Who We Are  

At Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success.

Position Purpose:

The Brand Manager will manage and grow the Valentine Brand segment. This position will be responsible for developing brand-building plans and executing projects and initiatives for assigned brand or brand segment, which support both the short and long-term marketing strategy.  The Brand Manager will collaborate cross-functionally (locally and with international colleagues) to create brand relevancy with consumers, drive profitable growth and, develop and execute activities that build and support the brand equity.  This person will also support in managing vendor and agency partners and all aspects of their projects.

This is a hybrid role that requires three days per week in our Stratham, NH corporate office.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

Marketing Strategy

• Develop, present, and execute consumer-relevant, annual marketing plans for Valentines with clear measures for success that contribute to sales, profit and brand health.
• Leverage working knowledge of consumer, category and brand and continually identify, develop, and execute business-building initiatives which deliver against the global brand strategy and the company's business and marketing objectives.
• Thoroughly understand Lindt brand equity and respective sub-brand equities. Develop brand plans and initiatives, such as traditional media, digital support, promotions, packaging and creative, which fully align and strengthen positioning.

Research and Analytics

• Lead and conduct routine analysis of the brand, key initiatives, competition, category, customer and consumer. Synthesize key findings and recommend actions to grow brand.
• Lead and assist with insight gathering research that collects consumer and competitive knowledge that can be utilized to enhance and evolve the brand's recipe development, promotional acceptance and communication evolution, among others.
• Thoroughly understand internal brand metrics, such as sales and profit, and actively contribute to sales projections and financial planning to drive the brand.

Product/Portfolio Management

• Responsible for managing Holiday portfolio. Includes: SKU rationalization, mix strategies and profit optimization.
• Responsible for meeting the full portfolio P&L.
• Evaluate product portfolio and the marketplace and make recommendations for new product launches and product improvements to meet consumer needs.
• Analyze market potential on an ongoing basis for existing and new products and develop competitive concepts to ensure the long-term, profitable growth of Lindt USA.
• Analyze viability and profit/sales potential for new segments, markets, and consumers.
• Develop and implement strategies and plans to maximize the profitability of assigned products / product categories while maintaining the high quality standard.
• Drive the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) process for assigned brand(s); Secure and engage cross functional support to meet required deliverables in a timely manner.

Brand/Customer Support

• Develop and execute marketing communication plans via advertising and consumer promotions.
• Communicate regularly with the Sales Directors, Field Sales Force, and Customer Marketing to ensure that marketing programs are properly implemented.
• Proactively communicate and collaborate with Field Sales to ensure meaningful integration and alignment in meeting the needs of the customer and marketplace.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Skills & Knowledge:

• Marketing experience within a FMCPG
• Experience in new product development
• Previous experience with full P&L responsibility, a plus
• Experience working in an international corporate environment, a plus
• Research experience - consumer panels & Qualitative / Quantitative research methods

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required
• MBA preferred

Other Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 10%