Marketing Manager

Introduction
An exciting opportunity exists for a creative and innovative Marketing Manager at Chester Group.

This position reports to the CEO and will be based in Watford Road, Congella, Durban, Head Office.

The successful incumbent will maintain brand integrity across all company marketing initiatives and communications for Chester Group.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Understand the retail meat market and product.
2. Develop a marketing strategy to support the company objectives in terms of sales growth, customer satisfaction, brand awareness, etc.
3. Design and propose the annual marketing budget in line with the above which includes costs and timelines agreed with each business head and signed off by CEO.
4. Manage company internal and external communication on behalf of the CEO.
5. Develop company quarterly newsletter, design content, prepare for printing and ensure distribution to all staff within the Chester group.
6. Create awareness across the Chester Group of the group values and behaviours.
7. Develop a social media strategy and plan and execute all brand communications and media actions on-line and social media platforms.
8. Accountable for brand management and brand awareness including design of branding for Chester property, apparel, trucks, vehicles, carrier bags and packaging.
9. Conduct competitor and customer insights analysis and make recommendations based on consumer insights.
10. Initiate marketing initiatives and campaigns supported by research of the latest marketing trends and showing a clear link to the Group's target market.
11. Work collaboratively with the sales team and relevant internal stakeholders to identify and recommend marketing initiatives to drive sales, new business opportunities and to expand on our customer footprint.
12. Communicate with Senior management and the Executive on marketing initiatives and project metrics, as well as to brainstorm fresh strategies.
13. Responsible for all advertising across the Chester Group and providing suggestions for new advertising mediums.
14. Track and analyze the performance of advertising campaigns, manage the marketing, and ensure that all marketing is in line with the brand identity.
15. Upgrade and maintain the company website and promotions on the website.
16. Manage the creation of in-store marketing displays, digital and social media campaigns.
17. Coordinate customer competitions and manage the customer database.
18. Handle customer complaints and queries in a professional manner.
19. Perform marketing audits on retail stores ensuring that marketing standards are aligned to company standards.
20. Events management of all Chester social, corporate and employee wellness functions.
21. Lead and manage the Marketing team.

Desired Experience & Qualification

1. Degree in Marketing / BA Communications or equivalent.
2. 8-10 years in brand or consumer insights management with a clear understanding of brands and the marketing mix.
3. Advanced skills in all Microsoft Applications.
4. High degree of marketing and general business acumen with sound knowledge of the South African retail & wholesale environment.
5. Good leadership skills and experience of managing a marketing team.
6. Results-driven with ability to run projects from beginning through to completion.
7. Self-starter who can think strategically as well as implement operationally.
8. Excellent stakeholder and relationship management.
9. Strong research skills and able to work well in cross-functional environments.
10. Creative and innovative, out of the box thinker.
11. Excellent analytical skills and sound decision-making skills.
12. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to be able to convey information effectively and influence others.
13. Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to stores.