Marketing Activation Manager, Iittala, Japan

Iittala is dedicated to inspiring better living. What began as a glass factory in a small village in Finland back in 1881, has grown into an internationally known design brand that continues to define the progressive Nordic way of life.  

Job purpose

The purpose of this role is to ensure that marketing for the brands are activated in local markets in a way that is in line with the agreed brand strategies and that it is executed to a high standard. The role acts as the main link between Iittala and Arabia Marketing, BU and the local sales unit and creates the best activation plan to support growth for the brands. 

Key Responsibilities
This job holder is accountable for tasks including, but not limited to the below:

Individual responsibilities

• Build the local annual plans and 3+ years outlook for the brand.
• Development and implementation of strategic marketing plans and campaigns to meet both company and individual brand targets for the market. 
• Optimize, plan and lead the execution of the plans in brand presentations to support the overall development of the brand and to reach set KPI:s using the tools available (Media strategy, NPD:s launch support, channel strategy (including e-com), media, influencers, event, PR, campaigns etc). 
• Set Campaign plans and guide on promotional levels for all channel (omnichannel approach). 
• Content planning (consumer journey) aligning all content to the marketing calendar and different channel needs. 
• Create the local “best in class” sell in presentation to the customers (one presentation to be used for all customers, adjusted by sales)
• Consistently monitoring, analysing and evaluating marketing trends, consumer behaviours and competitor activities to identify brand and marketing opportunities and supporting growth plans.
• Manage the brand budget and secure the best ROI of the budget spent to support the sales and brand targets balancing short term reality with long term brand building.
• Pricing exercise input with consumer and competitive input on RRP and recommendation on pricing as a result on target and floor price analysis (analysis done by finance).
• Initiate portfolio reviews and critically discuss what items fits in the market and portfolio and initiate strategic portfolio thinking on the brands in the organization. 
• Be a partner to the central team by giving a local view on initiatives as well as making sure the sales organization gets the support needed for the best results
• Deliver required material according to the meeting calendar – annual clock
• Initiate and take active part in sales follow up and analysis and follow up on brand performance in the market. Monthly reporting as well as budget and cost follow up is required to be able to be on top of actions needed to be taken to optimize performance. 
• Create best practice cases and share with the organization
• Brand and product trainings.

Direct subordinates / organisation

Position will be located in Tokyo Office
The role would have no direct reports

Skills, knowledge and experience

Experience & knowledge: 
 • 5+ years of marketing experience within a brand marketing team or at an agency
• Strong communication, presentation and leadership skills
• Demonstrated success in managing marketing campaigns
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work efficiently and effectively within a collaborative, cross-functional environment
• Demonstrated strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to analyze varieties of data and identify market trends
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment
• energetic, and proactive individual with time management skills
• Ability to think critically and creatively
• strong team player skills & strong report writing and presentation skills

Language skills: 

• Japanese as working language
• Fluent written and spoken English

Characteristics
 • Proactive attitudes, good teamwork skills, motivating team members with an energetic and entrepreneurial style.
• Analytical with strong problem-solving skills with strong business acumen.
• Change orientated, enjoys new challenges.
• Capability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks concurrently.
• Strong negotiation & communication skills.
• Sales-oriented mindset with a passion to increase business results.
• Strong accountability – keeps others informed and delivers on time.
• Commercial awareness with an eye for seeing business improvement opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and an ability to communicate complex business ideas.

For Iittala, life is about progress: seeking ways to inspire, innovate and take a stand for what matters. Come make progress with us.
Read more: fiskarsgroup.com
Read more: iittala.com