Head of Marketing, Foods Americas

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Head of Marketing , Ornua Foods Americas   
FUNCTION: Marketing
REPORTS TO: President, Ornua Foods Americas    
LOCATION: Evanston, Illinois, USA  
POSITION TYPE: Full time, Permanent
SCHEDULE: Hybrid, 3 days onsite

_____________________________________________________________________

Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961.

Are you a Marketing Executive looking for the challenge of taking a mission driven organization to its next level of success?

Ornua is actively seeking a Head of Marketing, Foods Americas to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory. This position will play a key role in shaping and executing a consumer-led marketing vision, driving profitable growth and P&L performance, and maximizing the long-term value of the Kerrygold brand across the North and Latin America markets.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE

As our Head of Marketing, you will have the opportunity to own and shape the end-to-end marketing strategy for one of the most iconic brands in dairy, with direct accountability for driving growth, profitability, and long-term brand value. You will lead and develop a high-performing marketing organization, influence enterprise-level business strategy as a member of the OFA Executive Team, and partner closely with global stakeholders to unlock new opportunities across North and Latin America. Your leadership will strengthen Ornua’s competitive position, accelerate innovation and demand generation, and ensure Kerrygold continues to deliver meaningful value to consumers, customers, and our farmer members around the world. 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING IN THIS ROLE

This is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a purpose-led organization, lead a high-performing team to drive an iconic brand, and make a difference. The Head of Marketing will have P&L accountability and be responsible for all aspects of marketing and brand strategy and operations.  S/he will provide leadership to the marketing function and play a critical role as a member of the Ornua Foods North America Executive Team. This person will also play a role on the global marketing leadership team, with a dotted line reporting relationship to the Global Head of Marketing.

The successful candidate will bring an analytical approach to mapping the broader marketplace and demand landscape and developing growth strategies to fuel competitiveness and profitable growth.  The VP of Marketing will build on OFA’s track-record, strong reputation and core competencies, while challenging the business to deliver higher performance. 

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• As part of the OFA Executive Team, lead the development of strategic business plans, priorities and financial objectives, guiding OFA to achieve budgeted financial and business results.   
• Develop and articulate a clear, compelling and aligned consumer-led marketing vision and strategy for the business – a strategy that fully harnesses core competencies and competitive advantages. 
• Develop strong relationships with global counterparts and collaborate ensure OFA marketing strategy is aligned with our global Kerrygold marketing strategy, help identify and drive strategic growth opportunities for Kerrygold globally, and partner to deliver stronger performance.
• Provide engaging and high-quality leadership to the wider marketing team, driving a high-performance culture that cultivates commitment, enthusiasm and dedication from employees.  In conjunction with HR leadership and global brand lead, ensure robust and well-defined development and succession plans are in play for key marketing roles.
• Oversee the development and implementation of all marketing and brand strategy including strategic planning, operational/commercial planning inclusive of Integrated business planning, insights and analytics, portfolio strategy, demand generation inclusive of communication/media/customer marketing/digital transformation, PPA/pricing strategy and innovation - all to maximize the potential of the Kerrygold brand in the North and Latin America marketplace.
• Ensure marketing competencies are adopted and implemented by the Ornua Foods Americas marketing team. This includes leading the marketing team to become a recognized leader across Ornua in all key marketing competencies and develop industry-leading approaches.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a US-based marketing leadership role, with experience in multiple channels and categories in a retail branded business.
• Clear and demonstrated experience and ability to articulate and communicate a compelling marketing vision for the business, develop key initiatives to support and deliver financials, and lead team to execute with excellence.
• Commercially astute and focused with a strong appreciation for wider business drivers and challenges.  Clear ability to contribute to the successful running of a business as part of a leadership team.
• Clear and demonstrated experience in marketing excellence including strategic planning, insights and analytics, portfolio strategy, operational/commercial planning inclusive of integrated business planning, demand generation inclusive of communication/media/customer marketing/digital transformation, PPA/pricing strategy and innovation. Leadership in modern marketing technologies and platforms is a plus (e.g., CRM, automation, data science).
• Excellent understanding of the US retail marketplace and associated trends in food and dairy.
• Excellent people leadership skills and associated track-record, with a clear commitment to developing and building talent. 
• Strong results orientation and decisiveness, with the ability to embrace and drive change to ensure the business meets its objectives.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport at all levels of the organisation, and externally with customers and key stakeholders.
• Collaborative: Can work across multiple functions, cultures, personalities, and levels, effectively, driving both for great relationships and performance.
• Communicative: Applies advanced communication skills, considering the impact on the audience and desired outcomes.
• Analytical Rigor: As a functional subject matter expert or strategic lead, applies effective professional skill and analysis to decision-making.
• Forward Looking: Envisions the future, develops compelling plans to capture value, and leads others through change
• Passionate Business Ownership: Drives results, profitability and sustainable growth.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in Latin America is a plus. 

WHY ORNUA?

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions — Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Career progression opportunities, including global mobility.
• Comprehensive benefits with region-specific offerings.
• Dynamic Working policy supporting flexible hours and hybrid work options.

PAY RANGE: From $175k

This range represents the overall market pay rate for candidates who meet the necessary qualifications and experience requirements for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, education, and performance.

TOTAL REWARDS

Total Rewards at Ornua Foods North America will include a competitive salary and annual bonus scheme. The following are a list of other benefits you can avail of: low employee contribution for Medical, Vision and Dental benefits cover; 401k; Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; Flexible working; Fitness Reimbursement; Charity Donation; Complimentary Kerrygold products; Free car parking