📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Manager
🔹 Company: Irca Group
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL
🔹 Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (3 days per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing comprehensive marketing plans across the Americas region
- Creating essential marketing collateral to empower the sales team
- Driving trade marketing initiatives and campaigns
- Analyzing consumer insights and market trends to inform strategic decisions
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of marketing initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of collaboration with sales teams and other internal departments, as well as external agencies and vendors. Strong communication and presentation skills are crucial for success in this position.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Create essential marketing collateral to empower the sales team, including one-pagers, brochures, and capabilities presentations.
✅ Develop high-impact presentations for strategic customer meetings, collaborating closely with sales and culinary teams.
✅ Participate in strategic customer meetings to present market trends and provide expert insights that support sales objectives.
✅ Maintain and update comprehensive libraries of product concepts and innovations developed in partnership with our chefs.
✅ Collaborate with the Senior Marketing Manager to identify key products and define priority segments for the Americas region.
✅ Plan and execute integrated segment marketing campaigns to drive commercial penetration in FM, Chains, Distribution, and ISB.
✅ Partner with the creative and culinary teams to develop compelling segment-specific marketing materials and innovative campaign concepts.
✅ Monitor and analyze campaign performance, providing actionable insights and recommendations.
✅ Implement Multi-Channel Communication Strategies: Define and execute integrated online and offline communication strategies that maximize reach and engagement for each segment campaign, ensuring consistent messaging across all touchpoints.
✅ Generate monthly trend reports utilizing tools like Mintel, focusing on key categories and channels to inform strategic decisions.
✅ Serve as the primary internal and external subject matter expert on market trends and consumer insights, disseminating knowledge across relevant teams.
✅ Work in close collaboration with the Communications & Digital Team to develop engaging market trend content for our website and social media platforms.
✅ Foster strong partnerships with the IRCA Academy chefs, sales, customer service, and other internal departments to ensure the successful execution of category management initiatives, segment campaigns, and consumer marketing insights (CMI) projects.
✅ Effectively manage relationships with external agencies and vendors, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and efficient project delivery.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive and strategic thinker with a strong capacity for implementation. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for collaborative work with sales teams within a fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in marketing management, preferably within the food, beverage, or CPG industry.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns across various channels.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data, consumer insights, and campaign performance metrics to drive strategic decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with sales teams and understand sales drivers in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including customers and internal stakeholders.
- Proficiency in marketing technology and CRM software (e.g., Salesforce).
- Strategic mindset with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving challenges.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to travel as needed to customer sites, industry events, and other business-related engagements.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the food or beverage industry.
- Fluency in Spanish or other languages relevant to the Americas region.
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience in the food or beverage industry is highly preferred for this role. Familiarity with the industry's trends and dynamics would be beneficial for success in this position.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $105,000 a year
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, & Vision
- 401(k) matching
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Employee Education Tuition Reimbursement Program
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for marketing managers with 5-10 years of experience in the food or beverage industry. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Irca Group operates in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, specializing in high-quality food ingredient production. The company serves customers in over 100 countries and has a strong presence in the Americas region.
Company Size: Irca Group has 1,001-5,000 employees globally, with offices and manufacturing facilities near Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco, and St. Louis in the US. The company's headquarters is located in Gallarate, Lombardia, Italy.
Founded: Irca Group was founded in Italy in 1919 and has since expanded its operations worldwide.
Company Description:
- Irca Group is a global leader in high-quality food ingredient production, specializing in chocolates, creams, fillings, fruits, pistachios, and chocolate and sugar decorations.
- The company's brands include IRCA since 1919, Dobla, JoyGelato, Ravifruit, Cesarin, Domori, and Graffiti Sprinkles, each with its own unique history, specialties, and positioning in the market.
- Irca Group operates 21 production facilities across Europe, the US, and Vietnam, serving customers in more than 100 countries.
Company Specialties:
- Chocolate
- Pastry
- Bakery
- Horeca
- Ice-cream
- Food and food manufacturer
Company Website: https://www.ircagroup.com/en
ASSUMPTION: Irca Group's extensive experience and global presence in the food and beverage manufacturing industry make it a strong and stable employer. The company's diverse portfolio of brands and products allows for growth and career development opportunities within the organization.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a mid-level marketing management position, requiring a balance of strategic thinking and tactical execution. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of experience in marketing management, preferably within the food or beverage industry.
Reporting Structure: The Marketing Manager will report directly to the Senior Marketing Manager and work closely with sales, culinary, customer service, and other internal departments. The role may also involve managing external agencies and vendors.
Work Arrangement: This role is a hybrid position, requiring the candidate to work on-site at the company's Chicago office for 3 days per week. The remaining 2 days can be worked remotely.
Growth Opportunities:
- The Americas region is a key focus for Irca Group's expansion, presenting opportunities for the Marketing Manager to make a significant impact on the company's growth and success.
- As the company continues to expand its domestic capabilities, there may be opportunities for the Marketing Manager to take on additional responsibilities or move into a more senior role.
- The diverse portfolio of brands and products within Irca Group offers opportunities for the Marketing Manager to gain experience in various aspects of the business and develop their skills in different areas of marketing.
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Manager's role is critical to the success of Irca Group's expansion in the Americas region. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of driving growth and market penetration in a fast-paced environment.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Irca Group's Chicago office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): Chicago, IL
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is a major hub for the food and beverage industry, with a diverse and vibrant culinary scene.
- The city is home to numerous food manufacturing companies, trade shows, and industry events, providing ample opportunities for networking and professional development.
