Brand Manager, Kinder Bueno

We have a current opening for a Brand Manager, Kinder Bueno and are actively reviewing applications.

With new innovations and exciting expansions plans in place, there has never been a better time to join the Ferrero Group and be extraordinary with us!

We are looking for a dynamic and intellectually curious Brand Manager for Kinder Bueno, to deliver upon our vision to be a top brand in the competitive and highly fragmented Chocolate Bar segment in the US. Kinder Bueno is already the number one Chocolate Bar brand in Europe and will be a key pillar and sub-brand within the Kinder Masterbrand in the US.

The focus of this role is to establish the unique selling proposition for the Kinder Bueno brand while ensuring that the brand drives category incrementality and wins share in the US by:

1. driving a high level of awareness, consideration and equity for the brand
2. maximizing potential for existing assortment through channel development/expansion and by ensuring accessibility and visibility in-store and throughout the path of purchase
3. preparing for the launch of future innovation
4. working with the total Kinder brand team on cross-brand trade and shopper initiatives to continue to build the Kinder Masterbrand.

The ideal candidate is someone who can hit the ground running by managing the day- to-day operations of the brand, leading the cross-functional team in delivering product innovation and working with our agency partners and internal partners to develop and execute integrated marketing communications plans and world-class creative to break through the highly competitive and fragmented chocolate category. 

This position is hybrid, and will be based in our North American HQ in Parsippany, NJ.

• Business and Brand Analysis, Monitoring and Reporting
  • In-depth market, competitive and brand analysis to assist in formulating brand strategy within a fast-moving consumer packaged goods category
  • Analyzes business and brand results to ensure strategies are working and objectives are being realized, recommending course correction where relevant
  • Maintains understanding of the competitive environment to assess impact on business
  • Prepares and creates engaging, meaningful and persuasive presentations

• • Owns and actively manages brand marketing budget
• New Product Launches and Commercialization

• • Lead qualitative and quantitative market research briefing through to interpreting result and making recommendations for innovation and renovation

• • Leads innovation development with cross-functional team from concept to opportunity assessment through launch within our internal stage gate process
  • Partners with Finance to ensure profitability with product innovation and trade units
  • Work closely with Category management and Trade Marketing to develop compelling sell-in stories/toolkits to ensure customer acceptance of innovation

• Brand Equity, Communications and Shopper Planning and Execution

• • Experienced in working with agency partners and internal partners across Media, E-commerce, Shopper and PR in executing integrated marketing plans across consumer and shopper
    • Traditional and non-traditional (Digital, Influencer, Social Media) media in line with media consumption of target audience and brand objectives
    • Omni-channel support plans
    • Development of brand in Pure Play

• • Collaborates with agency partners in creative and asset development for use in consumer and shopper activation
  • Ensure coherency and premium brand image across all consumer and shopper touchpoints to drive impactful messaging and trademark consistency in all communications

• • Sets and tracks KPIs, offering recommendations for optimization of plans/assets
  • Agency management (SOWs, budget management)

•   Leadership and self-management
  • Comfortable with multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
  • Inter-departmental engagement with Trade marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance and Legal to assist in the planning and execution of initiatives
  • Able to efficiently manage relations with third party vendors (i.e.: graphic design agencies, research agencies, etc.), obtaining required output while minimizing costs
  • Comfortable with presenting in front of senior management

• Education:

• • Bachelor’s Degree in Business; Master’s degree in Business is a plus

• Experience:
  • 5+ years’ experience in consumer-packaged goods brand marketing
  • Experience working with syndicated databases; i.e. IRI, ACNielsen
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects within scheduled timelines
  • Possesses solid project management skills from planning stage to execution
  • Well-versed in Budget Management and Forecasting

• • Experience in key channels of trade of Convenience, Food, Drug, Mass, Club and E-commerce (Brick and Click and Pure Play) is a must

• • P&L management is a plus
  • Global/Upstream marketing experience is a plus
  • Experience working in business unit/country team within a global organization is a must
• Mind-set and Skills:
  • Passion, energy and drive to work with world-class brands
  • Motivation to advance in a merit-based, multinational organization
  • Must be self-motivated and exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit
  • Structured and organized in managing projects and timelines
  • Excellent analytical skills upon which to base decision-making
  • Business acumen, with a knack for turning data into insights and recommendations
  • Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Team player able to effectively interact and work with various functional departments
  • Adaptable to foreign cultures
  • Excellent computer skills: Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook; SAP knowledge a plus

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

The base salary range for this position is $124,000.00 - $165,000.00 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.

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

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 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.
Find out more here.

Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic. 

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.