Director of Strategic Customer Marketing – West Region Foodservice & Beverage Growth Leadership (San Diego)

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a global leader in beverage innovation, renowned for turning bold ideas into market‑defining products that delight consumers worldwide. With a heritage of more than a century in the food‑service sector, arenaflex combines deep industry expertise, cutting‑edge digital capabilities, and a relentless focus on sustainability to help partners grow profitably. Our portfolio spans iconic brands, emerging craft lines, and health‑focused alternatives, all supported by a culture that celebrates curiosity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit. As we continue to expand our footprint across the Western United States, we are seeking a visionary marketing leader who can translate strategic insight into tangible growth for our key food‑service customers.

Role Overview

The Director of Strategic Customer Marketing will serve as the principal thought leader for arenaflex’s most strategic food‑service accounts in the West Region. Reporting to the Regional Marketing Vice President, you will design, execute, and continuously refine integrated marketing programs that drive beverage incidence, increase profitability, and deepen brand affinity. This role sits at the intersection of joint business planning, innovation pipelines, and digital activation, requiring a blend of strategic acumen, creative storytelling, and data‑driven decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy & Execution

• Architect and launch comprehensive beverage marketing strategies that align with each customer’s long‑term business plan, leveraging arenaflex’s national brand initiatives, consumer insights, and proprietary tools.
• Develop an annual marketing calendar that serves as a roadmap for seasonal promotions, new‑product introductions, and digital campaigns, ensuring seamless integration with the customer’s operational timelines.
• Conduct quarterly stewardship reviews with customers to assess performance, surface opportunities, and recalibrate tactics for maximum impact.
• Translate national brand ideas into localized, customer‑specific executions that amplify consumer preference and drive measurable sales lift.

Strategic Partnerships

• Build and nurture senior‑level relationships with customer marketing leaders, acting as the trusted advisor who champions both arenaflex’s growth promise and the customer’s strategic objectives.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Operations, R&D, and Commercialization teams to ensure cross‑functional alignment and seamless delivery of joint initiatives.
• Serve as the internal advocate for customer needs, influencing product development, packaging innovation, and promotional support to meet market demands.

Insights‑to‑Action

• Present compelling “What, So What, Now What” narratives that transform consumer and industry insights into actionable recommendations for the customer’s brand and category.
• Identify high‑potential channel and consumer opportunities, prioritize them based on ROI, and develop tailored activation plans that link directly to arenaflex’s brand strategy.
• Deliver competitive analyses, market opportunity assessments, and growth forecasts that inform strategic decision‑making and resource allocation.

Digital & Innovation Leadership

• Lead the integration of digital ecosystems—including social media, e‑commerce platforms, and data analytics—into customer programs to enhance reach, engagement, and measurement.
• Partner with the Innovation team to pilot new beverage concepts, co‑create limited‑edition offerings, and test emerging packaging formats within the customer’s portfolio.
• Oversee agency relationships, ensuring creative excellence, brand consistency, and cost‑effective execution across all touchpoints.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Experience: 5–10 years of progressive business development or marketing leadership experience within consumer‑packaged goods, agency, or food‑service environments, with a proven track record of managing strategic accounts.
• Strategic Insight: Demonstrated ability to interpret consumer behavior, brand dynamics, and channel trends, and to translate those insights into profitable marketing programs.
• Digital Savvy: Hands‑on experience with digital marketing tools, data‑driven performance dashboards, and emerging tech platforms that drive consumer engagement.
• Leadership & Influence: Strong personal leadership, persuasive communication, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders both inside and outside arenaflex.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in using account performance data, market research, and competitive analysis to shape strategy and measure success.
• Storytelling Ability: Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a talent for crafting compelling narratives that inspire action.

Preferred Qualifications & Additional Skills

• Advanced degree (MBA or Master’s in Marketing) or relevant certifications (e.g., Digital Marketing, Data Analytics).
• Experience managing multi‑channel campaigns that span on‑premise, off‑premise, and direct‑to‑consumer channels.
• Demonstrated success in launching new beverage categories or product extensions within the food‑service sector.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms, marketing automation tools, and advanced analytics software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Track record of leading cross‑functional teams through complex, matrixed environments.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus, given the diverse market landscape of Southern California.

Core Competencies for Success

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture, anticipate market shifts, and develop forward‑looking plans.
• Collaboration: Skilled at building consensus across sales, operations, R&D, and external agencies.
• Results Orientation: Focused on delivering measurable growth, ROI, and profitability.
• Customer‑Centric Mindset: Deep empathy for customer challenges and a relentless drive to create value.
• Innovation Appetite: Curiosity to explore new product ideas, packaging formats, and digital experiences.
• Negotiation & Influence: Ability to secure resources, align priorities, and close high‑impact agreements.

Career Growth & Development Opportunities

arenaflex invests heavily in the professional development of its leaders. As Director of Strategic Customer Marketing, you will have access to:

• Executive mentorship programs that connect you with senior leaders across the global organization.
• Continuous learning platforms offering courses in advanced analytics, digital transformation, and brand strategy.
• Opportunities to lead regional or national initiatives, positioning you for future promotion to Vice President or General Manager roles.
• Cross‑functional project assignments that broaden your expertise in product development, supply chain, and sustainability.
• Participation in industry conferences, thought‑leadership panels, and networking events that raise your professional profile.

Culture & Work Environment at arenaflex

Our culture is built on three pillars: Bold Innovation, Collaborative Impact, and Purpose‑Driven Growth. Employees thrive in an environment that encourages:

• Open dialogue and idea sharing across all levels of the organization.
• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid schedules that balance office collaboration with remote focus time.
• Recognition programs that celebrate both individual achievements and team milestones.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.
• Community engagement initiatives that align with arenaflex’s sustainability goals, such as recycling programs and local partnership projects.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent, including:

• Base salary commensurate with experience and market benchmarks.
• Performance‑based bonuses tied to the achievement of strategic growth targets.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
• Retirement savings plans with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible holiday policies.
• Professional development stipend, tuition reimbursement, and access to industry certifications.
• Employee discount programs for arenaflex products and partner brands.
• Wellness resources, including on‑site fitness facilities, mental‑health counseling, and nutrition programs.

Location & Work Arrangement

This role is based in Southern California, with a primary focus on the San Diego market. The Director will be expected to work on‑site at the customer’s office 2–3 days per week to maintain close collaboration, while the remaining days can be performed from arenaflex’s regional hub or remotely, depending on project needs.

How to Apply

If you are a strategic, results‑driven marketer with a passion for the food‑service industry and a desire to shape the future of beverage consumption, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience and vision for driving growth at arenaflex.

Apply Now – Join arenaflex’s Marketing Leadership Team

Closing Statement

arenaflex is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Take the next step in your career and become a catalyst for transformative growth—apply today and help us create the next generation of beverage experiences.