Careers: What it's like to work for ... Nestle, Malaysia

How many staff? Five.

Marketing responsibilities? Coordination, evaluation and implementation of communication channel plans and strategy with agencies. Also, identifying event opportunities with partners and massive sampling activities for all brands (indoor and outdoor). Ensuring a sound and effective communication channel plan is in place for brand campaigns. It is a highly competitive food industry, but it is both challenging and rewarding to work at Nestle, where the growth is so significant year on year. With the diversity of activities and products, Nestle is an ideal institution to learn and execute marketing knowledge and skills. The close collaboration and working relationship which is carried out over cross-segments within the company is also encouraged.

Who's the competition? Most of the other FMCG players in the market. These include groceries, beverages, milks, ice-cream, yoghurt drinks, canned drinks, petfood, noodles, cereal etc.

How do you get a job at Nestle? Personally, I was hunted by Nestle when I was still at Zenith, heading up its media buying. Generally, senior positions are filled through headhunters or via internal promotions. For middle and lower level openings, Nestle advertises in the press, on the corporate website and occasionally through headhunters if specific talent is required.

Department or office transfers? Cross department and market transfers are a normal practice within the Nestle network. Most of the staff in middle to upper levels are exposed to multi-functions and are given overseas exposure.

Any training offered? Yes, on a regular basis, both locally and abroad.

Pay and perks? Satisfactory, with good motivating career progression.

Long hours? Reasonable, not exceeding 12 hours a day.

Business travel? Occasionally.

Khoo Kar Khoon is communication channels and events manager at Nestle in Malaysia.