Trade Marketing Manager – Food & Beverage

Are you a strategic marketer with a passion for driving brand visibility and sales in the Food & Beverage industry? We are seeking a Trade Marketing Manager to lead marketing initiatives, optimize trade promotions, and strengthen retail partnerships in Houston, TX. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop and execute innovative strategies that enhance product positioning and market presence. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a track record of delivering impactful trade marketing campaigns, this position is for you.

Drive Trade Marketing Success in Houston

A leading Food & Beverage company in Houston, TX is looking for a dynamic Trade Marketing Manager to spearhead its promotional strategies and retail execution. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in trade marketing, category management, and data-driven decision-making. If you excel at building strong retailer relationships, optimizing trade spend, and enhancing brand visibility, this is your chance to make a significant impact in a competitive market.

Key Responsibilities of the Trade Marketing Manager – Food & Beverage

1. Strategic Trade Marketing Planning

Develop and implement trade marketing strategies that align with overall brand objectives, business goals, and market trends.
Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify opportunities for increasing brand awareness, product visibility, and sales growth across retail and distribution channels.
Establish short-term and long-term trade marketing plans to optimize product positioning in the competitive Food & Beverage industry.

2. Retail & Channel Management

Work closely with retailers, distributors, and sales teams to develop and execute strategies that enhance in-store execution and product placement.
Strengthen trade partnerships to ensure brand presence is maximized across grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail channels.
Collaborate with sales and merchandising teams to improve shelf visibility, point-of-sale (POS) execution, and promotional effectiveness.

3. Promotional Campaign Execution

Design and execute trade promotions, in-store activations, and shopper marketing campaigns to increase brand engagement and product demand.
Develop promotional programs such as discounts, bundle offers, loyalty incentives, and seasonal campaigns to drive purchases and enhance consumer retention.
Track campaign performance using KPIs, sales data, and market insights, and make necessary adjustments to maximize effectiveness.

4. Market & Consumer Insights

Utilize data analytics, market research, and consumer insights to identify key category trends, consumer behavior patterns, and competitor strategies.
Conduct surveys, focus groups, and retailer feedback sessions to gain a deeper understanding of customer preferences and purchasing decisions.
Leverage insights to refine trade marketing strategies, ensuring campaigns resonate with target consumers and drive maximum engagement.

5. Budget & Performance Optimization

Develop and manage the trade marketing budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to maximize return on investment (ROI).
Track trade spend efficiency by evaluating promotional effectiveness, campaign success metrics, and cost-benefit analysis.
Implement performance tracking tools to measure brand performance, sales uplift, and trade marketing impact at different retail touchpoints.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with sales, marketing, category management, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment between trade strategies and overall business goals.
Support the launch of new products, ensuring proper market positioning, pricing strategies, and promotional execution.
Collaborate with supply chain teams to ensure efficient inventory management and demand forecasting to avoid stock shortages or overstock situations.

7. Brand Visibility & Merchandising

Enhance brand visibility and product placement in retail environments through innovative merchandising strategies and in-store marketing programs.
Develop and oversee the production of POS materials, promotional displays, product demo stations, signage, and digital assets to support brand marketing efforts.
Ensure a consistent brand image across all retail touchpoints, maintaining visual identity, messaging clarity, and brand integrity.

8. Event & Trade Show Management

Plan and coordinate the company’s participation in industry trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, and retailer meetings.
Represent the brand effectively by building strong relationships with key retailers, distributors, industry influencers, and stakeholders.
Develop customized event marketing strategies to showcase product offerings, innovations, and company values to trade partners and consumers.

9. Regulatory Compliance & Brand Standards

Ensure all trade marketing activities comply with industry regulations, advertising standards, and company policies.
Maintain consistency in messaging, visual identity, promotional execution, and brand tone across all marketing touchpoints.
Work with the legal and compliance teams to review marketing campaigns, ensuring they align with advertising guidelines, food labeling laws, and consumer protection regulations.

This Trade Marketing Manager role is crucial in driving retail success, increasing consumer engagement, and strengthening brand presence in the Food & Beverage industry. If you have a passion for strategic marketing, brand growth, and sales execution, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, competitive marketplace.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Trade Marketing Manager – Food & Beverage, the client seeks a strategic and results-driven professional with a deep understanding of trade marketing, category management, and retail execution. You should be a proactive leader who can develop innovative marketing strategies, drive brand growth, and optimize trade promotions in a competitive Food & Beverage market.

Proven Expertise in Trade Marketing

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in trade marketing, shopper marketing, or category management within the Food & Beverage industry. You should have a strong track record of executing successful trade promotions, improving retail execution, and driving product visibility in key distribution channels.

Strategic Thinker with a Market-Driven Approach

The client is looking for a professional who can craft and execute data-driven trade marketing strategies that enhance brand positioning and increase sales. You must be adept at identifying market trends, optimizing trade spend, and developing go-to-market strategies that align with consumer and retailer needs.

Strong Retail & Channel Relationship Management

Success in this role requires the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with retailers, distributors, and sales teams. The client values candidates who can negotiate trade terms, enhance in-store execution, and collaborate with key stakeholders to drive mutual growth.

