Job Description

The Marketing Manager supports the growth and market expansion of Whitsons’ Custom Food Solutions and Transportation end markets. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing initiatives that drive revenue growth, strengthen brand positioning, and support sales performance across both sectors.

Reporting to the Director, Marketing & Brand Management, this individual leads segment-specific marketing strategies aligned with the Whitsons Family of Companies brand architecture. The role requires strong cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Operations, QA, and Culinary, teams to deliver scalable marketing programs that support global growth objectives.

The Marketing Manager plays a key role in translating business strategy into actionable marketing plans, supporting customer acquisition, retention, and market differentiation while ensuring brand consistency and measurable ROI.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Brand Strategy & Management

• Develop and execute marketing strategies for Custom Food Solutions and Transportation aligned with overall corporate brand strategy.
• Position Whitsons as a scalable, innovative partner in B2B food manufacturing, commissary, and transportation dining environments.
• Ensure segment messaging reflects the brands’ core commitments and operational excellence.
• Maintain brand consistency across sales materials, digital platforms, trade shows, fleet branding, and collateral.
• Collaborate on naming, positioning, and go-to-market strategies for new product launches and service expansions.

Sales Enablement & Growth Support

• Partner with Sales leadership to develop segment-specific materials such as: sell kits, presentations, case studies, and proposal support materials.
• Create targeted campaigns to drive new business development and customer retention.
• Support RFP responses and custom proposal development in collaboration with the Proposal team.
• Develop tools to articulate scalable solutions, production capabilities, and distribution advantages.
• Support trade show planning, customer events, and industry engagement initiatives.

Communications & Content Development

• Develop internal and external communications supporting segment initiatives.
• Oversee website content, landing pages, and digital assets related to the brands.
• Create thought leadership content including white papers, case studies, and market intelligence reports.
• Collaborate with the communications team to promote innovation milestones and partnership announcements.

Research & Market Intelligence

• Conduct competitive analysis across food manufacturing, commissary services, airline/rail dining, and related sectors.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory updates, supply chain dynamics, and consumer preferences.
• Translate insights into actionable marketing strategies and sales talking points.
• Support pricing strategy collaboration through market analysis and positioning research.

Measurement & Budgeting

• Track campaign effectiveness, lead generation, revenue contribution, and participation metrics.
• Develop KPIs aligned with segment growth goals.
• Manage allocated marketing budget responsibly and efficiently.
• Report on performance insights to the Director of Marketing & Brand Management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with other departments to align marketing initiatives with business objectives.
• Support Berkeley Culinary Center initiatives and production capacity storytelling where applicable.
• Participate in strategic planning sessions to support long-term segment growth.

Events & Brand Reputation

• Support client-facing/community events to maximize reach and positive sentiment; align with Marketing on PR, social, and brand initiatives.

General Support

• Take on additional responsibilities or interim assignments as business needs evolve.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The team member is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The team member must be able to multi-task.

Position may require extended hours including evenings and/or weekends, travel to multiple work sites and frequent out-of-town travel. Must be able to drive his/her own vehicle to other work sites and use his/her own smart phone.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position will be based in Berkely, IL. Some travel is required. Most traveling will be confined to day trips in the region but from time to time, may also include travel to client locations and the corporate office in New York.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work is performed primarily in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, and the Company reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.

This role offers a salary range of $65,000 – $80,000 annually, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, and paid holidays.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Qualifications & Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with strong project management skills.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to gain stakeholder buy-in and influence cross-functional teams.
• Analytical mindset with comfort interpreting data and translating into action.
• Collaborative team player with strong leadership potential.
• Flexibility to travel as needed to production facilities, client sites, and industry events.

Education & Experience:

• Four-year degree in marketing, communications, business or related major.
• 4-6 years of progressive marketing experience, preferably in foodservice, manufacturing, B2B, or transportation sectors.
• Experience supporting sales enablement and revenue-driven marketing initiatives.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Teams and SharePoint) applications required.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Experience with digital marketing platforms and analytics tools.

Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite.