Retail Director of Marketing

Job Summary

Duty Free Holdings is seeking an experienced and strategic Marketing Director to lead the development and execution of brand, product, and promotional strategies across our international travel retail operations.

The ideal candidate will bring experience from the luxury goods or premium consumer goods sector, ideally within Travel Retail / Duty Free, with a strong background in high-impact categories such as fragrances, accessories, spirits, and tobacco. Experience in regulated consumer goods and complex distribution environments is highly preferred, along with a deep understanding of premium, brand-driven markets.

This role requires a results-oriented leader who blends creative vision with analytical rigor, excels in cross-functional collaboration, and has hands-on experience managing global product launches, integrated brand campaigns, and omnichannel marketing strategies. International exposure, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment are essential for success.

Given the ongoing work with vendors, the management of Advertising & Promotion (A&P) funds, negotiating brand contributions, and selling in-store and promotional space, this is not a conventional marketing position. The role demands commercial savvy, agility, and the ability to operate across brand, trade, and vendor strategy.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing team through clear direction, coaching, and ongoing development • Oversee daily operations within the marketing department, ensuring prioritization of projects and optimal use of resources • Foster a collaborative, innovative environment that encourages ownership, creativity, and continuous improvement

Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to support growth and accountability

Guide team members in aligning initiatives with brand strategy and broader business objectives

Address performance concerns with a coaching-first approach while managing disciplinary actions in line with company policy

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual marketing strategies and multi-channel campaigns (digital, print, OOH, co-op, social media, instore, PR/events)
• Oversee the product development lifecycle across fragrance, accessories, and luxury categories—from concept to launch
• Drive brand positioning, packaging, storytelling, and promotional alignment with business goals
• Analyze target markets and identify new growth opportunities across domestic and international channels
• Collaborate with executive leadership to define and drive long-term brand growth strategies
• Manage and optimize advertising and promotional budgets to maximize return on investment
• Coordinate with Sales, Operations, Logistics, Creative, and Customer Service for integrated campaign execution
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with vendors and external agencies
• Manage vendor relationships and A&P budgets, including negotiation of financial contributions, visibility packages, and sale of promotional space across channels.
• Lead content creation for product training, internal communications, retail activations, and sales tools.
• Oversee Customer Service operations and EDI coordination to ensure service excellence and timely fulfillment.
• Monitor key performance indicators (P&L, COGs, inventory, promotions) and apply insights to improve results
• Stay informed on consumer behavior, market shifts, and competitive dynamics in travel retail and luxury
• Develop and execute a comprehensive social media content strategy aligned with brand and business goals
• Launch and manage paid and organic social media campaigns to support product launches, promotions, and events 
• Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and mentions to foster engagement and manage reputation
• Stay updated on industry trends, platform algorithm changes, and competitor activity
• Use insights to A/B test content formats, posting times, and ad creatives, ensuring all content reflects brand identity and adheres to tone, style, and compliance standards
• Create planograms tailored to the retail environment, optimize product placement and assortments to drive sales and enhance the shopping experience
• Provide guidance and support at the store level on best practices for visual merchandising, ensuring compliance with brand guidelines and maximizing sales potential
• Spend time in retail stores and digital storefronts benchmarking performance, opportunities, and competitive conditions
• Develop and execute impactful in-store displays and promotional materials that enhance brand visibility and drive sales 
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of trade marketing campaigns and activations, report on key metrics, and make data-driven adjustments as necessary
• Utilize analytics tools to summarize A&P activity, including funding received, utilization, and ROI metrics. Highlight successes, challenges, and recommendations for future initiatives
• Collaborate with the buying and sales teams to identify and capitalize on opportunities to increase market share and profitability
• Craft compelling presentations and pitches to engage with suppliers and customers, showcasing value propositions and strategic initiatives
• Negotiate terms and conditions of A&P agreements, including funding levels, co-op advertising opportunities, SPIFFs, and reimbursement processes
• Collaborate with finance and accounting to ensure compliance with A&P agreements and timely submission of funding contributions
• Manage inventory of visual merchandising materials, including displays, props, signage, and promotional material
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely delivery of merchandising materials and maintain adequate stock levels.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and customer service abilities, with proven team leadership and coaching experience
• High-level negotiation skills, particularly with brand partners and suppliers
• Deep understanding of marketing strategy, consumer trends, and brand positioning
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated success managing cross-functional teams and agency partners
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced experience in SAP, Canva, Shopify, Instagram, LinkedIn, Photoshop, TikTok, Adobe

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field required
• Master’s degree (MBA) preferred
• Minimum of 5–8 years in marketing leadership roles, ideally in travel retail, luxury goods, or regulated premium consumer goods

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods working at a desk and on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally (e.g., event materials, product samples)
• Comfortable standing for extended periods during trade shows, activations, or retail visits
• Requires agility and stamina to manage event logistics and on-site execution
• Must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally for events, retail visits, and partner meetings.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

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Duty Free Holdings is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.