Versele 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 oversees four core company brands: Versele, Higgins Premium Pet Foods, Cavalor and Roudybush.
· Versele 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.
Position:
In consultation with the marketing manager, you draw up the category vision for your animal family and help determine the direction in which we wish to evolve.
You are responsible for the management of your product range: you develop strong product concepts in line with consumer needs; you monitor product life cycle management and make proactive proposals for optimization of the ranges.
You take the product lead in launching new products. You work closely with various other departments (R&D, production, logistics, purchasing and sales).
You are the point of contact for product-related questions.
You build a thorough market knowledge of your category; you spot trends, map market dynamics and monitor the competition. You also systematically monitor internal sales figures.
Together with trade marketing, you work out an annual plan to support your animal family.
You coordinate, implement and evaluate all out of store communication/activation for your (sub)brands. You call on the internal marketing communications department and/or work with external creative partners for this.
You are sufficiently familiar with online activation/communication; you are responsible for the digital content of your animal family.
You actively participate in fairs and other events.
Every day you contribute to the professionalization of our marketing team.
You report directly to the global marketing manager.
Profile:
You hold a higher education degree in Marketing (Master’s in Business Economics, Commercial Engineering, Economics or a postgraduate degree) or equivalent through experience.
You have a true passion for the world of pets and are motivated to make a meaningful impact on their health and well-being.
You have at least 5 years of experience as a Marketing Product Manager within a consumer food environment, with proven expertise in innovation, category management, communication, advertising, and pricing.
You are analytically strong and have excellent problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
You communicate clearly, openly and effectively across different teams and levels, and are fluent in Dutch, French and English. Knowledge of German or another language is a strong asset.
You are a true team player, comfortable working in global teams and matrix organizations, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
You take initiative, are well-organized, and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility. You set clear goals, focus on results, and inspire others to perform at their best.
You show adaptability in a rapidly changing business environment, remaining flexible and resilient while keeping focus on priorities.
You are customer-centric, with a deep understanding of consumer needs and behavior, and you translate insights into actionable marketing strategies that strengthen brand and product positioning (Customer Centricity).
You embrace innovation and continuous improvement, proactively seeking opportunities to enhance products, processes, and ways of working.
You are eager to learn and willing to invest time in understanding the scientific and nutritional aspects behind our products and animal families.
You are ambitious and entrepreneurial, ready to take on a key role within a strong, multinational family-owned company where your contribution truly makes a difference.
Our offer:
Flexible working hours: you benefit from flexible working hours, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Salary: a competitive salary in line with the market, depending on your profile and experience.
Electric company car with charging card: you will receive an electric company car including a charging card, enabling sustainable and comfortable mobility.
Fringe benefits: we offer group insurance and hospitalization insurance, ensuring you are well protected.
Meal vouchers: you receive meal vouchers worth €10 per worked day.
Growth opportunities: opportunities to develop yourself within a large, ambitious, and international family business where your contribution truly makes a difference.
Meaningful job: the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners worldwide.
Strong team spirit: you will work within a driven and passionate team in a dynamic and growing sector.
Innovative environment: a collaborative workplace that values your ideas and creativity.
Warm family atmosphere: with fun team activities such as the Versele-Laga Run in Deinze, the Versele-Laga Classic cycling event, and much more.