Lead, Brand Activation & Partnerships-Distribution & Expansion

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team to drive marketing strategy and brand activations through distribution partners and independent operators, ensuring alignment with AFH business objectives.
• Design and implement impactful marketing activations across in-restaurant experiences, E-commerce, and distribution networks, elevating brand equity and winning market share.
• Seek, build, and manage strategic brand partnerships that drive business growth and expand brand reach in key channels.
• Collaborate with brand marketing teams to transform business objectives into effective marketing strategies and execution plans.
• Develop senior-level relationships with key customers and industry partners to champion the marketing agenda and build strategic long-term plans.
• Partner with Sales and Culinary teams to identify and close new business opportunities, driving revenue growth, market penetration, and share gains.
• Utilize consumer, operator, and chef insights to shape channel strategies and create compelling customer selling stories.
• Lead strategic initiatives that contribute to P&L growth, ensuring alignment with financial targets and resource allocation.
• Represent Kraft Heinz within key industry events.
• Hire, develop, and lead a high-performing marketing team, fostering creativity, accountability, and flawless execution with measurable business impact.
• Mentor and coach team members, promoting a culture of continuous learning and career development.
• Foster a collaborative, fast-paced entrepreneurial team environment that encourages cross-functional partnerships and innovative problem-solving.
• Monitor and analyze campaign performance, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize strategies and maximize ROI.
• Adapt to evolving business needs with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.
• Build coalitions and credibility across organizational levels through strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Maintain financial stewardship by managing marketing budgets and resources effectively.
• Stay ahead of industry trends to maintain brand relevance and competitive advantage.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field; an MBA with a marketing focus is preferred.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant experience in brand marketing, product innovation, or multi-channel marketing, with experience in Foodservice marketing a plus.
• Proven leadership experience with direct reports, demonstrating the ability to inspire, empower, prioritize, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong relationship-building skills with senior executives, influencing decision-making and driving strategic initiatives.
• Strategic thinker capable of developing long-term marketing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities with a strategic mindset for navigating complex challenges.
• Analytical skills to interpret data, conduct trend analysis, and develop data-driven marketing strategies.
• Ability to balance creativity with business needs, leveraging consumer insights for innovative campaigns.
• Experience leading strategic initiatives with P&L accountability and financial management.
• Organizational agility to navigate formal and informal channels to achieve business objectives.
• Self-starter mentality with a positive attitude, consistently driving impactful results.
• Familiarity with digital marketing tools, CRM platforms, and marketing automation systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% for business activities.

Nice to Have

• Experience in Foodservice marketing.
• Familiarity with digital marketing tools, CRM platforms, and marketing automation systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant experience in brand marketing or related fields.

Benefits & Perks

• Performance-based bonus plan.
• Coverage for employees and dependents through healthcare, protection, and savings plans.
• Wellbeing programs including physical, social, emotional, and financial resources.
• Paid Time Off, holidays, leave of absence, flexible work arrangements, recognition, and training.
• Financial benefits such as 401k, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, and disability coverage.