Strategic marketing manager (W/M)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Strategic Marketing Manager (W/M)

🔹 Company: Lesaffre

🔹 Location: Maisons-Alfort, Île-de-France, France

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: June 18, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Serving as the intelligence spoc, aggregating and summarizing information from various sources for the business unit (BU) management
• Driving strategy execution, identifying deviations, and proposing key projects to achieve the strategy
• Working with innovation teams to prioritize projects in the BU project pipe and validating business plans
• Exploring diversification by identifying new usages for existing product lines, new product lines developments, and new segments
• Identifying potential partners to develop new product lines and applications, and exploring markets for new product lines developments

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a matrix organization.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ INTELLIGENCE SPOC: Aggregate multiple information sources such as business intelligence, innovation & patent watch, segment roadmaps, summarize them to Procelys management, and propose priority actions for the BU

✅ STRATEGY: Follow up strategy execution, identify deviations, propose key projects to achieve the strategy, define and propose to LT yearly BU must-win battles, and frame related projects

✅ BU OFFER DEVELOPMENT: Work with innovation teams to prioritize projects in the Procelys project pipe, validate all projects' business plans, value propositions, and business plans

✅ EXPLORE DIVERSIFICATION: Identify new usages for existing product lines, potential new product lines developments, and new segments; develop intelligence for segments not covered by segment managers

✅ PARTNERSHIPS: Identify potential partners to develop new product lines and applications, explore markets, and propose new product lines developments for the BU

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of collaboration with various teams, including sales, marketing, innovation, and management.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A scientific educational background (minimum BSc in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, or Biology)

Experience: 8+ years of experience in Sales & Marketing functions, with proven collaboration across sales, marketing, and innovation teams; minimum 3 years of experience in strategic marketing and in operational communication or regional marketing; 5+ years of strategic marketing experience in Biotech, Pharma, or Life Sciences (nice to have); experience in innovation roles within a B2B Life Science ingredients company (nice to have)

Required Skills:

• Strong ability to set priorities in ambiguous or complex environments
• Naturally curious with a strong analytical mindset
• Proven leadership skills
• Ability to grasp multidimensional topics across science and market landscapes
• A team player who thrives in a matrix organization
• Excellent influencing and communication skills
• Experience working in multicultural environments
• Background in corporate strategy or Head of Strategy role (nice to have)

Preferred Skills:

• French at B2 level

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong strategic mindset, proven leadership skills, and experience working in multicultural environments will be well-suited for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €70,000 - €90,000 per year (AI-estimated, based on industry standards for a strategic marketing manager with 10+ years of experience in the Life Sciences industry in France)

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Employee discounts
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Lesaffre is a global player in fermentation, with a €3 billion turnover, and established on all continents, counting 11,000 employees and 96 nationalities. They work with customers, partners, and researchers to find ever more relevant answers to the needs of food, health, naturalness, and respect for the environment.

Company Size: Lesaffre has 10,001+ employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Lesaffre was founded in 1853 and has since grown into a key global player in fermentation, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.

Company Description:

• Lesaffre is committed to nourishing 9 billion people in a healthy way by 2050, making the most of the planet's resources through fermentation
• The company explores and reveals the infinite potential of microorganisms to provide innovative solutions for the food, health, and naturalness sectors
• Lesaffre fosters a culture of collaboration, diversity, and innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility

Company Specialties:

• Baking
• Biotechnologies
• Health Care
• Food industry
• Research & Development

Company Website: http://www.lesaffre.com

ASSUMPTION: Lesaffre's focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration makes it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a dynamic and impactful work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a strategic mindset and extensive experience in marketing and sales.

