Head of Marketing - Country Choice in Orpington

Reporting into the Managing Director, the Head of Marketing is a key leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering the marketing strategy to support Country Choice's business objectives. This position drives innovation, proposition development and execution of the marketing mix to achieve both short-term tactical goals and long-term strategic growth. The role ensures the brands remain distinctive, competitive and aligned with customer needs.

You will have 5 direct reports, budget responsibility, UK wide responsibility for the marketing strategy and have a direct influence on sales growth, margin improvement and customer acquisition and retention.

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop and review marketing plans, budgets and KPIs to deliver business objectives
• Lead the development and implementation of the business proposition and marketing mix
• Drive growth through compelling promotions, gap-fill programmes and category management
• Bring to market NPD and food concepts that deliver category growth and customer operational simplicity
• Drive consumer awareness to our brands across retail convenience and foodservice including packaging
• Manage national and regional, industry, customer and internal trade shows and exhibitions
• Manage annual price changes, ensuring they remain competitive, in line with the market and maintaining customer profitability
• Lead digital initiatives including online sales channel development, loyalty programmes and social media strategy
• Provide market, customer and competitor intelligence to underpin strategic decisions
• Contribute to customer retention and acquisition through compelling propositions and pricing strategies
• Manage marketing spend within agreed budgets
• Ensure all initiatives are supported with effective communications and distribution incentives (sales literature, trade shows, website, etc.)
• Lead, coach and develop the marketing team to build capability and retain top talent

What we are looking for:

• Proven success in senior marketing leadership role
• Strong people management experience with a track record of developing high-performing teams
• High commercial awareness and ability to leverage commercial levers for growth
• Excellent strategic planning, analytical, and organisational skills
• Strong project management capability and experience delivering cross-functional initiatives
• Strategic capability with ability to balance detail and big-picture thinking
• Strong influencing and communication skills across all levels
• Resilient under pressure with ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Results driven with a focus on delivering commercial outcomes
• High ethical standards and sound judgment in decision making
• Ability to inspire and lead teams through change

Additional Information

At Brakes everyone is welcome. We don’t want you to 'fit our culture' we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don’t just look at your CV, we’re more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Brakes and we recognise that Brakes can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We’ll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you.

Brakes is built on a passion for food and feeding the nation, we are the UK’s largest foodservice supplier. Every day Brakes deliver the highest quality fresh and frozen food and ingredients from our nationwide network of distribution centres to some of the nation’s most famous pubs and restaurants, as well as schools, caterers, care homes and hospitals. Our customers depend on us, and our 8,000-strong workforce is dedicated and proud to be part of this vital provision. And we’re growing!