Analytical Mindset & Data-Driven Decision Making

A strong analytical background is essential for evaluating trade marketing effectiveness, tracking ROI, and optimizing promotional spend. The client seeks a professional who can leverage sales data, category insights, and shopper analytics to refine marketing strategies and improve overall performance.

Creative Problem-Solver with Execution Excellence

The ability to think creatively and execute high-impact trade marketing campaigns is a must. You should be skilled in developing promotional plans, managing in-store activations, and driving consumer engagement while ensuring alignment with brand objectives.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

The client is looking for a team player who can work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure trade marketing strategies are seamlessly integrated with broader business goals. Strong project management skills and the ability to execute multiple initiatives simultaneously are highly valued.

Commitment to Brand Growth & Compliance

Ensuring brand consistency, regulatory compliance, and ethical trade marketing practices is essential. The ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of industry regulations, quality standards, and effective merchandising techniques to maintain brand integrity in all trade marketing activities.

FAQs About the Role – Trade Marketing Manager – Food & Beverage

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Trade Marketing Manager in this role?

As the Trade Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing trade marketing strategies, optimizing retail execution, and enhancing brand visibility in key distribution channels. You will collaborate with sales, marketing, and category management teams to drive in-store activations, promotional campaigns, and trade partnerships. Your role will also involve analyzing market trends, managing trade budgets, and strengthening retailer relationships to maximize brand performance.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in trade marketing, shopper marketing, or category management, preferably within the Food & Beverage industry. Experience in retail execution, trade promotions, and data-driven decision-making is highly desirable. A degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field is typically required, and additional certifications in trade marketing or sales strategy are a plus.

3. What skills and qualities are essential for success in this role?

The client seeks a strategic thinker with strong analytical, negotiation, and leadership skills. You should have a deep understanding of retail dynamics, consumer behavior, and market trends. The ability to build strong relationships with retailers, distributors, and internal teams is crucial. Additionally, experience with data analytics, financial planning, and trade marketing software/tools will be beneficial.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

You will face challenges such as managing trade budgets, optimizing promotional effectiveness, adapting to evolving consumer preferences, and maintaining strong retailer relationships. Additionally, you will need to navigate competitive market conditions, ensure trade compliance, and balance short-term sales goals with long-term brand growth objectives.

5. What is the expected impact of the Trade Marketing Manager on the company’s growth?

Your role will directly impact brand performance, sales growth, and market share expansion. By developing innovative trade marketing strategies, optimizing in-store execution, and strengthening retailer partnerships, you will contribute to increased consumer engagement, improved brand positioning, and higher revenue generation.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

The company fosters a collaborative, fast-paced, and performance-driven culture. They value innovation, teamwork, and accountability, offering opportunities to develop strategic initiatives that enhance brand success. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, retailers, and industry partners in a dynamic and engaging work environment.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Trade Marketing Manager – Food & Beverage, you can expect a competitive compensation package designed to reward expertise in trade marketing strategy, retail execution, and brand growth. The remuneration for this role typically includes:

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a Trade Marketing Manager in the Food & Beverage industry varies based on company size, location, and experience level. Generally, the annual base salary ranges from $70,000 to $120,000, with senior-level roles offering higher compensation.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

In addition to the base salary, most trade marketing roles include performance-based incentives tied to key business objectives such as sales growth, trade promotions effectiveness, and market expansion. These bonuses can range from 10% to 30% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance.

3. Stock Options & Equity Incentives

Some Food & Beverage companies, particularly larger organizations or startups, may offer stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or profit-sharing plans. These incentives align your contributions with the company’s long-term success.

4. Benefits & Perks

Trade Marketing Managers often receive a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plans with employer contributions
Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
Employee wellness programs
Training & career development opportunities

5. Travel Allowances & Expense Reimbursements

Since trade marketing involves retailer collaborations and in-store execution, some companies offer travel reimbursements, company-provided vehicles, or allowances for market visits and trade events.

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance

For highly qualified candidates, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation assistance. These incentives can range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on company policies and hiring needs.

Total Compensation Potential

When considering base salary, performance bonuses, stock options, and additional benefits, the total compensation for a Trade Marketing Manager in the Food & Beverage industry can range from $80,000 to $150,000+ annually.

How to Apply

If you are a results-driven marketing professional with expertise in trade marketing strategies, retail execution, and brand growth within the Food & Beverage industry, we encourage you to apply for the Trade Marketing Manager role. This is a high-impact opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams, develop strategic trade promotions, and drive market penetration and sales growth.

To apply, please submit:
✅ Your updated resume showcasing your experience in trade marketing, retail execution, sales analytics, and promotional planning.
✅ A cover letter detailing your expertise in consumer engagement, brand positioning, and trade strategy optimization.

This role offers a dynamic career path where you will play a key role in shaping retail success, enhancing brand visibility, and driving revenue growth. Apply today to take the next step in your Trade Marketing career in the Food & Beverage industry!

For more details or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Marketing & Sales Careers Page.

Job Category: Food & Beverage

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Houston

Trade Marketing Manager – Food & Beverage – Houston, TX