Marketing Manager-Footwear APAC

Job Description:

Job Purpose:

What:

Manages the marketing resource within the regional Elastomers footwear business.  The role of the marketing group is to implement the agreed regional strategy through the provision and execution of segment marketing plans and the implementation of process-based decision-making tools. The group is also responsible for product management recommendations, including identification of opportunities for product innovation as well as portfolio optimisation and asset profitability, fully aligned with global marketing, commercial, manufacturing and technical teams.

Why:

Focussing resources on the most attractive segments where we have, or can develop, superior capabilities will enable the Elastomers footwear business to gain market leadership positions and drive profitability. Identifying new opportunities is a key forward strategy for the Elastomers footwear business and clear focus on customer needs, within our chosen markets, will allow us to develop a sustainable innovation pipeline. 

Principal accountabilities:

1. To ensure that all work undertaken is carried out in full compliance with Huntsman’s EH&S procedures and policies and strive for continuous improvement in safety performance.

2. Develop and execute comprehensive marketing plans with clear focus on strategic market sectors for the region.

3. Lead and drive new product development program on focus segments/market/ industry.

4. Use in-depth market expertise to ensure product portfolio is aligned to current and future market needs

5. Develop and validate value propositions for Huntsman offerings to ensure maximum value capture from the product range

6. Ensure the regional marketing function drives value creation through identification and selection of opportunities which fit with internal capabilities and so drive profitable growth.

7. Work closely with commercial and technology teams to optimise asset profitability through product/segment mix

8. Align activities with both the global and regional technical and commercial teams

9. Manage the regional fixed cost budget and plan expenditure on external vendors and partners

Special Features:

The Marketing Manager must be able to work across a wide range of internal personnel in a manner which builds trust, buy-in and understanding. 

The incumbent must also be able to show adaptability to cultural differences and be able to excel in difficult circumstances.

The level of interactions includes high level managers/directors in Elastomers and other divisions and at customers

Major Challenges

Major challenges for this position include the ability to identify and develop market priorities, using process-based techniques, to gain the support of commercial and technical teams.  The incumbent will need to have a good understanding of markets and technologies and be able to develop value propositions for customer segments. 

These efforts need to be done in a complex mix of industries with dynamic competition. 

There will be a high level of competing demands, moving between strategic and tactical, requiring a high level of maturity and flexibility in approach. Understanding the drivers of the industry and recognising regional differences to ensure future business requirements are captured.

The incumbent must be able to effectively deal with team interactions across different functions in the global business, though their time spans and interest may not always be exactly aligned.

Knowledge, experience and skills required:

1. The ideal candidate should be educated to degree level in a technical discipline preferably in a chemical/engineering related field with a postgraduate qualification in marketing or business. 

2. The candidate should have an in-depth knowledge of the specialty market and the space occupied by polyurethane elastomeric materials, including the strengths and limitations of competing materials. The candidate must have the ability to manage numerous activities as well as be able to multi-task and set priorities in a complex environment.  A thorough understanding of marketing concepts and the ability to apply these competently across a range of different industries and business models.

3. Ideally the candidate, in addition to the education above should have a minimum of 10 years technical/commercial/marketing experience, including people development, and with a track record of working across a matrix organisation.

4. The candidate must have extensive customer experience as well as an excellent appreciation for industry drivers and strategic issues.  The incumbent, due to his/her experience must be able to switch back and forth between tactical and strategic issues.

5. Fluency in English.  All other languages are an asset

6. Proficient in Office 365

Required Huntsman competencies

Competencies

• Achievement Orientation
• Adaptability
• Building Relationships
• Decision Making
• Organizational Commitment
• Situational Influencing

Additional Locations: