Retail Engagement Manager - Europe

Retail Engagement Manager – Europe

Sun World International is seeking a proactive and collaborative professional who understands both the fresh produce and retail environments in Europe, can navigate cross‑cultural dynamics, and thrives on building strong partnerships with retailers, distributors and licensees.

This position plays a central role in connecting Sun World’s global marketing initiatives with in‑market execution, ensuring our premium fruit brands such as AUTUMNCRISP® and Ruby Rush™ achieve exceptional visibility, performance, and consumer engagement at the retail level.

Key Responsibilities Retail Engagement & Relationship Management

• Develop and implement retail engagement strategies that align with Sun World’s global marketing objectives and European market priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key retail partners, buyers, and category managers across multiple European markets.
• Support and expand Sun World’s branded programs by working closely with retailers on in‑store marketing, sampling, promotions, and merchandising.
• Collaborate with licensees and importers to drive brand visibility, shelf placement, and product differentiation.
• Coordinate and execute retail visits, in‑store activations, and sampling programs to strengthen brand recognition and consumer connection.
• Track and report on retailer performance metrics, including store coverage, product placement and promotional outcomes.

Marketing Activation & Communication

• Partner with the Global Marketing team to adapt global campaigns to regional market needs, ensuring consistency with brand identity while addressing local retail dynamics.
• Manage execution of retailer‑specific marketing programs, including point‑of‑sale materials, trade events, and seasonal promotions.
• Develop retailer and trade communication materials through platforms such as HubSpot CRM, newsletters, and Sun World’s custom marketing databases.
• Gather and share market intelligence, including retailer trends, competitor activity, pricing insights, and consumer behaviour across European markets.
• Collaborate with agencies and creative partners to deliver impactful, localized marketing assets for retail use.

Retail Insights & Reporting

• Maintain and update a retail engagement database with current information on store counts, assortment, and retail activity across markets.
• Conduct structured store audits and retail benchmarking to assess brand visibility and program execution.
• Prepare reports and insights on European retail performance to support global planning, campaign refinement, and licensee strategy.
• Identify new retail opportunities and recommend data‑driven strategies for market expansion.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sun World’s Licensing Management, Technical Services, and Quality teams to ensure an accurate and timely flow of information to retail and importer partners.
• Partner with internal teams to coordinate retail sampling, trade show participation, and industry event representation in Europe.
• Support local Field Days, licensee events, and retailer visits to enhance engagement with Sun World’s varieties and programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in retail marketing, brand management, or customer engagement within the fresh produce or agri‑food industry.
• Strong understanding of European retail systems, including major supermarket chains, importers, and distribution networks.
• Proven ability to manage cross‑border projects and relationships across diverse cultural and regulatory environments.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English; proficiency in Spanish, Italian, French or German is valued.
• Ability to travel frequently (approximately 30% of the time) across Europe (Italy, Spain, UK, Germany & France) for retailer visits, licensee meetings, and trade events.
• Ability to travel to the US once per year.

WORK LOCATION/SCHEDULE

This person will work a hybrid schedule from our Gambettola office.