📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Executive, Benelux
🔹 Company: Zespri Group Limited
🔹 Location: Antwerp, Belgium
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 office days per week)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 26, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting the development and execution of brand marketing activities across the Benelux region
- Collaborating closely with the Benelux and European Marketing teams to deliver integrated 360° marketing campaigns
- Managing planning, coordination, execution, and monitoring of BTL consumer-marketing projects
- Monitoring and evaluating campaign performance, contributing to data analysis on market trends, consumer behavior, shopper insights, and competitor activity
- Managing administrative and financial aspects of the marketing function
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, multitasking, and attention to detail, as well as strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Collaborate closely with the Benelux and European Marketing teams to deliver integrated 360° marketing campaigns that elevate the Zespri brand
✅ Assist the Marketing Manager in the definition, execution, coordination, and monitoring of the different marketing activities for Benelux (e.g., ATL marketing campaigns)
✅ Manage planning, coordination, execution, and monitoring of BTL consumer-marketing projects (activation, PR, influencer, content, etc.) and follow up of local agencies involved
✅ Coordinate with local agencies and suppliers to ensure timely and high-quality production of marketing materials across various platforms, including social media, CRM, blogs, and other owned media
✅ Support the development and implementation of digital communication strategies tailored to the Benelux market
✅ Monitor and evaluate campaign performance, contributing to data analysis on market trends, consumer behavior, shopper insights, and competitor activity
✅ Manage administrative and financial aspects of the marketing function, including budget tracking, supplier coordination, purchase order creation, invoice processing in SAP, and financial reporting
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on project management, and analytical work, requiring a versatile and adaptable candidate.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communication, Management, or a related field, ideally with specialized training in digital marketing or related tools
Experience: 2 years of experience in marketing, preferably in FMCG, retail, health, or fresh food sectors
Required Skills:
- Bilingual proficiency in Dutch and French, along with excellent English communication skills
- Strong skills in MS Office, online marketing tools, and ideally SAP or Synity or willingness to master these
- Proven experience in managing content and assets across platforms
- Excellent project management and organizational skills
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with CRM systems
- Knowledge of the kiwifruit industry or relevant industry-specific insights
- Familiarity with the Benelux market
ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on the Benelux region, candidates with local market knowledge and language proficiency are highly desirable.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €35,000 - €45,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a Marketing Executive with 2-5 years of experience in the Benelux region)
Benefits:
- Competitive overall remuneration package
- FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office (3 office days per week)
- Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day)
- Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time)
- Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance
- Group Medical Insurance benefits
- Free kiwifruit!
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible working arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Marketing Executive with 2-5 years of experience in the Benelux region. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal policies.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Zespri is a global leader in the marketing and distribution of kiwifruit, operating in over 50 markets worldwide. The company is committed to sustainability and helping people, communities, and the environment thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit.
Company Size: Zespri is a medium-sized company with approximately 975 employees globally, providing a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
Founded: Zespri was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.
Company Description:
- Zespri is a global horticultural marketing company and New Zealand's largest horticultural exporter, exporting kiwifruit to more than 50 countries around the world
- The company is 100% owned by current and former kiwifruit growers and has a global team of 900 based in Mount Maunganui and throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas
- Zespri's purpose is to help people, communities, and the environment thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit, working with growers to provide consumers with fresh, healthy, and great-tasting Zespri Green, RubyRed, and SunGold Kiwifruit
Company Specialties:
- Kiwifruit marketing
- Fruit trading
- FMCG
Company Website: http://www.zespri.com
ASSUMPTION: Zespri's global presence and commitment to sustainability make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a meaningful and impactful role in the FMCG industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for an early-career Marketing Executive looking to gain experience in a global FMCG company and make a significant impact on regional marketing campaigns.
Reporting Structure: The Marketing Executive will report directly to the Marketing Manager Benelux and work closely with the Benelux and European Marketing teams, as well as local agencies and suppliers.
Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with employees working from the office three days a week and remotely for the remaining two days.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Senior Marketing Executive or Marketing Manager role within the Benelux region or other international markets
- Expanding responsibilities and team leadership opportunities as the company grows and evolves
- Cross-functional collaboration and learning opportunities within the global marketing organization
ASSUMPTION: Zespri's global presence and commitment to employee development provide ample opportunities for career growth and progression within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Zespri's office in Antwerp, Belgium, offers a modern, collaborative, and dynamic work environment, with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities to support employee productivity and well-being.
