Group Marketing Director

Henderson Group is a multi-award winning, family-owned business and, with over 5500 colleagues across the Group, it is one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers. The Company dates back to 1897 when it started life as a retail grocery business – today it is a £1.37bn Group comprising of four operating companies: Henderson Wholesale (which is complemented by its subsidiary companies, Henderson Technology and Henderson Print), Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property.

The Group Marketing Director will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Henderson Group Corporate and Retail brands to raise brand reputation, recognition and consideration in support of business ambitions. They will set and oversee the implementation of a high-performing marketing strategy through leadership of the Henderson Wholesale team and wider Group Marketing teams in pursuit of the Group’s Core Purpose: ‘To Delight Our Customers with Great Food’. The Group Marketing budget for 2025 is in excess of £7m.

The Group Marketing Director will establish a clear market position for the Group Corporate and Retail brands, ensuring the consistent delivery of messages and marketing campaigns to all market segments.

They will advise on the development of the Group Corporate brand, overseeing PR and Engagement activities, contributing to and representing the Ulster Guild of SPAR retailers at SPAR UK and International meetings, along with other customer or business forums as required. They will maximise the talent within the Marketing teams by providing development opportunities and guidance on work priorities and will be responsible for overseeing the formulation and monitoring of annual marketing budgets. The role holder will oversee the ongoing development of the Group’s digital marketing presence across web and social channels, utilising data and insights to underpin key marketing performance metrics and measuring return on investment towards overall business strategy.

Applicants should possess the following skills and experience:

• Considerable experience in leading a large Marketing or Commercial function in the FMCG sector, ideally within the food retail sector.
• A clear record of success in building great teams and collaborating effectively with others.
• Recent experience in leading the development and management of a portfolio of brands.
• Extensive knowledge of all areas of marketing with recent experience in developing and implementing successful marketing strategies that align with the wider corporate aims of the business.
• Proven experience in planning and executing integrated paid, owned, and earned marketing campaigns, as well as managing CRM, rewards, and personalised marketing strategies to drive business growth.
• Experience of influencing a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the UK and the island of Ireland, along with knowledge and understanding of the relevant economic, social and market environments.

This is a rare executive Marketing career opportunity to join a successful, market leading business with a wonderful culture and heritage and to play a key role in further realising its strategic ambitions.

To apply, please upload a CV at the link below or for further information please contact Ruth McDonald at Narratology in confidence. The closing date for applications is Monday 14^th April 2025.