Director of Marketing - Bakery

The Director of Marketing - Bakery leads the commercial strategy, product portfolio management, and market growth initiatives for the bakery category across Foodservice, National Accounts, and Retail channels. This role is responsible for driving profitable growth through strategic planning, pricing strategy, product innovation, and cross-functional collaboration. The Director develops and executes category strategies informed by consumer, operator, and market insights while overseeing the full product lifecycle and ensuring alignment between Sales, Marketing, R&D Finance, and Operations. This leader builds and develops a high-performing marketing team while delivering revenue, margin, and market share objectives for the bakery portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Lead the strategic direction and performance of the Bakery business with responsibility for growth, profitability, and market expansion across Foodservice, National Accounts, and Retail channels. Develop the annual operating plan, establish performance objectives, and analyze category and product performance trends to drive revenue and margin growth.
• Own commercial strategy and P&L performance for the total portfolio by aligning pricing strategy, product mix, promotional investment, and channel programs to support sustainable growth and profitability.
• Direct the full product lifecycle for Foodservice, Retail and National Account offerings, including innovation strategy, product development, commercialization, portfolio management, and margin optimization.
• Develop data-driven business cases and financial analyses to support strategic initiatives, capital investments, and new market opportunities.
• Lead pricing strategy and program management, including price architecture, list management, special pricing structures, and disciplined pricing processes to support revenue growth and margin expansion.
• Oversee targeted growth strategies for key segments including Foodservice Non-Commercial, K-12, National Accounts, and Retail partners by developing tailored programs, pricing strategies, and value propositions for each channel.
• Translate consumer, operator, and industry insights into actionable strategies that support category growth, product innovation, and market expansion.
• Champion product innovation and portfolio optimization by identifying new product opportunities, executing product rationalization initiatives, and ensuring alignment between Sales, Marketing, R&D, Operations, and Finance.
• Build and lead a high-performing Bakery Marketing team by recruiting, mentoring, and developing talent while establishing clear priorities, accountability, and strong commercial discipline.
• Collaborate closely with Finance and Sales leadership to manage channel economics, monitor trade and promotional spending effectiveness, and ensure Foodservice, National Account, and Retail performance meets revenue, margin, and operating plan targets.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Food Science, or related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree in Business, Marketing, or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in marketing, category management, or commercial leadership within food manufacturing, bakery, or CPG industries.
• Minimum 5+ years of leadership experience managing marketing, product management, or category teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing Foodservice, National Accounts, and/or Retail channel strategies.
• Experience with product lifecycle management, commercialization, and innovation pipelines in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience in pricing strategy, financial analysis, and P&L management.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and R&D to deliver product and market initiatives.
• Culinary, foodservice, or sales certifications are considered a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and other business software used for data analysis, reporting, and executive-level presentations.
• Strong strategic leadership and business acumen with the ability to translate market insights, customer needs, and industry trends into profitable growth strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage P&L performance, pricing strategies, and financial analysis to drive revenue growth and margin improvement.
• Expertise in product lifecycle management, including innovation strategy, product development, commercialization, and portfolio optimization.
• Ability to analyze market data, customer insights, and competitive trends to support data-driven decision making and strategic planning.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build, mentor, and develop high-performing teams while fostering accountability and performance excellence.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with Sales, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Culinary teams to execute business initiatives.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and executive leadership.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, lead complex initiatives, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

• Manage and develop direct reports in accordance with organizational needs.
• Work requires supervising and monitoring work performance of direct reports including making final decisions on hiring and disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed.
• Develop functional responsibilities of individuals that report to this position and ensure that best in-class output is created.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Primarily operates in a professional office environment with standard business equipment and technology.
• Requires extended periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Occasionally required to lift and move materials weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Travel may be required based on business needs, including visits to customers, manufacturing facilities, and industry events.

Expectations:

• Will demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company's Core Values.

At C.H. Guenther, we value transparency in compensation. By providing the salary range for this role, we aim to promote fairness and help candidates make informed choices about their career. The salary range for this role is:
$128,380.00 - $248,491.00

Actual compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as geographic location.

C.H. Guenther & Son will never offer or pay a wage or salary that is not compliant with applicable local, state, or federal pay laws, including minimum salary thresholds.

We also offer a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, retirement savings options, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, educational assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.

For additional information about our company, go to

C.H. Guenther & Son and its subsidiaries are E-Verify participating employers.

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All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the pre-employment screening process which includes a drug screen and review of criminal background and other records as required.

AA/EEO/Drug-Free Employer