Office Location(s): Antwerp, Belgium
Geographic Context:
- The Benelux region comprises Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, with a total population of over 28 million people
- Antwerp is the second-most populous city in Belgium, with a diverse cultural scene, vibrant nightlife, and a rich history
- The Benelux region is a major economic hub for Europe, with a strong focus on trade, finance, and logistics
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible working arrangements and the option to work remotely two days per week
ASSUMPTION: The Benelux region's strategic location, cultural diversity, and economic significance make it an attractive market for a global FMCG company like Zespri.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the Talent Acquisition team
- First-round interview with the Marketing Manager Benelux and a member of the Talent Acquisition team
- Second-round interview with the Marketing Manager Benelux and another member of the senior leadership team
- Final-round interview with the Global Marketing Director or another senior leader
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Cultural fit and alignment with Zespri's values
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Marketing and project management skills
- Language proficiency in Dutch, French, and English
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience, skills, and enthusiasm for the role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
- Research Zespri's company culture, values, and mission to demonstrate your understanding and alignment with the organization
- Be prepared to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your professional development plan
ATS Keywords: Marketing Executive, Benelux, FMCG, Retail, Health, Fresh Food, Consumer Engagement, Digital Communication, Project Management, Budget Tracking, Data Analysis, CRM, Marketing Materials, Social Media, Bilingual, Dutch, French, English
ASSUMPTION: Zespri's interview process is designed to assess candidates' cultural fit, skills, and potential for growth within the organization, with a focus on behavioral and situational interview questions.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Online marketing tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media platforms, CRM systems)
- SAP or Synity (or willingness to master these)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Google Data Studio, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: Zespri's marketing team uses a combination of industry-standard and proprietary tools to manage marketing campaigns, projects, and data analysis.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Make it happen: We take ownership and responsibility for our actions and outcomes
- Create real connections: We build strong, lasting relationships with our customers, partners, and each other
- Leave a legacy: We strive to make a positive impact on people, communities, and the environment
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on open communication and knowledge sharing
- Adaptable and resilient, with a willingness to learn and grow in a dynamic and evolving work environment
- Results-driven and proactive, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality work and achieving exceptional outcomes
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Zespri's core values, and can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated each value?
- How comfortable are you working in a hybrid work environment, and how do you balance your time between working from home and the office?
- How do you approach building and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with colleagues, partners, and customers, and can you share an example of a successful connection you've cultivated?
ASSUMPTION: Zespri's company culture is centered around its core values, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and results-driven work ethic.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The Benelux region is a competitive market for FMCG companies, with a high number of marketing opportunities and a diverse range of consumer preferences
- Managing multiple marketing projects and campaigns simultaneously may require strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining work-life balance and staying connected with colleagues and stakeholders
- The role may require occasional travel to other Zespri offices or events within the Benelux region or internationally
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Executive role at Zespri presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development, with a focus on strategic planning, project management, and analytical skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Marketing Executive roles in the FMCG industry, this position offers a unique opportunity to work for a global leader in the kiwifruit market, with a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility
- The Benelux region presents a diverse and dynamic market for marketing professionals, with a rich cultural heritage and a strong emphasis on innovation and creativity
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in international marketing, management, or other specialized areas within the global FMCG industry
ASSUMPTION: Zespri's Marketing Executive role offers a unique blend of global and regional marketing experience, with a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a regional marketing campaign to launch a new Zespri kiwifruit variety in the Benelux market
- Managing a local PR agency to secure media coverage and generate buzz around Zespri's sustainability initiatives in the Benelux region
- Collaborating with influencers and content creators to produce engaging and informative marketing materials for Zespri's social media channels
ASSUMPTION: Zespri's Marketing Executive role involves a wide range of projects and initiatives, with a strong focus on creativity, innovation, and strategic planning.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Zespri's long-term marketing strategy for the Benelux region and globally?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I contribute to driving success in these areas?
- How does Zespri support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in the Benelux market, and how does Zespri address these challenges?
- How does Zespri measure the success of its marketing campaigns, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are most important for this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to driving success within the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience, skills, and enthusiasm for the role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
- Research Zespri's company culture, values, and mission to demonstrate your understanding and alignment with the organization
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team 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.
