Director of Marketing

Navis Food Partners, a leading foodservice company with annual revenues of $600 million, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Marketing, based in our Londonderry, NH, office. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing initiatives across the Navis business portfolio that drive revenue growth, customer engagement, and brand awareness. This role partners closely with Sales, Category Management, and Operations to support revenue goals, enhance the customer experience, and differentiate the brand in a competitive marketplace.  The successful candidate will have prior experience in food distribution, foodservice or consumer packaged goods sectors. 

Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies aligned with company goals and sales objectives.
• Conduct market analysis to identify opportunities, trends, and competitive positioning.
• Define target customer segments within foodservice (e.g., restaurants, institutions, hospitality).

Brand Management

• Lead brand positioning and messaging strategies for the company and key product lines.
• Ensure brand consistency across all channels and customer touchpoints.
• Oversee the development of branded materials (digital and print).

Customer & Sales Enablement

• Collaborate with sales leadership to support business development efforts.
• Create tools, presentations, and campaigns that drive sales growth.
• Develop customer engagement programs such as loyalty initiatives, promotions, and culinary events.

Digital Marketing & Communications

• Oversee digital marketing strategies including website, email, SEO/SEM, and social media.
• Lead the creation of content (e.g., recipes, customer success stories, newsletters).
• Manage public relations, trade advertising, and corporate communications.

Product & Category Marketing

• Coordinate with procurement, culinary, and category management to promote key products.
• Support go-to-market plans for new products or programs.
• Analyze product performance and market feedback to optimize marketing focus.

Events & Trade Shows

• Plan and execute customer events, trade shows, and culinary showcases to build relationships and generate leads.

Analytics, Performance Tracking & Budget Management

• Track KPIs and ROI on marketing campaigns and initiatives.
• Use data to refine strategies and justify marketing spend.
• Monitor customer insights and satisfaction metrics.
• Develop and manage the annual marketing budget.
• Ensure cost-effective use of resources and alignment with company priorities.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, develop and mentor team of marketing professionals and build a high-performance culture.
• Develop talent through coaching, training, and succession planning.
• Manage relationships with external agencies and marketing vendors.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, culinary, operations, and vendor partners.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business or related field, or equivalent work experience; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 7-10 years of progressive marketing experience, preferably within the food distribution, foodservice or consumer packaged goods sectors with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated success in leading marketing strategy and execution in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, CRM systems and lead generation best practices.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong project management and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated success managing teams and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong systems knowledge, including MS Suite, ERP, digital marketing platforms, analytics tools, etc.
• Ability to travel up to 25-30% of the time to meet with vendors, attend industry events and visit company locations, as needed.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business objectives into effective marketing strategies. Understands market dynamics, customer behavior, and competitive positioning.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong grasp of food distribution, foodservice, or related B2B markets. Familiar with supplier programs, product categories, and channel dynamics.
• Customer-Centric Mindset: Deep understanding of customer needs and decision-making in the food industry. Designs marketing programs that drive customer engagement and loyalty.
• Leadership & Team Development: Capable of leading and developing high-performing teams. Inspires collaboration and accountability across departments.
• Project Management: Skilled in managing multiple initiatives, timelines, and resources effectively. Detail-oriented and organized under tight deadlines.
• Brand & Content Development: Proficient in brand storytelling, messaging, and visual identity development. Able to create and guide content that resonates with B2B audiences.
• Digital & Data Literacy: Familiar with digital marketing tools, platforms, and analytics. Uses data to measure performance, inform decisions, and refine tactics.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills across executive, peer, and field levels. Ability to influence and present ideas with clarity and confidence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works effectively with Sales, Category Management, Supply Chain, and Vendor partners. Navigates organizational complexity to get things done.
• Innovation & Agility: Embraces change, thinks creatively, and identifies new opportunities. Adapts quickly in a dynamic, customer-driven environment.