📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Manager Benelux
🔹 Company: Givaudan SA
🔹 Location: Naarden, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic market leadership, driving local strategy and strategic planning
- Customer-centric approach, championing customer needs and fostering collaboration
- Excellence in execution, building strong customer relationships and seizing market opportunities
- Insight-driven decision making, utilizing consumer sensory insights to align marketing strategies with business objectives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong business acumen, and the ability to work effectively in an international matrix environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop a deep understanding of customers, market trends, and competitor activities to shape local strategy and strategic planning
✅ Collaborate with the Commercial Director on local strategy and contribute to key decisions within the Benelux Leadership Team
✅ Champion a customer-centric mindset, inspiring Key Account Managers and Product Development teams with fresh ideas and insights
✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with customers at both local and regional levels, quickly seizing emerging market opportunities
✅ Monitor key performance indicators and provide actionable insights to enhance performance and deliver winning, customer-focused value propositions
✅ Utilize Consumer Sensory Insights to align marketing strategies with business objectives, ensuring initiatives resonate with customers and drive sales growth
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and influencing skills to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Master's degree in Food Technology, Marketing, or Business Administration with a strong affinity for the food industry
Experience: A minimum of 10 years of marketing experience, with a solid grasp of marketing strategy, execution, brand positioning, and product commercialization
Required Skills:
- Proven track record in strategic market leadership
- Customer-centric mindset with strong influencing and leadership skills
- Strong organizational skills to manage complexity and prioritize effectively
- Fluency in Dutch and English, with willingness to travel approximately 20% within the Benelux region
Preferred Skills:
- B2B marketing experience in the flavor industry
- Pragmatic, results-oriented mindset
ASSUMPTION: Given the international nature of the role, candidates with experience working in a matrix environment and across different cultures will be at an advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €80,000 - €100,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Marketing Manager with 10+ years of experience in the Netherlands)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Dynamic and international work environment
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a flexible work arrangement (1 day remote, 4 days in office)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Givaudan operates in the chemical manufacturing industry, specifically in the fragrance and flavor sector
Company Size: Givaudan is a large, global company with over 16,000 employees worldwide, providing a diverse and dynamic work environment
Founded: Givaudan was founded in 1895 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry
Company Description:
- Givaudan is a global leader in fragrance and flavor creation, with a mission to celebrate the beauty of human experience by creating for happier, healthier lives with love for nature
- The company works with customers to deliver food experiences, craft inspired fragrances, and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions
- Givaudan is committed to driving purpose-led growth that makes a positive impact on people's lives and the planet
Company Specialties:
- Fragrances & Flavours
- Taste & Wellbeing
- Beauty & Personal Care
Company Website: http://www.givaudan.com
ASSUMPTION: Givaudan's extensive global presence and expertise in the fragrance and flavor industry make it an attractive employer for marketing professionals seeking international career opportunities.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Commercial Director Benelux
Reporting Structure: The Benelux Marketing Manager will lead one direct report and collaborate with various teams, including Sales, Taste Development, and Key Account Managers
Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with 1 day remote and 4 days in the office or at customer locations
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to shape strategic direction and impact major decisions for the Benelux business
- Opportunities to collaborate with international teams and gain exposure to global best practices
- Possibility to progress to regional or global marketing roles within Givaudan
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a real impact on the business and advance their career within a global organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Givaudan's office in Naarden is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation
Office Location(s): Givaudan International SA, 5, Chemin de la Parfumerie, Vernier, Geneva 1214, CH (Global Headquarters)
Geographic Context:
- Naarden is located in the Noord-Holland province of the Netherlands, approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Amsterdam
- The region is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene
- Naarden offers a high quality of life, with excellent educational facilities, healthcare services, and recreational opportunities
Work Schedule: The work schedule follows a standard 40-hour workweek, with a flexible arrangement allowing for one remote workday
ASSUMPTION: The Naarden office provides a dynamic and inspiring work environment, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application review
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and relevant team members
- Final round interviews with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and market analysis skills
- Customer-centric mindset and ability to build strong relationships
- Leadership and teamwork skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively
- Fluency in Dutch and English, with strong communication skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to drive results
- Research Givaudan's company culture and be prepared to discuss how your values align with the organization
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Benelux market and Givaudan's products and services
ATS Keywords: Marketing Strategy, Customer-Centric, Team Leadership, Market Analysis, Brand Positioning, Product Commercialization, Collaboration, Innovation, Consumer Insights, B2B Marketing, Results-Oriented, Organizational Skills, Fluent in Dutch, Fluent in English, Food Technology, Business Administration
ASSUMPTION: Givaudan's application process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit with the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant marketing tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they enable effective data-driven decision making and efficient workflows.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passion for people and performance
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Integrity and respect
- Innovation and creativity
- Sustainability and responsibility
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment
- International and multicultural team
- Strong focus on results and performance
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Givaudan's company values?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, international team with a strong focus on results?
- Do you have experience working in a matrix environment and collaborating with diverse teams?
ASSUMPTION: Givaudan's company culture emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and a passion for people and performance, making it an attractive employer for driven and collaborative marketing professionals.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a diverse and international team, with potential language barriers and cultural differences
- Balancing strategic planning and execution, with a focus on both long-term growth and immediate results
- Adapting to a dynamic and evolving market, with a need for continuous learning and adaptation
- Managing a hybrid work arrangement, balancing remote work and in-office collaboration effectively
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong leadership, communication, and adaptability skills, as well as a willingness to embrace change and continuous learning.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other marketing manager roles in the Benelux region, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape strategic direction and impact major decisions for a global leader in the fragrance and flavor industry
- Givaudan's extensive global presence and expertise in the fragrance and flavor sector provide unparalleled growth opportunities for the right candidate
- Career progression in Givaudan may involve regional or global marketing roles, with potential exposure to diverse markets and cultures
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant advantages over similar positions in the industry, with its focus on strategic leadership, international exposure, and extensive growth opportunities.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive market analysis and strategic plan for a new product launch in the Benelux region
- Conducting consumer research and sensory testing to inform product development and positioning strategies
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and execute targeted marketing campaigns, driving brand awareness and customer engagement
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and strategic nature of the Benelux Marketing Manager role, requiring strong analytical, creative, and collaborative skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for Givaudan in the Benelux region and globally?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I make a significant impact?
- How does Givaudan support the professional development and growth of its marketing managers?
- What are the key challenges facing the Benelux business, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does Givaudan foster a culture of innovation and creativity, and what opportunities are there for me to contribute to this?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role, the company, and its culture, while also providing valuable insights into the organization's priorities and expectations.
📌 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 strategic thinking, customer-centric mindset, and leadership abilities
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to drive results
- Research Givaudan's company culture and be prepared to discuss how your values align with the organization
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Benelux market and Givaudan's products and services
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, inquiring about the status of your application and expressing your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
