Brand Manager, Super Premium

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 take responsibility for leading the Emerging Super Premium Brand segment. This position will be responsible for rolling out product innovations, developing brand-building plans, and executing projects 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 take lead 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 and/or Boston, MA corporate office.

Product Management & Development

• Work closely with international IC contacts and NPPD team to adjust internationally available items to US brand and regulatory needs.
• Lead the management and development of new product launches to meet the needs of the consumer, maintain Lindt brand and quality standards, and achieve financial objectives (sales, COGs, and profitability).
• Provide clear leadership and foster effective cross-functional team collaboration (R&D, Packaging, Purchasing, and Creative) to bring products to market together successfully, on time in full from concept & product ideation, through final item set-up.
• Ensure projects are being managed effectively, stage gates are on track, and launches are delivered on time meeting objectives.
• Proactively communicate and collaborate with Field Sales to ensure meaningful integration and alignment in meeting the needs of the customer and marketplace.

Brand & Marketing Strategy

• Build and continuously develop the strategy for new and emerging brands within the Lindt USA portfolio.
• Work with the Brand and Sales teams to recommend impactful and scalable additions to the portfolio by balancing both tactical Sales needs as well as strategic Brand considerations.
• Develop and execute marketing communication plans via advertising and consumer promotions, including media recommendations, social media, PR, and consumer activations.
• Thoroughly understand Lindt brand equity and respective sub-brand equities. Develop brand plans and initiatives, such as digital media, promotions, packaging and creative, which fully align and strengthen positioning.

Research & Analytics

• Lead or conduct routine analysis of the brand, key initiative, competition, category, customer and consumer. Synthesize key findings and indications which enhance brand and company performance.
• 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.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Skills & Knowledge:

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

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required
• MBA preferred

Other Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 10%