LEAD MARKETING ( FOOD & SNACKS)

Role Summary

We are looking for a Category Lead – Food & Snacks to drive the marketing strategy and execution for the company’s fast-growing food portfolio — including noodles, cereals, snacks etc.

The ideal candidate will play a leading role in shaping portfolio strategy, brand positioning, trade activation, and consumer engagement across Kenya and regional markets.

This role requires a marketer with strong commercial acumen, creativity, and a deep understanding of evolving food trends, consumer lifestyles, and shopper behavior — from value staples to indulgent and convenience-driven categories.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field. CIM or MBA preferred.
  

• 5–8 years in FMCG marketing, with at least 3 years in food, snacks, or similar category management roles.
  
• Proven experience managing brands targeting youth, family, and mass-market segments.
  
• Strong understanding of both traditional and modern trade in Kenya and East Africa.
  
• Analytical thinker with creative problem-solving and execution discipline.
  
• Experience managing agencies, budgets, and promotional programs.
  

• Experience with NPD, flavor innovation, and packaging design for food/snack brands.
  
• Exposure to digital and influencer marketing campaigns.
  

• Familiarity with SAP (S4HANA), BI dashboards, or marketing analytics tools.
  

Category Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute the annual marketing plan for the Food & Snacks portfolio, aligned to growth and profitability targets.
  
• Identify consumer and channel opportunities across subcategories (noodles, cereals, snacks) to drive penetration and frequency.
  
• Translate consumer insights and category trends (nutrition, convenience, youth snacking, affordability) into actionable marketing initiatives.
  

Brand Management & Communication

• Lead brand positioning, communication, and innovation storytelling for brands such as Noodles and other emerging products).
  
• Build and execute 360° marketing campaigns (ATL, digital, in-store) that drive awareness, trial, and loyalty.
  
• Ensure cohesive messaging across packaging, advertising, and promotions to strengthen BIDCO’s brand identity.
  

Trade & Channel Activation

• Design and implement trade activation plans that drive visibility, conversion, and distribution for core and new products.
  
• Partner with sales and RTM teams to ensure flawless execution of promotions across general trade, modern trade, and institutional channels.
  
• Measure activation ROI and continuously optimize channel investments.
  

Innovation & Portfolio Development

• Support innovation projects — from concept development and packaging design to launch execution.
  
• Work with R&D, Supply Chain, and Sales to ensure launches are commercially viable and meet consumer needs.
  
• Lead post-launch reviews and performance tracking to refine the innovation pipeline.
  

Data & Performance Management

• Track category performance (brand health, volume, share, and profitability) using dashboards and external data.
  
• Use insights to guide pricing, portfolio prioritization, and marketing investment.
  
• Prepare quarterly category reviews and business updates for leadership.