Category Marketing Manager- Candies/Ice Cream

Job description / Role

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Category Marketing Manager for our Candies and Ice Cream division. This role is pivotal in driving the marketing strategy for our product lines, enhancing brand visibility, and ensuring customer engagement in the competitive Foods Trading and FMCG landscape. You will lead innovative marketing campaigns, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and leverage market insights to capture consumer preferences and trends. The ideal candidate will have a strong marketing background within the F&B sector, with a passion for creating memorable brand experiences in the sweets and desserts category.

Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies for the Candies and Ice Cream category to drive sales growth and market share.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify consumer trends, preferences, and competitive landscape, translating insights into actionable marketing plans.
• Collaborate with product development teams to align marketing activities with product launches and enhancements, ensuring a cohesive go-to-market strategy.
• Manage and optimize the marketing budget for the category, ensuring effective allocation of resources to achieve maximum ROI.
• Create compelling marketing campaigns across various channels, including digital, social media, in-store promotions, and events, to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.
• Work closely with sales teams to develop promotional strategies that support retail and distributor partners, ensuring alignment on objectives and performance metrics.
• Monitor and analyse the performance of marketing initiatives, adjusting strategies as needed based on performance data and feedback.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, agencies, and internal teams, to ensure seamless execution of marketing plans.
• Lead a team of marketing professionals, providing guidance and support to foster professional development and drive high performance.
• Stay updated on industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies to continuously innovate and enhance marketing approaches.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in marketing roles, focusing on the FMCG sector, preferably in Confectionery, ice cream, or beverages categories.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing strategies that drive brand growth and consumer engagement.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into effective marketing actions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Demonstrated experience in managing marketing budgets and achieving financial performance targets.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Creative thinker with a passion for innovation and a keen understanding of consumer behavior in the food sector.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic or other languages is a plus.

About the Company

About Us Helping professionals grow. Supporting businesses thrive.

Black Pearl is a HR consultancy and recruitment firm based in the UAE. We connect skilled professionals with leading organizations across the Gulf region, offering a personalized and thoughtful approach to hiring.

Our team specializes in recruiting for roles across key industries, including but not limited to: - Healthcare and Life Sciences - Engineering and Construction - Technology and Digital - Finance and Accounting - Hospitality and Retail - Government and Emiratization

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