📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Trade Marketing Manager – EMEA Distribution
🔹 Company: Sika AG
🔹 Location: Zürich, Switzerland
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Regular travel required)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading trade marketing strategies for the EMEA distribution channel
- Implementing both PUSH (e.g., category management, promotional strategies) and PULL (e.g., end user engagement, lead management) marketing approaches
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and regional distribution teams to ensure consistency and synergy
- Monitoring performance and providing data-driven insights to optimize campaigns and resources
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively across teams and regions.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Design and implement innovative marketing strategies within the EMEA distribution channel
✅ Lead the execution of the 'Category Management' concept at points of sale, aligning with the 'Perfect Store' model
✅ Develop and oversee promotional strategies, defining metrics and models for effective in/out campaigns
✅ Design and implement point-of-sale tools and materials under the 'Merchandising' framework to create compelling in-store experiences
✅ Develop and manage loyalty programs to build stronger relationships with distributors and customers
✅ Drive actions aimed at increasing end user engagement, including acquisition strategies and effective lead management campaigns
✅ Define and execute impactful initiatives to enhance brand awareness, ensuring alignment with overall marketing and business objectives
✅ Work closely with regional distribution teams and key stakeholders to implement best practices and tailor strategies for local markets
✅ Stay ahead of market trends and consumer behavior to continuously refine trade marketing strategies
✅ Establish KPIs for trade marketing initiatives and regularly evaluate their effectiveness, providing insights and recommendations based on data analysis
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of travel (approximately 30-40% of working time) and requires strong communication and collaboration skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: Proven experience in trade marketing with a minimum of 5 years in a similar role
Required Skills:
- Expertise in both PUSH and PULL strategies, with strong knowledge of category management, promotional strategies, and customer engagement tools
- Fluency in English
- Creative and analytical mindset with the ability to translate ideas into actionable plans
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of working across teams and regions
- Readiness to travel up to 40%
Preferred Skills:
- Regional EMEA experience
- Experience with implementation of digital tools
- Deep understanding of consumer behaviors, customer journey, and customer experience
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the chemical manufacturing industry or related sectors may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CHF 120,000 - 160,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a mid-level marketing manager in Switzerland)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Dynamic and international work environment
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with regular travel required
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: Sika AG operates in the chemical manufacturing industry, specializing in specialty chemicals for the building sector and industrial manufacturing. The company plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of these industries toward greater environmental compatibility.
Company Size: Sika AG has over 34,000 employees worldwide, making it a large corporation with a global presence.
Founded: Sika AG was founded in 1910 and has since grown into a globally leading position in its field.
Company Description:
- Sika AG is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industrial manufacturing.
- The company has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world and produces innovative technologies for customers worldwide in over 400 factories.
- Sika AG plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility.
Company Specialties:
- Concrete admixtures
- Specialty mortars
- Sealants and adhesives
- Damping and reinforcing materials
- Structural strengthening systems
- Industrial flooring
- Roofing systems
- Waterproofing systems for buildings
- Grouts
- Refurbishment
- Flooring and coating
Company Website: https://www.sika.com/
ASSUMPTION: Sika AG's extensive global presence and industry leadership provide opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management career stage, requiring a balance of strategic thinking and tactical execution.
Reporting Structure: The Trade Marketing Manager – EMEA Distribution will report directly to the Head of Marketing for the EMEA region and work closely with regional distribution teams and key stakeholders.
Work Arrangement: This role is hybrid, with regular travel required (approximately 30-40% of working time).
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand responsibilities and influence marketing strategies across the EMEA region
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive business growth
- Chance to develop leadership skills and advance within the organization
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on Sika AG's marketing efforts in the EMEA region and contribute to the company's overall success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Sika AG's headquarters are located in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, with additional offices across Europe and worldwide.
Office Location(s): The role can be based in any country in Europe where Sika operates, with regular travel across the region.
Geographic Context:
- The role will involve frequent travel to various countries within the EMEA region, allowing the candidate to gain exposure to diverse cultures and markets.
- Sika AG's global presence provides opportunities for international collaboration and learning.
- The role is based in Switzerland, which offers a high quality of life, strong work-life balance, and a competitive business environment.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with regular travel required
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable with frequent travel and adaptable to working in different cultural environments.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members
- Final interview with the Head of Marketing for the EMEA region
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Marketing strategy and planning
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Cultural fit and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience in trade marketing, with a focus on PUSH and PULL strategies
- Demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights
- Showcase your ability to work effectively across teams and regions
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for this specific role and company
ATS Keywords: Trade Marketing, Category Management, Promotional Strategies, Customer Engagement, Brand Awareness, Lead Management, Collaboration, Data Analysis, Market Trends, Consumer Behavior, Loyalty Programs, Point-of-Sale Tools, Creative Mindset, Analytical Mindset, Communication Skills, Travel Ready
ASSUMPTION: Sika AG's hiring process is designed to assess the candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for the role and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, CRM, marketing automation platforms)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable using common marketing and project management tools, as well as learning and adapting to new technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer focus
- Innovation
- Performance
- Responsibility
- Integrity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and proactive
- Adaptable and open to change
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Sika AG's company values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your previous roles?
- How comfortable are you working in a dynamic, international environment with frequent travel?
- How do you approach balancing strategic thinking with tactical execution in your work?
ASSUMPTION: Sika AG values candidates who demonstrate a strong cultural fit, with a focus on customer focus, innovation, performance, responsibility, and integrity.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Frequent travel may be required, which could impact work-life balance
- The role involves working across multiple regions and teams, which may present coordination and communication challenges
- The successful candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changes quickly
- The role requires a strong understanding of both PUSH and PULL marketing strategies, as well as the ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to overcome these challenges by leveraging their strong communication and collaboration skills, adaptability, and data-driven decision-making abilities.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on both PUSH and PULL marketing strategies within the distribution channel for the EMEA region
- Similar roles may include Trade Marketing Manager, Channel Marketing Manager, or Regional Marketing Manager, but this role is distinguished by its focus on the distribution channel and the balance of PUSH and PULL strategies
- Career progression in this role could lead to senior marketing roles within Sika AG or other organizations, with a strong foundation in trade marketing and channel management
ASSUMPTION: The unique focus of this role provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to make a significant impact on Sika AG's marketing efforts in the EMEA region and develop their skills in trade marketing and channel management.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a successful loyalty program for distributors and customers in the EMEA region
- Analyzing market trends and consumer behavior to inform trade marketing strategies and enhance brand awareness
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create compelling point-of-sale tools and materials that drive sales and improve the customer experience
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision-making, collaboration, and creativity.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for the EMEA region, and how will my work contribute to the company's success?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will my performance be measured?
- How does Sika AG support the professional growth and development of its employees, particularly in marketing roles?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the marketing team in the EMEA region, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Sika AG foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, and how can I contribute to this culture in my role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role, the company, and their own professional development, while also providing valuable insights into the organization and the team.
📌 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 experience in trade marketing, with a focus on PUSH and PULL strategies
- Prepare examples of your data analysis and interpretation skills, as well as your ability to translate data into actionable insights
- Be ready to discuss your approach to working effectively across teams and regions, as well as your adaptability and cultural fit
- 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.
