Key Skills

Job Description

About the job We are looking for a Country Marketing Lead to shape and deliver Sunstar's marketing strategy for the Netherlands and Belgium. You will build the strength of our brands, including GUM and O7 Active, and turn consumer and market insights into plans that support sustainable growth. You will work closely with Sales, Finance, Supply Chain and our European marketing teams to bring those plans to life across retail, e-commerce and professional channels. This means setting clear priorities, developing effective campaigns and activations, and making sure our marketing investment delivers measurable results. The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution. You will use market, consumer and sales data to identify opportunities, guide portfolio and innovation choices, and track progress against agreed objectives. You will also manage budgets, agencies and cross-functional projects. Success in this role depends on your ability to connect people and ideas across a matrix organisation. You will build strong partnerships, influence stakeholders and help teams work towards shared commercial goals, while adapting the approach to the needs of both the Dutch and Belgian markets. The job's mission Own the country marketing plan and its contribution to P&L performance. Translate European brand strategies into effective local market plans, integrating Consumer and Professional Marketing and leading trade and shopper thinking in close partnership with Sales. Ensure local market needs and commercial opportunities are captured and shared with European Marketing to inform brand priorities, innovation and renovation plans. Key responsibilities 1. Own the country marketing plan and drive growth Own the 3-year country marketing strategy and annual marketing plan, aligned with European brand and business priorities. Drive the marketing contribution to country P&L through effective prioritisation of activities and investments. Integrate Consumer and Professional Marketing priorities into a coherent country marketing plan to maximise synergies and impact. Identify local market, channel, customer, professional, shopper and consumer opportunities to accelerate growth. 2. Lead trade and shopper thinking with Sales Lead local channel strategy and trade and shopper marketing thinking in close partnership with Sales. Drive commercial effectiveness across assortment, shelf space, pricing and promotions, aligned with European portfolio and pricing strategies. Define shopper activation, retailer media, and online and in-store experience priorities to maximise conversion and commercial impact. Ensure effective online and in-store execution, including launches, promotional plans and point-of-sale materials. 3. Integrate Professional Marketing and drive professional engagement Integrate Professional Marketing into the country marketing plan, aligned with European brand priorities and local business needs. Adapt and activate European professional initiatives locally, aligned with consumer campaigns and product launches, including local engagement with OCPs and professional influencers. Develop and coordinate professional training plans in partnership with Sales. Share local professional insights and needs with European Marketing to inform brand development and renovation. 4. Drive local consumer activation and execution Translate European brand strategies into locally relevant consumer activation plans. Identify and trigger Commercial Innovation projects based on local market insights and business opportunities. Lead local launches, media activation, KOL and influencer partnerships, and local social initiatives. Ensure high-quality, timely and effective execution of country marketing plans. 5. Enable efficient marketing execution through the European Agility Hub Partner with the European Agility Hub to ensure efficient adaptation, localisation and delivery of market-ready assets across all marketing activities and touchpoints. 6. Monitor performance and maximise effectiveness Lead in-depth analysis of retail and consumer syndicated data to identify market trends, growth opportunities and performance gaps. Track marketing and commercial performance against country business objectives and P&L contribution. Assess the effectiveness of marketing investments and activation plans, identifying opportunities for improvement. Share market learnings and best practices with European Marketing and other country teams. What success looks like The candidate connects brand development with commercial results: stronger brands, relevant activations, better collaboration with Sales, and measurable growth in distribution and sales. Candidate profile Experience and expertise At least 10+ years of relevant marketing experience, including at least 5 years in FMCG, consumer health or healthcare. Proven experience in brand strategy, portfolio management and product innovation. Strong commercial understanding and experience across retail, e-commerce and professional channels. Experience developing and executing campaigns and channel activations. Data-driven, with the ability to turn market, consumer and sales data into decisions, KPIs and measurable results. Strong financial acumen, including experience with marketing budgets, margins and ROI. Experience managing agencies, projects and cross-functional teams. Native Dutch speaker. Fluency in English. Personal qualities Takes ownership and independently turns strategy into execution. Sets clear priorities and maintains a strong focus on results. Can influence stakeholders and build support in a matrix organisation. Works collaboratively with Sales and other functions. Communicates clearly, listens well and provides constructive direction. Is adaptable and can balance a consistent brand strategy with local needs in the Netherlands and Belgium. Why join Sunstar? Purpose-driven company focused on health and wellbeing Unique Swiss-Japanese heritage with a truly global footprint, serving customers in more than 90 countries Exciting transformation journey creating opportunities to make a tangible impact Collaborative, inclusive, and multicultural environment Strong commitment to learning, development, and career growth Culture of ownership, innovation, and continuous improvement Hybrid working model supporting flexibility and work-life balance Location: Naarden, Netherlands Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent Travel: This role involves regular travel across European markets (up to 10%) Excited by this opportunity? We'd love to learn more about you. Apply today and help us drive meaningful impact at Sunstar. Due to the high volume of applications, we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates. If you apply and do not hear from us within three weeks of the job posting date, please understand that we will not be progressing with your application.

Core Responsibilities

Own the Netherlands and Belgium marketing strategy and plans, translating European brand priorities into local consumer, professional, trade, and shopper activations that support country P&L growth. Manage budgets, agencies, launches, and cross-functional partnerships while analyzing performance and market data to improve marketing effectiveness and share local insights with European teams.

Requirements

Requires at least 10 years of relevant marketing experience, including at least five years in FMCG, consumer health, or healthcare, with proven expertise in brand strategy, portfolio management, innovation, and channel activation. Candidates must be native Dutch speakers, fluent in English, commercially and financially astute, data-driven, and experienced in managing budgets, agencies, projects, and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Hybrid Working
• Learning And Development
• Career Growth