MARKETING and COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

General Produce Distribution Company, a leading produce distributor, invites you to join the company in a unique and challenging position. As Marketing & Communications Manager, you will have a vital role in shaping and conveying our mission and brand to customers, employees, industry, and community partners.  Reporting directly to the CEO, and collaborating with other organizational leaders, this innovative and independent thinker will bring enthusiasm, passion, creativity and integrity to this position. Driving company culture, positivity combined with a “can-do/will-do” attitude will be a critical attribute for the ideal candidate. A dynamic and professional skill set will be key to contributing to a company with a rich history and continuing growth.  

Primary Purpose:  In this role, the successful candidate will be responsible for planning, evaluating and directing strategic marketing and communications initiatives to meet organizational objectives. The scope of this position includes providing leadership, managerial, and general oversight to internal and external customers, industry partners, and stakeholders. You will serve as an architect and thought leader for building and executing marketing plans rooted in products, services, education, public relations, and brand communications.

Essential Functions: 

Responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of:

1. Comprehensive marketing, communications and public relations program that will enhance the company’s brand and image and enhanced position within the marketplace and the general public.
2. Build brand equity and consistency of messaging the company’s image and position within the industry, marketplace and broader community.
3. Strategically guide external communication, including content creation, design, editing, production and distribution. These activities include but are not limited to collateral, media communications and printed publications such as market reports, product recalls and alerts.
4. Oversees all communication platforms and schedules for written publications and social media (LinkedIn, FB, Twitter, IG & Pinterest). Responsible for editorial direction, design, production and distribution.
5. Coordinates media interest in the company and ensures regular contact with target media and appropriate response(s) to media requests.
6. Coordinates the appearance of all company print and electronic material such as letterhead, use of logo, brochures, etc.
7. Identify, implement and manage Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to centralize and organize all customer data across different channels, enabling businesses to track interactions, manage leads, nurture customer relationships, and ultimately improve sales and customer retention by providing a unified view of each customer throughout their lifecycle.
8.  Support sales effort with market research, forecasting, customer communication strategies and campaign management to include managing customer databases, analyzing campaign metrics, and ensuring the effective use of marketing tools.
9. Based on marketplace conditions and customer needs, work with Executive and Management Teams to develop and maintain appropriate customer acquisition and retention strategies.
10. Works with sales team to develop and coordinate regular input from the customers for product offerings, quality and services.
11. Conducts relevant market research and monitors trends
12. Ensures website and content is current and relevant
13. Coordinates special events for customers, employees and vendors including creating marketing, set-up and décor.

Additional Functions:

1. Attends and participates in designated staff meetings.
2. Learns and utilizes all office policies and procedures.
3. Complies with all safety and security regulations and procedures.
4. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

1. Minimum of 5- 7 years of progressive experience as a marketing professional, preferably in the produce industry.
2. Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration or related field is preferred.