employees globally, providing opportunities for both individual impact and collaboration. **Founded:** Westfalia Fruit was founded in 1949 and has since grown into a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related processed products. **Company Description:** - Westfalia Fruit is a vertically-integrated supply chain, growing, sourcing, ripening, packing, processing, and marketing quality avocados and fresh produce year-round. - The company is recognized as the leading #avoexperts and considered the supplier of choice to both retail and wholesale customers. - Westfalia Fruit has sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Southern Africa, enabling global market reach. **Company Specialties:** - Fresh and ripened avocados - Avocado oil (culinary and cosmetic) - Avocado puree and guacamole - Dried mango and other dried fruits - HPP avocado puree and guacamole - IQF avocado slices and dices - Fresh mangoes and other fruits **Company Website:** Westfalia Fruit *ASSUMPTION: Westfalia Fruit's extensive global presence and vertically-integrated supply chain provide unique opportunities for growth and development within the fresh produce industry.* **📊 Role Analysis** **Career Level:** This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Chief Customer Officer (CCO) and overseeing a team of marketing professionals. **Reporting Structure:** The Global Head of Customer Marketing & Development will report to the CCO and manage a team of marketing professionals responsible for various aspects of customer marketing, category management, and brand development. **Work Arrangement:** This role is primarily on-site, with frequent international travel required to manage key retailer relationships and attend industry events. Flexible working arrangements may be available. **Growth Opportunities:** - Opportunities for international relocation and exposure to global markets - Potential to expand the role's scope and influence as the company grows - Possibility to mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement *ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both in terms of personal development and career progression within the organization.* **🌍 Location & Work Environment** **Office Type:** Westfalia Fruit's European headquarters are located in Kings Hill, England, with additional offices in Paris (FR), Munich (GE), and Poeldijk (NL). The successful candidate may be based out of any of these locations, with frequent travel required. **Office Location(s):** - 42 Kings Hill Avenue, Kent, UK ME19 4, GB - 9 Eton Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2193, ZA - 5 Boulevard du Delta, Zone Eurodelta BP 70103, Rungis Paris, 94658, FR - Honderdland 260, Maasdijk, 2676 LV, NL - 761 E Daily Drive, Suite 110, Camarillo, California 93010, US **Geographic Context:** - Kings Hill, England, UK: A suburban area with easy access to London and other major cities, offering a mix of urban and rural living. - Paris, France: A global city with a vibrant cultural scene, offering excellent opportunities for international collaboration and networking. - Munich, Germany: A major economic hub with a strong focus on innovation and technology, providing ample opportunities for professional growth. - Poeldijk, Netherlands: A rural area with a strong agricultural heritage, offering a unique perspective on the fresh produce industry. **Work Schedule:** Full-time, with flexible working arrangements available. The role may require occasional weekend or evening work to attend industry events or manage international time zones. *ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate should be comfortable with frequent international travel and occasional flexible working arrangements to manage global retailer relationships and attend industry events.* **💼 Interview & Application Insights** **Typical Process:** 1. Online application submission 2. Phone or video screening with the HR team 3. In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and key stakeholders 4. Final interview with the CCO 5. Reference checks and background verification **Key Assessment Areas:** - Strategic thinking and long-term vision - Commercial acumen and understanding of P&L levers - Ability to build and manage relationships with key stakeholders - Leadership and team management skills - Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment **Application Tips:** - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role - Prepare examples of your experience in customer marketing strategy, joint business planning, and category management - Research Westfalia Fruit's unique selling points and competitive advantages to demonstrate your understanding of the business **ATS Keywords:** Customer Marketing Strategy, Integrated Business Planning, Joint Business Plans, Insights Hub Management, Category Management, Omnichannel Retail Initiatives, Event Marketing, Digital Marketing Strategies, Innovation Projects, Public Relations, Crisis Communication, Team Building, Financial Governance, Premiumisation Strategies, Consumer Insights, Data Analysis *ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and relevant experience in customer marketing and category management to succeed in the interview process.* **🛠️ Tools & Technologies** - Syndicate data tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI) - Power BI/Tableau - Digital marketing platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media management tools) - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) *ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant data analysis and marketing tools is essential for success in this role.* **👔 Cultural Fit Considerations** **Company Values:** - Passion for fresh produce and customer satisfaction - Innovation and continuous improvement - Collaboration and teamwork - Sustainability and social responsibility - Integrity and accountability **Work Style:** - Fast-paced and dynamic environment - Results-driven and data-informed decision-making - Strong focus on customer-centricity and retailer collaboration - Open and inclusive team culture, fostering diversity and inclusion **Self-Assessment Questions:** 1. How do you align with Westfalia Fruit's core values, and how have you demonstrated these values in previous roles? 2. How comfortable are you with frequent international travel and managing global retailer relationships? 3. How do you approach data-driven decision-making, and can you provide an example of a successful data-driven marketing campaign you've led? *ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates should demonstrate a strong cultural fit with Westfalia Fruit's values and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong focus on customer-centricity and retailer collaboration.* **⚠️ Potential Challenges** 1. Balancing long-term strategic planning with day-to-day execution and team management 2. Managing global retailer relationships and navigating diverse market dynamics 3. Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with frequent international travel 4. Ensuring robust financial governance and ROI tracking for marketing initiatives *ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.* **📈 Similar Roles Comparison** 1. **Global Brand Manager (FMCG):** This role focuses more on brand management and less on customer marketing and category management. It may offer less exposure to global markets and retailer collaboration. 2. **Category Manager (Retail):** This role is more focused on in-store execution and category performance, with less emphasis on strategic marketing and retailer collaboration. It may offer less exposure to global markets and brand development. 3. **Head of Marketing (Fresh Produce):** This role may offer more exposure to the fresh produce industry but less focus on customer marketing and category management. It may also have a more regional or local scope, with less exposure to global markets. *ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role compared to similar positions in the FMCG, retail, and fresh produce industries.* **📝 Sample Projects** 1. **Global Customer Marketing Strategy:** Develop and implement a 3-5 year customer marketing strategy for a major retailer, aligning with brand vision, category trends, and retail growth plans. 2. **Joint Business Plan:** Collaborate with a key retailer to establish shared KPIs, co-funded marketing initiatives, and innovation goals, driving mutual growth and success. 3. **Category Management Optimization:** Analyze category performance data and consumer insights to optimize planograms and assortment, driving category value and market share growth. *ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and demonstrate their ability to drive meaningful results.* **❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview** 1. How does this role fit into Westfalia Fruit's long-term growth strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days? 2. Can you describe the team structure and dynamics, and how does this role contribute to the team's success? 3. How does Westfalia Fruit support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in marketing and leadership roles? 4. What are the key challenges facing the fresh produce industry, and how does Westfalia Fruit differentiate itself from competitors? 5. How does Westfalia Fruit approach sustainability and social responsibility, and what role does this play in the company's overall strategy? *ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role, the company, and the industry.* **📌 Next Steps for Applicants** To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through this link 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role 3. Prepare examples of your experience in customer marketing strategy, joint business planning, and category management 4. Research Westfalia Fruit's unique selling points and competitive advantages to demonstrate your understanding of the business 5. Follow up with the HR team one week after submission to confirm receipt of your application and inquire about next steps ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.