Reporting Structure: The Strategic Marketing Manager will report directly to the Procelys management team and collaborate with various teams, including sales, marketing, innovation, and management.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or meetings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Procelys is a global business unit within Lesaffre, providing ample opportunities for international exposure and career growth
• The company's focus on innovation and sustainability creates a dynamic work environment with potential for professional development
• Lesaffre's large employee base offers opportunities for networking and collaboration with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and expertise

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong strategic mindset, proven leadership skills, and experience working in multicultural environments will be well-suited for this role and have ample opportunities for growth within Lesaffre.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Lesaffre's Maisons-Alfort office is a modern, collaborative workspace with a focus on sustainability and employee well-being.

Office Location(s): Maisons-Alfort, Île-de-France, France

Geographic Context:

• Maisons-Alfort is a suburb of Paris, located in the southeastern part of the Île-de-France region
• The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to Paris and other nearby cities
• Maisons-Alfort is well-connected by public transportation, with several train and bus stations nearby

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is full-time, with standard business hours. Occasional flexibility may be required to accommodate meetings or project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: Lesaffre's Maisons-Alfort office provides a modern, collaborative work environment with a strong focus on sustainability and employee well-being.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and relevant team members
• Final interview with the Procelys management team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Analytical mindset and data-driven decision-making
• Leadership and teamwork abilities
• Communication and influencing skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Lesaffre's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your strategic marketing experience, leadership skills, and ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and ability to work effectively in a matrix organization
• Research Lesaffre's company culture, values, and focus on sustainability to demonstrate your enthusiasm and alignment with the organization

ATS Keywords: Strategic Marketing, Sales, Collaboration, Innovation, Business Intelligence, Analytical Mindset, Leadership, Communication, Team Player, Multicultural Experience, Project Management, Market Analysis, Product Development, Partnership Development, Prioritization, Curiosity

ASSUMPTION: Lesaffre's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and data-driven decision-making.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have experience with relevant business intelligence, project management, and marketing automation tools, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: Lesaffre fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
• Collaboration: The company values teamwork and collaboration across departments and regions
• Sustainability: Lesaffre is committed to sustainable development and responsible business practices

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Strong focus on data-driven decision-making and continuous learning
• Collaborative and inclusive culture that values diversity and inclusion

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment?
• Are you comfortable working in a matrix organization and collaborating with various teams?
• Do you have a strong strategic mindset and a proven ability to make data-driven decisions?
• Are you passionate about sustainability and committed to responsible business practices?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are dynamic, collaborative, and committed to sustainability will be well-suited for Lesaffre's work environment and company culture.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in a matrix organization may require strong communication and influencing skills to navigate complex decision-making processes
• The role may involve managing multiple priorities and competing demands, requiring strong prioritization and time management skills
• Lesaffre's focus on innovation and sustainability may require candidates to adapt to new tools, processes, or initiatives as the company evolves
• The role may require occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences, or visit clients and partners

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other strategic marketing roles, this position places a strong emphasis on business intelligence, innovation, and partnership development
• Lesaffre's focus on sustainability and responsible business practices sets it apart from other companies in the Life Sciences industry
• This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and international exposure within Lesaffre's global business units

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider Lesaffre's unique focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration when comparing this role to similar positions in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive market analysis and segmentation strategy for a new product line
• Identifying and evaluating potential partnerships to expand the company's product offerings or enter new markets
• Leading a cross-functional team to develop and execute a strategic marketing plan for a key account or market segment

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how their skills and expertise align with the role's requirements.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's strategic priorities for the next 1-3 years, and how this role contributes to achieving them?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in marketing and sales roles?
• Can you provide examples of how Lesaffre's focus on sustainability and responsible business practices is integrated into day-to-day operations and strategic decision-making?
• How does the company foster collaboration and innovation across its global business units, and what opportunities exist for international exposure and career growth?
• What are the key challenges facing the Procelys business unit, and how does this role contribute to addressing them?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role, the company, and the industry.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the application link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your strategic marketing experience, leadership skills, and ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and ability to work effectively in a matrix organization
• Research Lesaffre's company culture, values, and focus on sustainability to demonstrate your enthusiasm and alignment with the organization
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.