Job Title: VP Marketing, Cheese and Tablespreads

Location: Greater Toronto Area

About Us

Welcome to Lactalis Canada – where we take pride in being recognized as one of Forbes' 2022 top employers! Our journey revolves around enhancing the lives of Canadians through a rich variety of dairy delights, including some of Canadian’s favourite dairy brands such as Black Diamond Cheese, Lactantia Milk, Astro Yogourt, Balderson Cheese, and Cheestrings. In fact, we’re proud to say our products grace the shelves of an incredible 94% of Canadian households!

With a 140-year legacy driven by innovation and unwavering quality, we’re seeking like-minded individuals to join us in shaping our next chapter. Our flexible hybrid work model accommodates 40% remote work, adapting to the evolving needs of our workforce. Step into a collaborative hub with our revamped office, and enjoy free parking, endless coffee, delicious Lactalis snacks, an on-site gym, and more!

About the opportunity

The Vice President, Marketing is responsible for establishing and executing the brand strategy for a portfolio of businesses (dependent on the division of the incumbent).

The attributes we are looking for

Establish brand strategy, driving awareness, penetration and improving brand equity, through integrated marketing campaigns and a demonstrated passion to win and defend our brands versus the competition.
Develop, present, and execute annual plans (marketing plans, strategic plans, media plans, etc). Maintain ultimate ownership of all key marketing aspects of the business (innovation, new products, renovations, advertising, production, media, promotions, etc.), while respecting corporate processes.
Develop, present, and execute five-year long-term plans (business and brand vision for growth including innovation plan), while respecting corporate processes.
Build the business with key customers through directing and collaborating with Category, Trade Marketing, Sales, R&D and Supply Chain management. Present business and brand strategies to key top customers.
Deliver monthly and quarterly reporting requirements (weekly market share reports, competitive activity, etc.) including analyses, actions, and strategic recommendations for the business for approval by General Manager and President & CEO.
Develop, present, and coordinate corporate presentations as required including global meetings, national Sales and Marketing meetings, and Leadership Team meetings.
Provide leadership for all divisional cross functional projects. Cultivate strong working relationships with both internal (such as Sales, R&D, Finance, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain) and external (such as creative agency, media planner/buyer, promotion agencies, researchers, and packaging designers) support groups.
Manage marketing spending within assigned budget through annual planning, ensuring a budget control report (BCR) is maintained, ensuring the PME approval system is respected, and reviewing SAP IOs with Finance.
Represent Lactalis Canada with industry groups to ensure Lactalis’ corporate and brand(s) goodwill is protected (such as: Dairy Farmers, Kid’s Help Phone, Heathy Active Living Initiative, Concerned Children’s Advertisers, Grocery Foundation, Heart & Stroke Health Check, grocery trade publications, etc).
Ensure spending strategies and field executions are in line to grow the business by collaborating with Trade Marketing and Sales to analyze the business and develop action plans.
Own and drive the innovation agenda for their division, striving to achieve division targets for innovation growth as a percent of total top line targets.
Manage a team (may include Directors, Managers, Associate Managers, Assistant Managers and Coordinators) by conducting hiring, reviewing performance, and providing feedback, determining training and development needs, and providing work direction, coaching and mentoring.

What you will bring

Education & Experience

University degree (MBA preferred)
Minimum fifteen (15) years progressive experience in consumer-packaged goods including senior marketing

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Advertising knowledge- Ability to effectively develop and utilize an advertising campaign that is best aligned to the brand identity to better engage the consumer. Ability to understand the impact and ROI of advertising initiatives across forums and customer segments.
Consumer products and markets knowledge – Ability to understand market and product evolution and knowledge of competitive bands, products, manufacturers.
Sales/Marketing Budget Planning and Forecasting – Knowledge of budgeting techniques and ability to monitor and manage the cost trends providing reliable forecasts.
Brand management – Ability to create an emotional link between the brand and the target audience. Ability to establish a relation between a portfolio of brands and the relevant segments within a category to drive profitable growth. Ability to positively position the brand.
New Product Development (NPD) – Ability to gain consumer insights and translate those results into innovative concepts and renovation of existing to develop a solid NPD funnel. Appropriately validate these concepts with the brand portfolio and translate these concepts into timely product launches that are ahead of the competitors.
Leadership skills – Ability to act as a role model, positively influencing others and enhancing their ability to contribute to the organizational goals.
Ability to develop highly performing people and cohesive teams by managing their morale, motivation, expectations, and evaluating and recognizing the performance of individuals and teams.
Ability to work efficiently and creatively to achieve ambitious goals/objectives ensuring the highest level of quality.
Strategic thinking ability – Provide a holistic and systematic perspective on strategic issues and leveraging them to articulate a clear vision of the future.
Teamwork – work collaboratively to achieve ambitious goals by creating trust within and amongst work groups.
Bilingual in English and French is an asset

What Lactalis will offer

Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:

A Competitive Base Salary
Company Vehicle or Car Allowance
A Performance-Based Bonus System
5 Weeks of Vacation
Benefits starting day 1
A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%
Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year
A Volunteer Day to give back to your community
Learning and Development opportunities
A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility

Our ESG commitment

Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.

At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.

Our commitment to DEI

Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness! Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone's true selves. We're committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities. We apply an equal access to employment program and invite women, aboriginal people, visible minorities, and people with disabilities to apply.

Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.

Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we'll contact you after signing a Job Offer.

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VP Marketing, Cheese and Tablespreads