Versele-Laga is a leading manufacturer of high quality food and care products for pet and performance animals with 10 factories in 3 continents. We sell our strong brands in over 85 countries thanks to our team of 1.100 colleagues with a true passion for animals. Our group headquarters are based in Deinze near Ghent. We produce more than 95% of our products in house starting from the best raw materials until the final packed product.
After more than 90 years of expertise since our founding, we are still a rock solid family owned company with a unique culture based on respect, passion and engagement. Our track record of strong growth continues in our long term ambitions based on innovation, high investments, regional expansion and of course our dedicated teams.
Every day, we are nurturing the bond between people and over 25 Million animals with the best nutrition and care products. We take our responsibility to improve the wellbeing of people and animals seriously through a wide range of initiatives. Next to that, we contribute to a better planet through local sourcing, lower CO2 emissions, energy and waste reduction.
In the United States, Versele-Laga oversees four core company brands: Versele-Laga, Higgins Premium Pet Foods, Cavalor and Roudybush.
· Versele-Laga and Higgins Premium Pet foods operate out of Miami, FL and offer a wide assortment of food, treats and supplements for birds, small animals and pigeons. They are committed to providing pets with the highest quality nutrition free of any artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
· Cavalor operates out of Dalton, GA and produces a complete line of premium horse feed, supplements and care products. They are focused on addressing the unique nutritional issues and challenges in the equine industry and are considered a leading nutrition solution provider.
· Roudybush operates out of Sacramento, CA and is a specialized bird food manufacturer. It offers science-based pellets, nectars, squab, and other diets for companion birds.
Responsabilities and Duties
This is a full-time role for a Marketing & Communications Specialist. This position will support the US activities of Versele-Laga and its marketing goals and initiatives.
You and your team will be responsible for leading, organizing and implementing the company’s marketing and communication strategy:
Marketing Strategies
Devise and implement a marketing strategy to help achieve the company’s goals and KPIs.
Apply our “Think Global, Act Local” initiative and adjust European/ global marketing strategies to better fit the needs of the US market.
Brand Management and Development
Leverage and maintain brand awareness of the different brands towards the B2B and B2C markets.
Position our brands effectively in the market and ensure a consistent message is communicated across all touchpoints.
Marketing Campaigns
Plan, execute, and manage marketing campaigns and new product launches across various channels.
Sets clear goals and tracks progress to ensure that the marketing efforts are on track to meet the company's goals.
Communications, Public Relations and Events
Plan, coordinate and implement the organization’s marketing message across all communication channels.
Organize and attend B2B and B2C events to stay connected with both the customers as the sales team their needs.
Manage the different social media channels.
Team Leadership
Build and manage a high-performing marketing team with attention to developing the unique individuals’ skills of every team member.
Required Qualifications
Professional qualifications:
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in wholesale/ distribution channel marketing
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Ensure a good balance between the day-to-day activities and middle to long-term goals
Have experience in setting up marketing strategies in a multi-channel FMCG environment
Pay excellent attention to detail, both for editing copy and consistency in style/tone across all content
Experience in digital marketing campaigns and website analytics tools like Google Analytics
Proficient knowledge of MS Office & typical communications programs
Have a working understanding of the pet and equine market
Personality traits:
Natural leader (by example)
Result driven
Team player
Strategic and analytical thinker
Entrepreneurial mindset
Pragmatic
Problem solver
Flexible
Compensation and Benefits
Starting salary range of $80 – $85k, plus performance bonus
Health, dental, vision, and 401(K) contribution plan benefits available
Reimbursed business travel expenses