We’re not typical corporate pet food company. VAFO is a leading European producer of superpremium pet food, snacks, and supplements for dogs, cats and small animals, but what truly sets us apart is our spirit.
Starting as a small family business in Chrášťany in 1994, we’ve grown to 800+ employees across multiple European countries, yet we’ve kept our heart. We’re a company where love for animals isn’t just a marketing slogan – it’s the first thing we ask about in interviews.
Our brands (Brit, Carnilove, and more) reach over 90 countries worldwide. But size hasn’t changed who we are: a place where colleagues become friends, where dogs join us in the office, and where healthy common sense wins over corporate bureaucracy.
Why This Role Matters
- As our Modern Trade Activation Partner, you’ll be the crucial link between marketing and sales in the Grocery segment. You’ll strengthen our brands’ position on retail shelves and ensure effective marketing activities across the Grocery/Modern Market channel (hypermarkets, supermarkets, traditional trade, pharmacies, and drugstores).
- This isn’t a typical trade marketing role. You’ll work with global brands in the highly emotional world of our four-legged friends, combining strategy, creativity, execution, and analytics in one comprehensive position. You’ll have autonomy, direct collaboration with sales teams across Czech and export markets, and the chance to activate brands and marketing strategies with key partners in the pet food industry.
What You’ll Do
- Brand Activation & Campaign Management
- Collaborate with the sales team to create and execute marketing plans for retail chains
- Prepare and evaluate in-store campaigns, promotional activities, and POS materials
- Ensure brand visibility and communication consistency across sales floors
- Drive brand presence and cut-through in competitive retail environments
- Strategic Collaboration
- Work closely with the marketing department on overall brand strategy and new product launches
- Partner with sales colleagues in Czech Republic and export markets
- Bridge marketing vision with commercial reality on the ground
- Prepare compelling presentations for the sales team
- Analytics & Optimization
- Analyze campaign results and propose improvements to investment efficiency (ROI)
- Take responsibility for achieving defined marketing objectives
- Evaluate the success of marketing activities
- Report regularly on all activities and their impact
- Partnership Management
- Collaborate with agencies, suppliers, buyers, and internal teams
- Build strong relationships with key retail partners
- Negotiate and implement trade marketing initiatives
- Ensure seamless execution from concept to in-store reality
Who You Are
- Essential
- 3-5 years of experience in trade marketing, category management, or sales (ideally in FMCG or retail sector)
- Strong understanding of modern trade channels and retail dynamics
- Proven track record in executing in-store campaigns and promotional activities
- Excellent presentation and communication skills
- Fluent in Czech and English (you’ll work with both Czech and international teams)
- Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint)
- Analytical mindset with ability to translate data into actionable insights
- What Makes You Stand Out
- You love pets (or are ready to fall in love with the dogs in our office!)
- You’re passionate about brands and understand what makes them stand out on shelf
- You combine creative thinking with commercial pragmatism
- You thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments where priorities can shift
- You’re a natural collaborator who builds bridges between teams
- You’re hands-on and not afraid to get involved in execution details
- You bring energy and enthusiasm to everything you do
What We Offer
- The Opportunity
- Be a key player in activating globally recognized pet food brands
- Work in the highly emotional and growing pet food market
- Gain comprehensive experience combining strategy, creativity, and execution
- Join a company with enormous growth potential across European markets
- Shape trade marketing strategies for an international company expanding its footprint
- Be part of a mission that matters – we make products that keep pets healthy and happy
- The Environment
- Work in Chrášťany (Prague area) with a team that genuinely enjoys each other’s company
- Bring your dog to work (seriously!)
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Flexible work arrangements – we focus on results, not face time
- The Culture
- Family-business warmth with professional ambition
- Freedom and autonomy to do your best work
- Direct collaboration with passionate sales and marketing teams
- International colleagues who’ve become friends
- A place where fairness, respect, and common sense guide decisions
- Balance between strategic thinking and hands-on execution
- Our Commitment
- We’re committed to sustainability, aiming for 95% recyclable packaging, reduced CO2 emissions, and increased use of sustainable ingredients. We believe in treating people, animals, and the planet with respect. Our success is built on the dedication of our team, and we never take that for granted.
- Ready to Join the Pack?
- If you’re excited about activating beloved pet food brands in modern trade, building bridges between marketing and sales, and working in a values-driven company that’s scaling without losing its soul, we want to hear from you.
- Send us your CV and tell us why VAFO sounds like home – and don’t forget to tell us about your pets!
- Apply now and become part of the VAFO family.