PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of International Marketing Manager for Germany, based in Germany, Westport, Ireland or Manchester UK on a full time basis, reporting the Marketing Director. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 5,100 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.
JOB SUMMARY:
We are seeking an experienced and independent marketer to take full ownership of the Portwest brand in Germany — one of our key strategic markets. This is not a support role; it’s a pivotal position for a culturally fluent, German-speaking marketing leader who can bridge global brand strategy with nuanced local execution. You’ll define and activate our presence in a highly competitive PPE environment, localizing assets and campaigns while shaping customer perception through high-impact initiatives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Brand Localization & Strategic Execution
- Build the Brand in Germany: Develop and execute a country-specific marketing strategy that aligns with Germany’s safety culture, regulatory environment, and purchasing dynamics.
- Asset Adaptation: Translate and adapt global content and visuals into culturally relevant assets (terminology, safety certifications, product imagery) with a focus on quality and technical accuracy.
- Competitive Positioning: Monitor regional players (e.g., Engelbert Strauss, UVEX, Würth) to inform local differentiation and go-to-market plans.
Sales Enablement & Regional Growth
- Distributor & Customer Toolkits: Create customized marketing support materials for key distributors and channel partners to strengthen sell-in and in-market visibility.
- Digital & On-the-Ground Activation: Manage German digital platforms, lead local SEO/SEM initiatives, and support participation in local industry fairs (e.g., A+A, Arbeitsschutz Aktuell).
- Lead Generation: Execute targeted campaigns to expand end-user reach and generate qualified leads in alignment with sales objectives.
Cross-Functional Liaison & Operations
- Act as the point of contact between local German market needs and Global HQ, ensuring faster alignment on product launches and asset development.
- Manage local marketing vendors (agencies, translators, print providers) and coordinate with global teams for unified output.
- Advocate for product adjustments based on German customer insights (e.g., sizing, colors, fits).
Leadership & Future Growth
- Help define the roadmap for expanding local marketing presence, laying the foundation for future in-country team growth.
- Mentor any in-market junior support as the team scales.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Native-level German and fluent English required.
- 5–7+ years in B2B marketing, preferably in industrial or safety sectors.
- Demonstrated success in owning a country marketing plan and budget.
- Strong understanding of German protective wear market.
- Experience working cross-functionally with HQ-based global teams.
#LI-DS1
COMPANY AWARDS
- Great Place To Work 2024
- Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
- Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025
Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.
Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.
