Senior Brand Manager - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, ECLIPSE®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, DOLMIO®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® ORIJEN® ACANA® we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.  

Join us in building a sustainable future where people, communities, and the planet can truly thrive. 

Role Title: Senior Brand Manager – Snacking
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Hours & Arrangement: Full-time. 12 month fixed term contract
Reporting to: Market Strategy and Deployment Lead

About the role:
We have an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned Senior Brand Manager (SBM) to join our Auckland-based team for a 12-month parental leave contract. This is not your standard SBM position. We are looking for a brand leader to not only drive the growth of some of the world's most beloved snacking brands—including M&M's®, Skittles®, and Maltesers®—but to also act as a key leader within our NZ business.

Reporting to the Market Strategy & Deployment Lead, you will be the functional marketing expert for our team, providing mentorship to junior marketers and running our marketing team meetings. You will also play a pivotal role on the Snacking Leadership Team, helping to contribute to the overarching business strategy for this key growth area. This role offers a unique blend of hands-on brand management and genuine business leadership.

What are your key responsibilities:

• Strategic Brand and Growth Planning: Lead the creation of data-driven marketing and 3-year growth plans, incorporating consumer, shopper, category and customer insights. 
• Innovation and Product Development: Drive a robust innovation pipeline aligned to brand strategy, market trends and grounded in consumer insights, and ensure the core portfolio is fully optimised. 
• Cross-Functional and Customer Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver key brand initiatives and customer plans. 
• Communications and Media Planning: Manage execution of communications and lead media strategy implementation and optimisation.   
• Performance Analysis and Risk Management: Leverage market data and the S&OP+ process to drive brand health, manage risks and guide decision-making. 
• Team Leadership and Development: Foster a high-performing culture, mentor team members
   

What we’re looking for:

• Significant experience in brand marketing as a Senior Brand Manager or Marketing Manager, FMCG highly regarded
• A proven track record in brand ownership and P&L management  
• Strong analytical, presentation, stakeholder and communication skills  
• A highly strategic, insights led marketer who has a creative passion for understanding the consumer and growing brands 
• Ability to manage several different and complex high-profile projects at the same time  
• University Degree, preferably in Business/Marketing/Brand Management 

Why you’ll love working for Mars:

• Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.
• People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.
• Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.
• Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.