Trade Marketing Manager at Ares Holdings

As the Vans Trade Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing trade marketing strategies and programs to drive sales and brand awareness within the retail and wholesale channels. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and product, to develop and execute initiatives that support the overall brand and business objectives. This role requires a strong understanding of the retail landscape, consumer behaviour, and effective marketing strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Trade Marketing Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive trade marketing strategies that align with the overall brand vision and business objectives. Identify key market opportunities and develop plans to maximize sales and brand presence within the retail and wholesale channels.
• Retailer Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with retail partners, ensuring strong collaboration and support for brand initiatives. Develop joint marketing programs, promotions, and events to drive sales and enhance the Vans brand within partner stores.
• Point of Sale (POS) Materials: Work closely with the EMEA creative team to develop compelling and effective POS materials, including signage, displays, and merchandising guidelines, that align with brand standards and drive consumer engagement and conversion in-store.
• Retail Training and Education: Develop and implement training programs and tools for retail staff to enhance product knowledge, brand messaging, and sales techniques. Conduct training sessions and provide ongoing support to ensure consistent brand representation at the retail level.
• Consumer Promotions: Plan and execute consumer promotions and incentives to drive traffic, conversion, and loyalty within the retail and wholesale channels. Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to develop impactful promotions and track their effectiveness.
• Market Analysis: Conduct regular market analysis to monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer insights. Utilize data and market research to identify opportunities and make recommendations for trade marketing strategies and programs.
• Trade Shows and Events: Plan and coordinate trade shows, industry events, and sales meetings. Manage logistics, booth setup, and promotional materials to ensure impactful brand representation and engagement with key stakeholders.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the trade marketing budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and maximum return on investment. Track and report on budget utilization and effectiveness of trade marketing initiatives.
• Collaboration with Cross-functional Teams: Work closely with sales, marketing, and product teams to ensure alignment and integration of trade marketing initiatives with broader brand strategies. Collaborate on product launches, seasonal campaigns, and promotional activities.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of professionals, providing guidance, support, and fostering a collaborative work environment.

1. Develop and manage the training schedule of VM’s to support general brand excellence alongside campaign launches and effective technical product training.

AD Hoc duties:

• Respond to emails and office correspondence
• Keep work area clean and tidy
• Support the mission, vision and core values of the company
• Meet prescribed deadlines and targets
• Professional interaction and liaison with customers, suppliers and employees at all times
• Any other reasonable and lawful ad hoc tasks or duties that may be required from time to time.

Requirements:

• Grade 12
• Post Graduate Degree / Diploma.
• 3 – 5 Years of experience in trade marketing, retail marketing, or a similar role, preferably within the fashion or consumer goods industry.
• Strong understanding of the retail landscape, consumer behaviour, and marketing strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with retail partners and internal stakeholders.
• Proven experience in developing and executing trade marketing strategies and programs that drive sales and brand awareness.
• Familiarity with point-of-sale materials development and retail visual merchandising principles.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to analyse market data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Budget management experience, with the ability to efficiently allocate resources and maximize ROI.
• Leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analysis tools.
• Passion for the Vans brand and an understanding of its target audience and culture