Marketing Manager - Manufacturing Brands in Preston

Based at our contemporary head office and distribution centre on the outskirts of Preston, James Hall & Co. Ltd. have been established for over 150 years proudly serving communities across the north of England as supplier and distributor to over 450 SPAR stores. We are proud to be one of the biggest employers in Lancashire with over 4000 colleagues who represent our core values of passion, enterprise, and family every single day.

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours of work: 38 hours per week

Location: James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR Distribution Centre, Bowland View, Preston, PR2 5QT

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded marketer who knows how to turn great brands into business growth. If you’re a strategic marketer who loves building brands, spotting opportunities and seeing your ideas make a genuine commercial difference, this could be the role for you. We’re looking for a Marketing Manager to take the lead across three established manufacturing brands — Clayton Park Bakery, Fazila Foods and Alston Dairy. As the dedicated marketing partner to the manufacturing businesses, you’ll play a key role in shaping brand strategy, identifying new opportunities and turning ideas into action. Working closely with Sales, NPD and the wider Marketing team, you’ll help drive growth across convenience, wholesale, foodservice and export markets. It’s a role with plenty of scope to make your mark — combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to build brands, strengthen customer relationships and deliver real commercial results.

Here’s What You Can Expect to be Doing

• You’ll take ownership of the marketing strategy for each manufacturing brand, developing annual plans that strengthen positioning, improve customer communications and deliver measurable commercial return.
• Developing and delivering brand marketing strategies and plans.
• Defining brand positioning, messaging and value propositions.
• Identifying new opportunities through customer insight, competitor analysis and industry trends.
• Working closely with the Manufacturing Sales Team on customer acquisition and new business opportunities.
• Creating compelling sales presentations, category insight and customer sell-in materials.
• Developing bespoke marketing initiatives for key accounts.
• Planning and managing trade exhibitions, conferences and industry events.
• Identifying trade advertising and PR opportunities.
• Supporting new product launches alongside the NPD team.
• Managing agencies, suppliers, budgets and creative delivery.
• Monitoring performance, measuring results and continually looking for ways to improve.

A Few Things About You

You’ll have the opportunity to own the marketing agenda for a portfolio of manufacturing brands and directly influence their future growth. We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with commercial drive. You’ll ideally have significant marketing experience, with exposure to FMCG, food manufacturing or B2B marketing, together with a proven track record of developing brand strategies and delivering successful campaigns. You’ll be confident working with senior stakeholders, comfortable presenting your ideas and able to turn strategy into practical plans that get delivered.

• You’ll also be: Commercially aware, analytical and results focused.
• A confident decision maker who can juggle multiple priorities.
• Highly organised and accountable.
• Creative, but always with a commercial lens.
• A strong communicator and influencer.
• Comfortable managing budgets, agencies and external suppliers.
• Passionate about brands and motivated by achieving tangible business growth.
• A professional marketing qualification or equivalent experience would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

James Hall & Co. Ltd. have one simple vision: to still be in business in another 50 years! To make this vision possible we need the best talent to join us on our journey. We are a family company and believe that if we look after our people, they will look after us.

• Loyalty Pay: Celebrate your work anniversary with a little extra! You’ll earn an additional £0.25 per hour over the financial year, with the hourly amount increasing the longer you stay with us. Your total is paid as a lump sum in the month following your anniversary.
• 20% Staff Discount: Enjoy 20% off your shopping in our company-owned SPAR stores — perfect for those everyday essentials and treats.
• Annual Leave: Start with a generous 30 days of annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays. Entitlement increases with length of service, rewarding your continued commitment.
• Health & Wellbeing: All colleagues can access our on-site registered nurses and physiotherapist at Bowland View for confidential support. We also run a year-round programme of health and wellbeing initiatives covering physical, mental, and lifestyle topics.
• Company Sick Pay: We offer a Company Sick Pay scheme to support you during periods of ill health, providing peace of mind when you need it most.
• Pension & Life Insurance: You will be enrolled into the Nest pension scheme. After two years of service, you will also receive life insurance cover, offering added security for you and your loved ones.
• Free Onsite Parking: All colleagues have access to free onsite parking, making your commute more convenient and cost-effective.
• Learning & Development: Whether you're looking to build your career or gain new skills, our in-house team will support you with fully funded, accredited training and industry-recognised qualifications.
• Grocery Aid Support: Access free, confidential, 24/7 support through Grocery Aid — offering expert advice and help on everything from mental health and financial concerns to legal issues and family support.

For more information about us and the benefits we offer, please head over to our careers page. Please note if we receive a high number of applicants, we may close the advert early. We advise interested candidates to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.