Marketing Director

Marketing Director: Branded, Own Label & Innovation Location: Based in the North of England, with regular presence required on-site. Scope: UK Market Remuneration: Significant Six Figure Package + Benefits + LTIP The Business Our client is a fast-scaling, innovation-led food group, with a rich portfolio of both branded and own label products across several categories. Operating across two major segments already trusted by leading UK retailers, they've recently entered a third high-growth category that is quickly becoming a cornerstone of their next strategic phase. Backed by significant investment, a powerful UK leadership team, and a significant innovation pipeline, this business is setting the foundations for a new era of commercially focused, insight-led brand building. They are known for delivering both everyday value and extraordinary quality and now they're seeking a marketing leader who can bring that story to life. The Opportunity This is a rare opportunity to join as Marketing Director, with full responsibility for shaping and leading the end-to-end marketing strategy across branded innovation, own-label customer marketing, and cross-functional NPD delivery. You will partner closely with the Sales and Insight teams to sharpen positioning, unlock brand stretch opportunities, and ensure category and shopper thinking is embedded from day one. This is a business in fast evolution, the ideal role for a marketing leader who thrives in real decision-making environments, not corporate layers. Key Responsibilities Own and lead the development of a compelling, insight-led brand strategy for the UK portfolio Oversee all branded communications, positioning, packaging and activation, across retail and foodservice touchpoints Lead the customer marketing and NPD pipeline for major grocery and retail partners Partner closely with Sales to develop joint customer plans, creating differentiation and value in own-label solutions Define and manage the brand architecture and product portfolio strategy, balancing core hero SKUs with new category stretch Shape the future structure and capability of the UK marketing team as the business scales Build strong cross-functional links across commercial, innovation, R&D, and supply chain functions Represent Marketing at a senior level internally, including regular engagement with the Group MD and executive team Ensure data and insight sit at the heart of all brand decisions — from innovation to performance measurement The Ideal Candidate Senior marketing leader with experience in branded FMCG, ideally food or drink Comfortable leading both branded and own label strategies, and engaging directly with UK retailers Demonstrated experience in NPD, brand development, comms and customer marketing Commercially astute, with strong understanding of how marketing drives EBITDA and margin delivery Experience of building or reshaping marketing teams in fast-moving, change-led environments A clear, engaging communicator who can influence at exec and board level Highly collaborative, with strong cross-functional instincts and real drive to make an impact Why Apply? Be the marketing lead in a fast-moving, commercially ambitious food business with true growth trajectory Own the brand and innovation strategy across both branded and own label ranges Shape the team, capability and future of the marketing function Work closely with the UK board and play a visible role in group-level strategic planning Join a business where decisions are fast, people are empowered, and growth is real If you're ready to lead at pace, unlock brand stretch, and build marketing from a place of real substance, this could be the move that shapes your next chapter.