- Chicago's central location and extensive transportation infrastructure make it an ideal base for serving the Americas region.
Work Schedule: The Marketing Manager will work a full-time schedule, with flexible hours to accommodate meetings and events as needed.
ASSUMPTION: Irca Group's Chicago office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. The office's central location and proximity to major transportation hubs make it easily accessible for employees and visitors.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-depth interview with the Senior Marketing Manager and/or other members of the marketing team
- Final interview with the Head of Marketing or another senior leader within the organization
Key Assessment Areas:
- Marketing strategy and campaign development
- Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- Communication and presentation skills
- Collaboration and stakeholder management
- Industry knowledge and market trends
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and skills, with a focus on campaign development, market analysis, and stakeholder management.
- Prepare for the interview by researching Irca Group's products, brands, and market position. Be ready to discuss your ideas for driving growth and market penetration in the Americas region.
- Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with sales teams and other internal departments by providing examples of successful cross-functional projects or initiatives from your past experience.
ATS Keywords: Marketing Management, Campaign Development, Market Analysis, Stakeholder Management, Sales Collaboration, Food Industry, Beverage Industry, CPG Industry
ASSUMPTION: Irca Group's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, analytical skills, and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of driving growth and market penetration in a fast-paced environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing technology and CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)
- Market research tools (e.g., Mintel)
- Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint)
- Design and creative tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Manager will be expected to have proficiency in marketing technology and CRM software, as well as familiarity with market research tools and presentation software. Experience with design and creative tools may be beneficial but is not required.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Heritage: Irca Group places a strong emphasis on its Italian heritage and the quality and craftsmanship that comes with it.
- Innovation: The company is committed to continuous improvement and the development of new and innovative products and solutions.
- Expertise: Irca Group's success is built on the expertise and knowledge of its employees, who are encouraged to share their insights and ideas to drive the business forward.
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Irca Group values a team-oriented approach to work, with employees encouraged to collaborate and share ideas across departments and functions.
- Dynamic: The company operates in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, requiring employees to be adaptable and responsive to new opportunities and challenges.
- Customer-focused: Irca Group is committed to providing exceptional customer service and support to its customers, with a focus on understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Irca Group's values of heritage, innovation, and expertise, and how would you bring these values to your role as Marketing Manager?
- How do you approach collaboration and teamwork in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, and how would you apply this to your role at Irca Group?
- How do you ensure that your work style is customer-focused, and how would you apply this to your role as Marketing Manager?
ASSUMPTION: Irca Group's culture is built on a strong sense of heritage and a commitment to innovation and excellence. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong alignment with the company's values and a customer-focused approach to their work.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The Marketing Manager will be required to work on-site at the company's Chicago office for 3 days per week, which may present challenges for candidates who prefer a fully remote or hybrid work arrangement.
- The role requires a high level of collaboration with sales teams and other internal departments, which may present challenges for candidates who prefer to work independently or in a more isolated environment.
- The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the role may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment.
- The competitive nature of the food and beverage industry may present challenges for the Marketing Manager in driving growth and market penetration in the Americas region.
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Manager's role is a challenging and demanding position, requiring a high level of collaboration, adaptability, and resilience. The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and be able to navigate the competitive nature of the food and beverage industry.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other marketing management roles, this position requires a strong focus on driving growth and market penetration in the Americas region, with a particular emphasis on the food and beverage industry.
- While the role involves many of the same responsibilities as other marketing management positions, such as campaign development and market analysis, the focus on the Americas region and the food and beverage industry sets it apart from other similar roles.
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into a more senior marketing position within Irca Group or taking on additional responsibilities as the company continues to expand its domestic capabilities.
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Manager's role is a unique and challenging position, requiring a strong focus on driving growth and market penetration in the Americas region and the food and beverage industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of success in a similar role and be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the industry and its trends and dynamics.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing plan for a new product launch in the Americas region, including market research, campaign development, and stakeholder management.
- Analyzing market trends and consumer insights to inform strategic decisions and drive growth in the company's existing product portfolio.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and execute a multi-channel communication strategy for a major trade show or industry event, ensuring consistent messaging and maximum reach and engagement.
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Manager's role involves a wide range of responsibilities and projects, requiring a diverse skill set and a strong ability to adapt to new opportunities and challenges. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in similar projects and be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the industry and its trends and dynamics.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Irca Group's approach to marketing differ from other companies in the food and beverage industry, and how does this impact the role of Marketing Manager?
- What are the key priorities for the Marketing Manager in the first 90 days in the role, and how can I contribute to driving success in these areas?
- How does Irca Group support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members, and what opportunities are there for the Marketing Manager to grow and advance in their career?
- What are the key challenges facing the company in the Americas region, and how can the Marketing Manager contribute to driving growth and market penetration in this market?
- How does Irca Group's culture and work environment support collaboration and teamwork, and how can the Marketing Manager contribute to fostering a positive and productive work environment?
ASSUMPTION: The Marketing Manager's role is a critical and challenging position, requiring a strong ability to collaborate and adapt to new opportunities and challenges. The ideal candidate will be able to ask insightful and strategic questions to demonstrate their understanding of the role and their ability to drive success in the position.
📌 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 and skills, with a focus on campaign development, market analysis, and stakeholder management.
- Prepare for the interview by researching Irca Group's products, brands, and market position. Be ready to discuss your ideas for driving growth and market penetration in the Americas region.
- Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with sales teams and other internal departments by providing examples of successful cross-functional projects or initiatives from your past experience.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position and 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.
