Location: Neptune City,NJ, USA
DescriptionCentral Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) is a leading innovator, marketer, and producer of quality branded products for the pet and lawn and garden supplies markets. We are making significant investments in our marketing team, fueling our growth aspiration behind consumer-driven innovation and consumer insights-based content. Please see our website at www.central.com for additional company information.This position will be responsible for building strategies to win with consumers and retailers, alike, based on solid insights, superior products, and total proposition design that delights. You will set the course for the cross-functional team, leading with a collaborative, inspiring vision-making and making data-based decisions along the journey. This position is within the Dog and Cat business unit and reports to the Sr. Director of Marketing for our Natural Treats business.This position requires candidates to report on-site 5x a week to our Neptune City, NJ commercial office. MEASURES OF SUCCESS:Develop and execute compelling and profitable brand plans that meet or exceed sales, gross margin, and EBIT targets.Develop and maintain the product portfolio, managing products through their life cycle from new product launch to discontinuation.Lead cross-functional innovation team to successfully navigate projects through the stage gate process.Provides leadership and development of comprehensive launch plan for all new products and line extensions, including customer presentations, 360-degree promotional plan, and marketing support.Work with sales to develop compelling customer programming, often participating in joint business planning sessions.Partner with internal creative and digital teams to develop insight-driven content that increases consumer purchases on shelf and via Ecomm/ Omnichannel.Represent the 'voice of the consumer' to the organization; be an expert with respect to the category and the competition.Facilitate marketing decisions and opportunities by staying abreast of category trends and insights by analyzing and reporting out on syndicated scan data, competitive landscape, market share, pricing action, and advertising.Develop Pricing Strategy for new and existing products to meet the category margin goals.DESIRED SKILLS:Analytical Mindset: We value a leader who can analyze data from a variety of sources and draw actionable, impactful conclusions that set the strategy for in-market activation and new product development. We're growing our business, quickly, and seek someone with a bias for optimism and a knack for problem solving.Consumer-centricity: Everything we do is grounded in insight and human truth. The ideal candidate is a student of the marketing function, the CPG industry, and the human condition. They are passionate about delivering compelling and inspiring work.Collaboration & Communication: Our matrixed organization values teamwork, active listening, and trust. This job requires someone who can build and maintain effective cross-functional relationships, often across multiple geographies & time zones. Effective written and verbal communication is a must.Organization & Time Management: High-growth businesses move quickly. This person will be balancing multiple priorities / projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. We need this person to maintain timelines and budgets, seeing the interdependencies of tasks and seeking help with roadblocks early.Detail Orientation: A commitment to accuracy and quality remains central to the job.IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:College Degree (BA/BS) required; graduate degree (MBA) preferred.Minimum of 2-5 years brand marketing experience.Consumer Packaged Goods preferred, Pet industry a plus.Familiar with leading new product innovation initiatives. (pipeline management, cross-functional collab)Digital marketing experience a plus.Computer proficiency on all MS Office applications, advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills.Experience working with Scan Data, Nielsen or IRI, is preferred.BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS:Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.Free Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance.Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.401k with a 3% company match and annual profit-sharing bonus!Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.Employee Assistance Program.Discounts on Pet supplies, cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more.Education Assistance. (both college degrees and professional certifications).Referral Program with a cash bonus.Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2022 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company's innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro, Aqueon, Cadet, Farnam, FerryMorse, Four Paws, Kaytee, K&H, Nylabone and Pennington, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central Garden & Pet is based in Walnut Creek, California and has over 7,000 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more.We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.