EMEA Market Development Manager in Woking

Who we are: Crayola has inspired children to express their creativity since 1903. Crayolians take pride in fulfilling our mission of helping parents and educators raise creatively alive children around the world. Join our team and be part of an iconic brand that develops quality art products and experiences that are loved by families and preferred by teachers. Our company culture is mission focused, and encourages fun, collaboration, transparency, and helping others. We are committed to diversity and inclusion. Crayola believes a diverse workforce provides a broad spectrum of perspectives which enables us to create innovative products and continuously improve our work processes. We have an intentional focus on fostering a work environment where all employees feel valued and appreciated.

About the Role: We are seeking a dynamic EMEA Market Development Manager. Reporting to the Business Development Manager, you will take ownership of the commercial development and management of assigned markets within the EMEA region. This role is critical in driving the growth of Crayola in new and existing markets while supporting the overall indirect EMEA business. As the local representative and brand ambassador for Crayola in EMEA, you will be accountable for the P&L, revenue generation, and channel development for your assigned and prospective indirect markets. Your focus will be on crafting and executing strategies that drive commercial success, optimize resources, and contribute to sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Market Growth: Collaborate closely with the EMEA Business Development Manager and General Manager to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities across core and under-developed markets. Develop innovative strategies to enhance brand and channel positioning within these markets.
• Channel and Account Management: Partner with internal teams and distributor partners to design and execute trade channel strategies, including direct sales, distribution networks, and licensing initiatives. Maximize brand growth by overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.
• Operational Excellence: Provide best-in-class planning, communication, analysis, and reporting across all EMEA indirect markets. Lead the coordination of strategies and key requirements with both EMEA distribution partners and internal stakeholders.
• Commercial Strategy Development: Design clear, compelling commercial strategies for each market, portfolio, and product category to deliver strong, competitive positions. Work to drive growth by increasing demand while reducing costs (COGS, value chain optimization, and negotiations).
• Performance Tracking & Reporting: Ensure that all objectives, including volume, net sales value, profit, and distribution targets, are met as defined in the annual CY Plan. Provide accurate inventory forecasts and reporting, ensuring transparency internally and with external stakeholders.
• Partner Support & Best Practices: Actively support market partners by providing guidance, strategic input, and investment advice to help them succeed. Coordinate the sharing of ideas, best practices, and competitive intelligence across the EMEA indirect markets.
• Internal Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with key internal stakeholders. Act as a point of reference for all matters related to your assigned markets, ensuring that their needs are understood and integrated across the business.
• Brand Advocacy: Champion Crayola’s values and priorities, fostering a positive business culture. Lead by example and inspire your team to continuously strive for excellence, innovation, and success.
• Market Insights & Competitor Analysis: Develop a deep understanding of the Crayola brand and its competitive landscape within your assigned markets. Use insights to inform strategic decisions and drive continuous improvement.

What we’re looking for:

• 3+ years of Pan-EMEA sales & market development experience, preferably within a related industry.
• Strong commercial track record, including experience in revenue generation, market development and category management.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and manage people effectively in a multinational environment.
• Solid financial acumen and the ability to prioritise tasks and manage complex workloads.
• Proficiency in English (additional languages such as French, Spanish, German or Italian would be a strong advantage).
• A degree in Business Administration (or related field) with international development experience being a plus.
• Additional assets: market insight analysis, and market contract negotiation.

Diversity & Inclusion at Crayola: We will cultivate diversity and create a culture of inclusion for our collective brands – one that grows through sustained action, demonstrates care for every life experience, inspires new products and content, and builds a sense of belonging in which every employee is able to be their very best.

Crayola cares about the environment and responsibly makes the products you love.