B&Js Retail Marketing and Operations Manager - Europe

Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date.

Job Title: B&Js Retail Marketing and Operations Manager - Europe

Location: Datchet, UK (B&J EUR HQ)

The role of Ben & Jerry’s Retail Marketing and Operations Manager - Europe will report into the Head of Retail Europe Ben & Jerry’s.

Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc. started in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, USA, founded by childhood friends and dedicated activists Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. In 2000 Ben & Jerry’s became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever whilst maintaining an independent Board of Directors to provide leadership focused on preserving and expanding Ben & Jerry's social mission, brand integrity, and product quality. Nowadays our products are distributed in 35 countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchise Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops, restaurants and other venues.

At Ben & Jerry’s we have an inspiring ambition. We aim to pioneer our ‘linked prosperity business model’ (meaning that as the company prospers, those connected to it- including employees, suppliers, franchisees, farmers and others – should do well too) to advance the global movement for social and economic justice while growing our sales to over 1.5 billion €. Ben & Jerry’s is an omni-channel brand and retail in Europe is critical to this providing opportunities for the range of experiences from onsite immersion in the brand to home delivery of unique customizable delights as well as events and surprise and delight sharing moments. This translates into a high-paced growth environment where we bring our grassroots and activist spirit every day. That is how we remain a true values-led organisation with a connected 3-part mission, which you will find reflected in your goals and aspirations:

1. Social mission: to initiate innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally and internationally.
2. Product mission: to make and distribute the finest quality all natural and super premium ice-cream and euphoric concoctions.
3. Economic mission: to operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth.

JOB PURPOSE

We’re looking for a Retail expert to join the European Ben & Jerry’s retail scooping team in our Datchet (UK) office, and take retail to the next level. The successful candidate will provide leadership and support to our lead scooping markets (UK, Spain, Portugal and Nordics) to deliver our combined strategic plans focusing on:

1. YoY growth and profit at European level.
2. Consistent operator performance and profitability.
3. The delivery of class leading marketing campaigns and assets.
4. NPD management and production scheduling.
5. Consistent activation of our social messaging to ensure that we ‘Walk the Talk’ in our scoop shops.

They will also develop ongoing working relationships with the Global Ben & Jerry’s community (AUS/ NZ and US) to leverage support and ensure that our retail strategies are aligned with the overall company vision, and to ensure any results are effectively communicated and shared. In turn this will be shared with partners and agencies to ensure that the messages follow through into events and activations.

Key Deliverables

They will have direct responsibility to develop and deliver up to three medium to long term values-centred promotional, operational and social mission campaigns that are suitable for all markets and channels plus support with LTO activation. Design and manage robust strategies, systems and support materials to achieve ongoing improvement in store operational and customer performance metrics across the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participate in planning and lead the execution of marketing plans/programs for the European business that fulfill marketing strategies, support the company's social mission and meet financial objectives for sales, gross margin and profitability.
2. Generate product/project objectives, goals, and timelines and work cross-departmentally to ensure that key milestones are met and goals achieved.
3. Provide reporting and analysis of results, including strategic recommendations and tactical tips that are directly related to insights.
4. Identify needs for consumer research. Collaborate with CMI in the design and interpretation of consumer research. Utilize results in planning efforts.
5. Contribute to the development of Global marketing and product portfolio strategies and recommend objectives for marketing initiatives and the assessment of performance vs. these objectives.
6. Work closely with the Operations organization in new product rationale and in the development of franchisee specific communication programs that support quality execution, leverage in-market learning and meet business objectives.
7. Effectively coordinate with business functions (R&D, Design, PR, Finance Consumer Research, Operations, Legal) and outside vendors by providing product/project objectives, parameters, and ongoing feedback.
8. Develop and refine efficient systems, processes and communication/reporting methods for project management, budgets and marketing programs.
9. Manage invoices and multiple marketing budgets and work with Retail Operations to ensure forecasting is updated as applicable.

ALL ABOUT YOU

1. Retail – relevant years experience within retail/ food service/QSR marketing and possess strong knowledge of retail operations ideally across multi site operations. Demonstrated ability to implement tactical and mid-term direction to drive sales, customer metrics or improved operational metrics across multiple sites.
2. Leadership – A strong but engaging style to create a culture of collaboration but consistency to ensure our stores and activations are representative of the Ben & Jerry’s brand. Demonstrated ability to navigate significant constant changes in a shop environment – brought on by internal or external factors.
3. Communication – Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to liaise with senior business leaders as well as store teams.
4. IT – proficient in MS office applications especially Excel, PowerPoint and Word with demonstrated understanding of and experience in digital and social media platforms preferred.
5. Physical Demands - Those consistent with a typical office environment with some exposure to store.

Work Environment

Office environment with some repetitive motion required. Periodic European travel is expected (subject to restrictions) with visits to scoop shops for testing and launching products.

What we offer

Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (unilever.com).