Hybrid: 3 days in office in Chicago (Downtown)

In 2008, our client pioneered the dairy-free cheese category by creating a revolutionary cheese made from plants. Today, their dairy-free cheese tastes, shreds, melts and stretches like a traditional cheese. And their brand portfolio spans a variety of cheesy foods from frozen pizzas and cheesecakes to shelf stable macaroni and cheese. They seamlessly blend tradition with innovation to change the landscape of plant-based and the way people eat.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Marketing to lead the day-to-day management of the Base business, brand strategy, and planning efforts in order to deliver the annual objectives and goals. This role is crucial for driving the overall business, ensuring cohesive execution across all brand touchpoints and delivering business results. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in consumer goods with a proven track record of managing teams, translating insights into action, launching new product/categories and delivering impactful marketing campaigns and programs that drive consumer and customer demand. Additionally, this leader will play a critical role setting the CSR and sustainability strategic direction for the organization.

Qualifications:

• Experience in marketing, with a focus on brand management within the consumer foods industry. Classically trained with small company experience. Past turnaround experience a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or related field, MBA preferred
• Owner/General Manager mindset with a strong sense of urgency, bias for action and problem solving in the face of setbacks
• Versatile, nimble and enthusiastic to work in a turnaround environment with an ever-changing external landscape while wearing “multiple hats”
• Proven experience leading brand strategy, planning and execution incorporating strong commercial acumen
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams, with ability to motivate and inspire team members to win
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to think strategically and act operationally
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to drive commercial decisions
• Ability to thrive in lean, fast-paced, dynamic environment
• “Player coach” mentality: actively contribute to the day-to-day tasks and projects while simultaneously leading and mentoring the team
• Comfortable working with ambiguity
• Passionate about food and sustainability