Marketing Director Europe

Company profile:

A world leader in innovative casual footwear for men, women and children. The company offers several distinct shoe collections, also for the professional market. As lighthearted as they are lightweight, the footwear provides profound comfort and support for any occasion and every season.

All products are sold in 90 countries. Every day, millions of the shoe lovers around the world enjoy the exceptional form, function, versatility and feel-good qualities of these shoes while at work, school and play.

Job purpose (responsibility)

Develop and execute the marketing strategies based on the global strategy and aimed to reach the yearly targeted sales and profit. Oversee the marketing department employees and evaluates market conditions, customer research, competitor data and marketing plans.

The position of the Marketing Director Europe is strongly operational and less creative or strategic. To get things done, the marketing department needs to be structured, actions need to be closely planned per channel (wholesale, retail, eCommerce), processes need to be made systematic, time frames need to be implemented and budgets need to be installed and followed (the marketing department works with a relatively tight budget).

Since the European organization decentralized more responsibilities to the different countries in 2011, visiting these countries is an important part of the job. Intensive contact with the Country Managers and with the distributors and agents for building up trust and strong guidance is a necessity.

Products / Results and difficulties / Major tasks

Marketing plan Accountable for the translation of the global brand and marketing strategy into a European strategy. Implement the plan and coach the marketing department to ensure the marketing plan will be executed.   

Promote and represent the

brand(s) Direct the European marketing planning process for all product launches, collections and other programs that will best promote and represent the brand(s).

PR plan Manage the development of the PR plan and ensure that the PR plan will be executed, and PR crisis will be controlled. Plan, manage and continuously improve internal communication and awareness of company’s direction, mission, aims and activities.

Staff Performance Recruit, manage, train, assess and motivate direct reporting staff according to company procedures, policy and employment law.

Achievement of company strategy and goals

Brand positioning and strategy Play an active role in the Management of the sales and marketing department and support the Commercial Director to ensure achievement of company strategy and goals. Execute the responsibilities of a Director according to lawful and ethical standards, as referenced in code of conduct and company policies. Contribute to formulation of policy and strategy as a board member.

Use traditional and nontraditional media, public relations, grass roots events and sponsorships to ensure that in all direct and distributor countries everybody will use the same brand image and message.

 

European marketing strategy Defend the European voice in the global strategy. To protect and develop the European strategy on marketing.

Communication Liaise with other directors to understand all necessary aspects and needs of marketing, to ensure that they are fully informed of marketing objectives, purposes and achievements.

Expertise / Experience / Educational requirements

• Understands the principles of marketing.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the European retail and/or wholesale market.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the apparel / sports / shoes or accessories business.
• Thorough international experience / willingness to travel.
• Experienced in Brand positioning and strategy.
• Marketing or brand management leadership.
• Experienced in managing a complex product matrix and new product launches.
• Appreciates need for consistency within company’s branding and marketing mix, especially PR and Internet. 
• Experienced with working with a HQ.
• Able to communicate and motivate through written media. 
• Experienced in online marketing.
• Experienced with and interested in numbers and budgets.
• Bachelor’s degree, MBA preferred.
• Excellent in communication and cooperation / knows how to listen and create understanding.
• Analytical and organizational skills.
• Gets things done / hands on / down to earth / structured / organized.  
• Preferably the new Marketing Director lives in The Netherlands.

Contacts

Internal:  Europe: European board of directors / management of departments within Europe /  Sales

               Country Managers within Europe

               Global:  Global Marketing Director

External: All PR and marketing agencies, distributors agents and key accounts

Interested?

Please apply by using the form below.