Associate Brand Manager, Keebler Cookies, Cones & Crusts

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Company description

Ferrero is a family-owned company with a truly progressive and global outlook and iconic brands such as Nutella®, Tic Tac®, Ferrero Rocher®, Raffaello®, Kinder Bueno® and Kinder Surprise®. As the love for our brands continues to grow, so too does our global reach. Represented in more than 50 countries, with products sold in more than 170, the Ferrero Group is loved by generations around the world. The secret to our global success? 40,000  dedicated employees who celebrate care and quality to craft a business, careers and brands we are proud of. Join us, and you could be one of them.

About the Role:

As the Associate Brand Manager for Keebler Cookies, Cones & Crusts, you won’t just manage brands—you’ll bring them to life. You’ll take ownership of your sub-brands’ performance, using your sharp analytical skills to monitor trends, assess opportunities, and drive results that align with budget goals. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of brand growth, crafting strategies, leading consumer research, and launching marketing programs that make an impact. Your attention to detail and project management expertise will keep initiatives on track and ahead of the curve. And with your solid understanding of the retail trade landscape, you’ll unlock new channel opportunities and shape how our products show up in every class of trade. This is your chance to make a mark on iconic brands and help shape their future.

This position is Hybrid and will be based our commercial offices in Chicago, IL.

Main Responsibilities:

Category Insights & Consumer Understanding

• Deliver regular performance updates for Keebler sub-brands, using data-driven insights to support brand growth and marketing strategy.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform brand positioning in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Analyze consumer behavior using qualitative and quantitative research to guide product development and brand strategy.

Brand & Business Management

• Lead end-to-end project management for brand initiatives, from planning through execution and post-launch analysis.
• Identify short-term growth opportunities using strong business acumen and market trend analysis.
• Execute key brand marketing tactics aligned with the annual marketing plan and strategic objectives.
• Support PS3 (Product, Strategy, Structure) development for assigned product categories.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including R&D, Finance, Sales, Trade Marketing, and Supply Chain—to drive innovation and go-to-market execution.
• Optimize internal processes to reduce waste, streamline SKUs, and improve operational efficiency.
• Create persuasive, insights-driven presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

Marketing Communications & Agency Management

• Support integrated marketing campaigns that connect with consumers and shoppers across digital and in-store touchpoints.
• Lead consumer activation planning and execution to drive brand engagement and conversion.
• Leverage shopper marketing insights and omni-channel strategies to enhance the path-to-purchase experience.
• Manage agency relationships and support tactical execution of creative and media plans

Who we are looking for:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business (MBA a plus) with 3–5 years of experience, including 1–3 years in CPG brand marketing.
• Analytical & Technical Skills: Strong analytical mindset; experienced with IRI, Nielsen, and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). SAP knowledge is a bonus.
• Communication: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Project Management: Proven ability to juggle multiple projects and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Self-starter with an ownership mentality; thrives in cross-functional teams.
• Passion & Culture Fit: Energetic, entrepreneurial, and excited to grow iconic brands. Global mindset and adaptable to diverse environments.
• Nice to Have: Exposure to P&L management, Foodservice channel, and multi-category brand oversight.

Compensation Data

The base salary range for this position is $84,084 - $112,111 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

How to be successful in the role and at Ferrero:

Consumers, quality and care are at the heart of everything we do. So, to be successful at Ferrero, you’ll need to be just as consumer and product centric as we are - dedicated to crafting brilliant results for consumers around the world. 

Diversity Statement

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.