The role of European Category Director involves leading a transformative project for the client within their food sector operations. This strategic position requires leading a team of 3-5 individuals, reporting directly to the CMO, and driving the rollout of a European vision for the category to accelerate growth through key transformational initiatives like innovation and sustainability. Responsibilities include co-leading with country teams to develop and execute best-in-class Brand Strategic Books, advancing the innovation pipeline, and facilitating geographic expansion. The director will also contribute to the creation of strategic frameworks such as European Strategic Plans, Innovation Strategy, and Brand Playbooks, while sharing best practices and learnings across the organization.
The ideal candidate will exhibit inspiring leadership, capable of navigating transformation while managing ambiguity and identifying business opportunities. They should possess a comprehensive enterprise-wide vision, commercial acumen, and the courage to reinvent brands and strategies in a competitive market. A strong background in global, regional, and local marketing roles within FMCG multinational companies is required, with proven experience leading strategic projects and innovation pipelines from start to finish. Expertise in transformation projects is advantageous, as is extensive knowledge in the food sector, with a minimum of 15 years of marketing experience.
Key competencies expected include a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial approach, and a capability to drive change while fostering team empowerment and stakeholder collaboration across multiple countries and teams. Candidates will need to demonstrate a proactive attitude and a strategic vision that balances long-term objectives with immediate business impacts. Strong skills in change management, coupled with the ability to build trust and motivate teams through clear communication, are essential. Fluency in English is required for this role, which offers the opportunity to make a significant strategic impact within a leading multinational food company.