Associate Quality Processes

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg
Deadline : April 12

Purpose of the Role: Reporting to the MD SAF, and a key member of the SAF SLT, this role will be responsible for delivering top-line growth (VOL & NSV) with accretive GP%. It involves working with internal stakeholders and ensuring the marketing team meets short and long-term goals for the Business Unit. The role includes developing, aligning, and driving the overall marketing strategy, category growth, and brand equity to support SAF BU ambitions.

This position has a dotted line connection with the APACSA Marketing VP to ensure deployment of Global and Regional initiatives relevant for SAF. Key results include reassessing business potential, understanding offerings versus consumer needs, and realigning portfolio, pricing, and promotion strategies for growth.

It also entails working closely with customers and aligning plans with the Sales Director to create mutually beneficial strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

1. P&L, Brand, Category Strategy, Planning & Management: Develop and articulate a clear, innovative long-term marketing strategy aligned with our Global Vision. Lead the team in executing short-term (current FY) Brand Plans, outlining a roadmap and targets to achieve business goals.
2. Commercial Planning: In partnership with the Sales Director, deliver the Commercial Review plans for the upcoming FY as part of Q3 QBR. Know the competition and focus on areas for competitive advantage.
3. Product and Portfolio Management: Align with R&D on product stewardship, oversee brand positioning and messaging, and ensure consistency across consumer touchpoints. Drive initiatives to enhance brand equity and loyalty. Manage ROI analysis of media spending and oversee agency reviews.
4. Global and Regional Alignment: Ensure alignment on communication plans, packaging, and portfolio strategy, emphasizing consumer and customer insights for profitability.
5. Innovation and Consumer Insights: Lead market research, analyze trends, and utilize insights for strategy. Drive consumer insights team to unlock growth opportunities. Prioritize big bets and foster innovative approaches to connect with consumers and customers.
6. Portfolio Optimization: Ensure each SKU has a purpose within the portfolio to drive consumption and purchase frequency. Make tough decisions to improve portfolio health and oversee innovation processes.
7. Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Integrate these initiatives into marketing strategies, aligning with corporate values and consumer expectations.
8. Leadership and Stakeholder Management: Inspire and lead a high-performing team, build internal and external partnerships, influence stakeholders, and ensure compliance with company policies. Lead change and foster a culture of decision-making and execution excellence.

Job Holder Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing or Business; MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in marketing, preferably in the food industry.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing variables impacting GP% such as trade spend, pricing, promotion, COGS, and A&P.
• Knowledge of economic and business environments, international trends, and ability to influence and lead change.
• Excellent presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to work autonomously under pressure.
• Proven leadership in high-performance teams and engaging senior leadership.