Retail Engagement Manager - Europe

Sun World International is seeking a Retail Engagement Manager – Europe to strengthen and expand the company’s retail footprint across key European markets. This position plays a central role in connecting Sun World’s global marketing initiatives with in-market execution, ensuring that our premium fruit brands such as AUTUMNCRISP® and Ruby Rush™ to achieve exceptional visibility, performance, and consumer engagement at the retail level.

The ideal candidate is 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.

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 behavior 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.