International Shopper Marketing Manager

Bolsius’ candles make millions of homes comfy, cozy and exquisite. The company wants to become the irresistible home ambiance company in Europe.  The role of International Shopper Marketing Manager is crucial in realizing those ambitions. He/she owns the development and implementation of the shopper marketing plans across channels and markets in Western Europe.

About bolsius

Bolsius, a Dutch company that was founded in 1870, combines the best of both worlds: an entrepreneurial family-owned business and a highly professional and international culture. Bolsius’ top quality products are sold in over 50 countries worldwide and follow the latest trends in home decoration, allowing people to create a unique and contemporary ambiance in their homes. The company’s offerings range from simple tea lights to elegant dinner candles.

The magic of the flame

Candles can enchant moments in our lives; they bring people together in love and friendship and have the ability to offer hope and comfort in times of sadness. They bring warmth and coziness to your home and set the mood for a romantic restaurant dinner.

Shoppers can buy candles through many different channels and store formats – in home and garden stores, in convenience stores like grocery and drugstores but also in various stores as an impulse buy.  More recently also numerous e-commerce platforms like Amazon are offering home ambiance products as well.  Understanding the different shopping behaviors in these channels and tapping into the unmet needs (opportunities) are crucial for the further development of the Bolsius brand. As the category is seasonal (the majority of sales takes place from September until March), impulse buying and secondary sitings are crucial.

As category leader, Bolsius enlightens retailers about the potential of the category and persuades them to work more closely with Bolsius. Together, they will increase the category value while strengthening the position of the brand. Based on consumer, shopper and category insights, Bolsius advises retailers on the right assortment mix, the ideal shelf and display presentation and promotional activities.”

All of the above underlines the strategic importance of the shopper marketing discipline within Bolsius.

The role: International Shopper Marketing Manager

The International Shopper Marketing Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of all shopper marketing activities in Western Europe, co-owning the Bolsius strategic selling narrative and earning recognition from clients as a shopper marketing expert. This also entails identifying category growth opportunities and translating these into shopper marketing plans, while maintaining the budget and improving marketing ROI.

The International Shopper Marketing Manager leads a team of two shopper marketers and will also across-functional borders, work closely with sales and business unit managers as well as the brand experience and category management teams. Close cooperation also exists with the team in Germany and Eastern Europe on developing and sharing best practices.

“You will have a lot of freedom to chart your own course. We want you to get out of your comfort zone, leverage your strengths and be creative when you see opportunities!” – Casper Schoenmakers, Commercial Director Western Europe

Candidate profile

Experience

• Bachelor’s / Master’s degree
• At least 5-8 years of relevant work experience
• Some managerial experience
• Experience in the dynamics of e-commerce
• International experience, or experience in multicultural management/cooperation
• FMCG or home decoration experience

Skills

• Fluent in English and Dutch
• Analytical
• Creative and conceptual thinker
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Ability to convince others
• Results-oriented
• A go-getter without a huge ego
• Willingness to travel internationally

Bolsius works with Top of Minds to fill this vacancy.
Contact Janko Klaeijsen at janko@topofminds.com for more information.