Marketing Manager

Asics Italia S.R.L.; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports brand in Cape Town seeks a Marketing Manager to drive the local marketing strategy. This role involves managing a team, overseeing trade marketing initiatives, and ensuring alignment with brand goals. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience in marketing, strong analytical skills, and the ability to adapt strategies to market needs. This position promises a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• 8+ years of marketing experience, preferably in the same industry.
• Experience managing teams of 3+.
• Proven ability to work under pressure on multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the marketing strategy in South Africa.
• Manage end-to-end Trade Marketing plans.
• Produce annual marketing plans ensuring timely delivery.
• Oversee the marketing budget and provide reports.
• Conduct market analysis on competitors and insights.

Skills

Team Management

Consumer Insights

Trade Marketing

Strategic Planning

Market Analysis

Digital Marketing

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

Be part of a movement that moves the world. At ASICS, we’re more than just a brand; we’re a movement of movement, propelled by the belief that motion strengthens the body and uplifts the mind. Our name itself, an acronym for "Anima Sana in Corpore Sano" (a Sound Mind in a Sound Body), encapsulates this commitment. Since taking our first step in Japan in 1949, our journey has been about more than just reaching the finish lines or clocking the fastest times. It’s about the joy of moving and it’s open to all.

If you’re inspired to move yourself and the world toward a brighter, more inclusive future, we’re looking for you.

Here at ASICS, we welcome diversity in our people, their backgrounds and life experiences. So, you could be the right person for this role regardless of your age, nationality, religious beliefs, or gender identification.

Your role in our shared journey

As Marketing Manager located at ASICS South Africa Office in Cape Town, you will own the local marketing strategy, using a combination of exceptional leadership skills, understanding of local insights and the ability to meet the needs of diverse customer and client base. Someone to continue to bring ASICS brand to the next level in the country while maintaining the highest standards. You will manage, lead and develop a team of two people - our Digital Specialist and our Sports Marketing & Activation Specialist.

Bold yet thorough, you’ll bring new ideas to the table that you’ll constantly refine to help us better engage with our customers. Your hands-on approach and ability to work with others will impact brand consideration and help our staff and partners in their everyday tasks.

Your role will be instrumental in weaving the fabric of our movement, bringing unique perspectives and driving innovation with every step. In the role, you’ll be part of our South Africa Marketing Team as well as our South Africa Management Team and report into our General Manager South Africa and Senior Marketing Manager of Emerging Markets (based in Amsterdam).

We’re looking for a leader and marketing expert to bring their passion and knowledge to our team. You’ll ensure that the marketing strategy is adapted to the market and contributing to the overall goals of the region.

Your key responsibilities

• Be the Marketing lead in South Africa and provide guidance to the team as appropriate. Be the spokesperson and main point of contact for the Marketing team, but also for customers, agencies, etc.
• Big focus on Trade Marketing, managing end-to-end the Trade Marketing plans (build-execution and analysis)
• Produce annual marketing plans for direct-to-consumer (in collaboration and alignment with the Retail Manager), wholesale and wholesale.com initiatives ensuring all projects and tools are delivered on time and bring ROI.
• Full Marketing Budget Responsibility, pitching (with the support of the EM Senior Marketing Manager), reporting and control.
• Team leadership and development.
• Ensure all local activations are on-brand and deliver business results.
• Market analysis: competitors, retail insights and digital innovations.
• Local Toolbox & content creation.
• Support and alignment with the Sales Brand Trainer Lead on the coordination of the Sell-Out Support Programme and alignment with Europe/Emerging Markets Guidelines. Plus improvement of the digital dashboard and reporting in collaboration with the agency to maximize ROI.
• Drive synergies & optimize the way of working between marketing and sales leading trade/retailers’ calendar, one pages and brief requirements by retailer.

Does this sound like you?

• You’re customer-focused. You understand the value of targeted consumer insights.
• You’re open-minded. You constantly look for new ways to achieve your goals.
• You’re a true team player. You believe in the power of collaboration.
• You’re detail orientated. You’re thorough and have an excellent sense of judgement.
• You’re a creator. You take the initiative at all times and love to create yourself.

You have the following skills

• Experience managing teams (3+)
• Ability to work under pressure covering multiple projects.
• Extensive experience (8+) in marketing, preferably in the same industry as ASICS.
• Must have consumer brand marketing experience.
• Demonstrate media, digital, PR, trade marketing capabilities.
• Strong in strategic plan development and execution.
• Strong analytical skills & experience with market data.
• Advanced MS Excel and PowerPoint user
• Living in South Africa, near Cape Town

Life at ASICS

When you join ASICS, you become part of something special. Here, your voice matters, your growth and wellbeing are important. We believe in fostering an environment where every step forward is celebrated, where diversity fuels our journey, and inclusion strengthens individuals. And together and as individuals we can inspire more people to move for body and for mind.

We look forward to receiving your application online – just send your CV and motivation letter via our career page