Marketing Manager at Colgate-Palmolive

JOB PURPOSE

• To direct the development of marketing plans for the Category (*note : category refers to the products/brands to be defined by the Company that the MM will be responsible for) and after agreement, direct the implementation of short and long term marketing plans which will provide for the achievement of the company’s objectives of growth and profitability.

ACTIVITIES OF THE JOB HOLDER

• Provide first level of Management supervision/direction of Category Activities.
• Assign priorities within the category and ensure timeous completion of projects.
• Train and develop group personnel to ensure continued career progression.
• Provide management with assessments of subordinates progress and recommend appropriate action to improve overall efficiency within the category where necessary.
• Review and agree marketing projects to present to Management and/or implementation.

Review the following periodical reports:

• Media and promotional proposals, plans and budgets
• Media and promotional forward estimates prior to input for financial estimating;
• Quantity estimates prior to presentation to Management;
• Drafting and finalizing proposals, including agency creative proposals, packaging design proposals and research briefs and proposals.
• Analysis of research data, including Nielsens
• Preparation and distribution of monthly reports

Liaise with the following departments regularly:

• Brand Accounting on financial aspects of the category;
• Technical/Packaging/Planning/Legal departments on all aspects relating to product introductions, changes and improvements;
• Purchasing/Planning departments on production planning and quality control;
• Sales department on all matters affecting sales, pricing and distribution of the brands.
• Preparation of all elements of the Profit and Loss statement for Management approval prior to Budget/Business Review.
• Preparation and development of Category strategic plans for approval by the Marketing Director.
• Direct the implementation of approved strategies.
• Direct the detailed planning of product launches and re-launches.
• Ensure prompt and tactful responses to trade and consumer queries.
• Recommend and review pricing strategies and price increase proposals prior to Management approval.
• Ensure Management is kept up to date on all important group activities.
• Recommend means to achieve Company profit objectives for the Category
• Assist with general running and co-ordination of the Marketing Department e.g. Co-ordinating trade visits, training sessions, evaluating potential Promotion Agencies, Advertising Agency reviews.

RESULTS OF WORK

• Achievement of agreed volume, value, contribution and market share objectives of your Category
• Manage the execution of agreed marketing plans short and long term within defined budgetry parameters in pursuit of category objectives.
• Ensure top management is kept up to date on all key marketing activities.
• Ensure Product Managers convey important product related information to the sales force.
• Manage and assist in the development of New Products within your Category, that can be manufactured at a cost and quality to ensure suitable or increased contribution to Company profits.
• Manage the day to day business of the Product/Marketing Department.
• Develop all Personnel as Managers and Marketers by delegating responsibility and accountability for key marketing activities

INTERNAL CONTACTS

• Immediate Superior (Oral Care, Director) regularly to fulfil functions outlined under “Activities of Job Holder”;
• Immediate Subordinates daily to ensure fulfilment of their duties;
• General Sales Manager / Country General to discuss sales problems/opportunities and promotional ideas
• Manufacturing Director/Planning Manager/Technical Manager/Brand Accountant regularly to manage Group Activities;
• General Manager, as required, to present projects for approval.

EXTERNAL CONTACTS

• Agency Account Management to review and approve creative media proposals prior to submission;
• Promotional Agencies to review plans/proposals prior to submission;
• Market Research Personnel to review research results/plans
• Trade suppliers of packaging and print material to resolve problems in quality and artwork.
• Media Buying Company to confirm Media plans, budgets, implementation and controls

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of three year post-matric qualification in the Marketing field, with Honours and Masters degree Advantageous
• Needs to have fulfilled Product Management functions in a variety of categories to gain breadth of experience required to manage a category in addition to a good understanding of company procedures for a minimum of 6 years
• People Manager experience and capability building 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS  

• The job requires leadership capability and maturity to lead and manage a team.  
• Must be able to motivate and develop subordinates.  
• Must be capable of strategic insight to develop long term marketing plans.  
• Must exhibit an ability to withstand high pressure situations.  Must be able to both develop and present marketing plans to subordinates and superiors.