📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Director (m/wd)
🔹 Company: Ornua Co-operative Limited
🔹 Location: Neukirchen-Vluyn, DE, 47506
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-23
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and overseeing the execution of the marketing strategy for Ornua Foods Germany, focusing on the Kerrygold brand.
- Collaborating with the Global Brand team to drive local brand growth and ensure effective marketing performance.
- Leading a high-performing Marketing function and fostering a culture grounded in Ornua's competency and value framework.
- Driving commercial responsibility for Brand performance and enhancing existing platforms to deliver ongoing Brand value growth.
- Identifying and driving strategic growth opportunities for Kerrygold globally and sustaining its position as a premium dairy brand in key markets.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the FMCG market to drive brand growth and success.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and overseeing the execution of the marketing strategy for Ornua Foods Germany, focusing on the Kerrygold brand.
✅ Collaborating with the Global Brand team to drive local brand growth and ensure effective marketing performance.
✅ Leading a high-performing Marketing function and fostering a culture grounded in Ornua's competency and value framework.
✅ Driving commercial responsibility for Brand performance and enhancing existing platforms to deliver ongoing Brand value growth.
✅ Identifying and driving strategic growth opportunities for Kerrygold globally and sustaining its position as a premium dairy brand in key markets.
✅ Overseeing all legal areas pertaining to brand activity in Germany in collaboration with Ornua's Legal Team.
✅ As a member of the Ornua Germany Senior Leadership Team, providing broader leadership and direction to the overall business strategy and performance.
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a high level of strategic thinking, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve marketing objectives and drive business growth.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in business, marketing, or food-related discipline
Experience: Extensive relevant FMCG marketing and branding experience (preferably FMCG sector), managing budgets of €10m+
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership with a demonstrated track record of building and leading high-performing teams
- Excellent commercial acumen with P&L understanding and experience
- Outstanding communication skills in both German and English
- Experience managing external creative agencies in development and execution of television, media, and shopper programs
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build value-adding relationships, both internally and externally
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the grocery retail, consumer, and media markets
- Understanding of integrated brand communication
ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of the role, candidates should have a strong background in FMCG marketing, proven leadership skills, and a solid understanding of the German market.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €80,000 - €120,000 per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for a Marketing Director role in Germany with 10+ years of experience)
Benefits:
- Permanent employment contract
- Flexibility in work location and time within agreed conditions
- 30 days of paid holiday
- Holiday and Christmas bonus
- Company pension scheme
- Capital-forming benefits
- Company health management programme
- Subsidy for the gym (€150 p.a.)
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The estimated salary range is based on market research and industry standards for a Marketing Director role in Germany with the required experience level.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Ornua is a dairy co-operative that markets and sells dairy products on behalf of its Member Co-ops, Ireland’s dairy processors, and, in turn, Irish dairy farmers. It is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, exporting to 110 countries worldwide.
Company Size: Ornua has a global team of 3,000 employees and operates from 10 business units worldwide, including 16 production facilities, with sales and marketing teams working in-market across all four corners of the globe.
Founded: Ornua was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
Company Description:
- Ornua is structured across two divisions: Ornua Foods and Ornua Ingredients.
- Ornua Foods is responsible for the marketing and sales of Ornua’s consumer brands, including Kerrygold, Dubliner, Pilgrims Choice, Forto, and BEO.
- Ornua Ingredients is responsible for the procurement of Irish and non-Irish dairy products and for the sale of dairy ingredients to food manufacturing and foodservice customers across the world.
Company Specialties:
- Dairy Produce
- Dairy Trading
- Dairy Ingredients
- Consumer Foods
- Logistics
- Supply Chain
- Food Distribution
- Speciality Foods
- and New Product Development
Company Website: http://www.ornua.com
ASSUMPTION: Ornua's extensive global presence and diverse business units offer candidates the opportunity to work in a dynamic and international environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Ornua Germany Senior Leadership Team.
Reporting Structure: The Marketing Director will lead the Marketing function and collaborate with the Sales Director and their team to ensure delivery of brand objectives grounded in customer and consumer insight.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany, with flexibility in work location and time within agreed conditions.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow the Kerrygold brand and expand its market share in Germany and globally.
- Opportunity to work on strategic projects that drive business growth and innovation.
- Possibility to develop leadership skills and gain experience in a senior management role.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a real impact on the business and develop personally and professionally.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Ornua Deutschland GmbH is based in Neukirchen-Vluyn, northwest of Dusseldorf, Germany.
Office Location(s): The office is located at Kerrygoldstraße 1, Neukirchen-Vluyn, DE-47506.
Geographic Context:
- Neukirchen-Vluyn is a town in the Rhine-Ruhr area of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
- The region is known for its vibrant business ecosystem and strong economic growth.
- The office is easily accessible by public transportation and has ample parking facilities.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility in work location and time within agreed conditions.
ASSUMPTION: The office location offers a convenient and well-connected work environment, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the Ornua careers portal.
- Phone or video screening with the HR department.
- On-site or video interview with the Hiring Manager and other key stakeholders.
- Final round interview with the Senior Leadership Team.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Candidates' strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Leadership and team management capabilities.
- Understanding of the German market and consumer behavior.
- Communication and interpersonal skills in German and English.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Research Ornua and the German dairy market to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and company.
ATS Keywords: FMCG Marketing, Brand Management, Team Leadership, Commercial Acumen, Integrated Brand Communication, P&L Understanding, Change Management, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Customer Insight, Creative Agency Management, Strategic Input, Product Innovation, Sustainability Commitment, Market Growth, Consumer Insight
ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills, as well as their understanding of the German market and Ornua's business.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, SAP CRM)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and various marketing, CRM, and project management tools to manage projects and collaborate with teams effectively.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Seek and Embrace New Ideas
- Make It Happen
- Be Our True Selves
- Show You Care
- Achieve Great Things Together
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and proactive
- Adaptable and open to change
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Fluent in German and English
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you embrace new ideas and seek innovative solutions to drive brand growth?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and international environment?
- Do you have strong leadership and team management skills?
- Can you effectively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels?
- Are you passionate about the Kerrygold brand and committed to its success?
ASSUMPTION: Ornua values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and results-driven performance.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a high-performing Marketing team and driving results in a competitive market.
- Balancing global brand guidelines with local market needs and consumer preferences.
- Navigating the complexities of the German dairy market and regulatory environment.
- Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with changing priorities and deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth, requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Brand Manager or Marketing Manager position in the FMCG sector, with a focus on brand strategy, marketing execution, and team leadership.
- However, this role offers the unique opportunity to work on a globally recognized brand like Kerrygold and drive its success in the German market.
- Career progression in this role could lead to senior leadership positions within Ornua or other FMCG companies.
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other marketing positions, its focus on a globally recognized brand and the opportunity to drive its success in the German market sets it apart.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing campaign to launch a new Kerrygold product in the German market.
- Conducting market research and consumer insights analysis to inform brand strategy and positioning.
- Managing the creative agency relationship and overseeing the development and execution of advertising campaigns.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and hands-on nature of the role, requiring strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role collaborate with the Sales Director and their team to ensure delivery of brand objectives?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Kerrygold brand in the German market, and how can this role address them?
- How does Ornua support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the company's long-term vision for the Kerrygold brand, and how does this role contribute to its achievement?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role, understanding of its responsibilities, and commitment to driving brand success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Ornua careers portal.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Research Ornua and the German dairy market to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and company.
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
