Assistant Brand Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Assistant Brand Manager

🔹 Company: Mars

🔹 Location: Australia (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Branding

🔹 Date Posted: April 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote (Australia only)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting the ADVANCE Marketing team in full 360 campaigns across traditional and digital touchpoints
• Collaborating with cross-functional business teams in planning, execution, and analysis of various NPD projects and sales & marketing initiatives
• Leading and supporting the delivery and implementation of approved 18-month execution plans
• Managing key S&OP+ inputs periodically and acting as a key brand custodian in various forums

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. It involves working with multiple teams and managing various projects simultaneously.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Assisting in understanding and assessing the market, categories, competitors, and consumers through data sources to inform brand plans

✅ Leading the execution of defined marketing plans, including media, innovation & NPD launches, with excellence through cross-functional collaboration

✅ Partnering with the Senior Brand Manager (SBM) and shopper to develop and create communications and implementation of tactical and 360 marketing plans

✅ Supporting the Breeder & Recommendation team for best-in-class events and sponsorships, acting as a key brand custodian

✅ Engaging with digital communication platforms and assisting with the development of Digital and eCommerce strategy

✅ In partnership with DDM and CC, driving the ongoing development of monthly engaging content and managing CRM journeys of key customers

✅ Analyzing brand performance, competitive dynamics, and category trends to influence brand execution and growth opportunity recommendations

✅ Conducting post-evaluation of activities, extracting insights to develop lessons learned and recommendations for future brand activity

✅ Monitoring brand expenditures and managing marketing and shopper marketing budget tracking and PO raising cost tracking and PO/Invoice processing

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the CPG industry, brand management, and digital marketing. Experience in NPD innovation and social media management is a plus.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in CPG branded experience, implementing brand campaigns across various marketing elements

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Action-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Skills:

• Background in digital CRM, community management, and social channels
• Animal/food background in health (human or animal)
• NPD innovation experience (launch of products)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating their skills will be highly competitive for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD 80,000 - 100,000 per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

• Learning and development support
• Company bonus

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications and Mars' internal policies.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Mars is a global manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products, with a strong focus on sustainability and responsible business practices.

Company Size: Mars is a large, multinational corporation with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

Founded: Mars was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars and is now led by the fourth generation of the Mars family.

Company Description:

• Mars is committed to creating a positive impact on the world through its Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.
• The company is known for its iconic brands, including M&M's, Snickers, and Pedigree, as well as its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
• Mars Australia is a significant part of the global organization, with a strong focus on the pet care and food segments.

Company Specialties:

• Confectionery
• Pet care
• Food

Company Website: Mars.com

ASSUMPTION: Mars' large size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and international exposure. The company's commitment to its Five Principles creates a strong company culture focused on quality, responsibility, and sustainability.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for early to mid-career marketing professionals looking to gain experience in brand management and cross-functional team collaboration.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Brand Manager will report directly to the Senior Brand Manager (SBM) and work closely with various cross-functional teams, including shopper marketing, content management, and connected commerce teams.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote, with a requirement for the candidate to be based in Australia. The work arrangement is full-time, with flexibility for remote work.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Senior Brand Manager role within the ADVANCE business or other Mars brands
• Expansion into different categories or markets within the Mars organization
• Development of leadership and management skills through mentorship and training programs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the Mars organization. Successful candidates will have the chance to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive business results.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (with the requirement to be based in Australia)

Office Location(s): Australia (remote)

Geographic Context:

• Australia has a strong pet care market, with significant opportunities for growth and innovation
• The remote work arrangement offers flexibility and work-life balance
• The Australian market is competitive, with a focus on digital marketing and eCommerce strategies

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement and flexibility offered by Mars make this role an attractive opportunity for marketing professionals looking to balance work and personal commitments.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call with the HR team
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Senior Brand Manager or another senior leader

Key Assessment Areas:

• Brand management skills and experience
• Cross-functional team collaboration and communication
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Cultural fit with Mars' Five Principles

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant brand management experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your brand campaign successes and challenges overcome
• Demonstrate your understanding of the ADVANCE business and Mars' commitment to sustainability

ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Data Analysis, Consumer Insights, Marketing Campaigns, Cross-Functional Teams, NPD Innovation, CRM, Social Media, Event Management

ASSUMPTION: Mars' application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit with the organization. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong understanding of brand management and a commitment to Mars' Five Principles.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
• CRM software (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace. Familiarity with social media platforms, CRM software, and project management tools is a plus.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Quality: The consumer is our boss, quality is our work, and value for money is our goal
• Responsibility: As individuals, we demand total responsibility from ourselves; as Associates, we support the responsibilities of others
• Mutuality: A mutual benefit is a shared benefit; a shared benefit will endure
• Efficiency: We use resources to the full, waste nothing, and do only what we can do best
• Freedom: We need freedom to shape our future; we need profit to remain free

Work Style:

• Collaborative and cross-functional teamwork
• Action-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate a commitment to Mars' Five Principles in your daily work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully collaborated with a cross-functional team to achieve a common goal?
• How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and tasks effectively?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Mars' Five Principles and demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to collaboration will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Working remotely and maintaining productivity and focus
• Adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Balancing work and personal commitments in a remote work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively, maintain productivity in a remote work environment, and adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Brand Manager position, but with a focus on supporting the Senior Brand Manager and collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Compared to other marketing roles, this position requires a strong understanding of brand management and consumer insights
• Career progression from this role could lead to a Senior Brand Manager or other leadership positions within Mars

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should compare this role to similar brand management positions and consider their career goals and aspirations when applying.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a marketing campaign for a new product launch, including traditional and digital touchpoints
• Analyzing consumer data and market trends to inform brand strategies and initiatives
• Managing key S&OP+ inputs periodically and acting as a key brand custodian in various forums

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, including brand management, data analysis, and cross-functional team collaboration.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the ADVANCE business?
• How does Mars support the professional development and growth of its Associates?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does Mars approach sustainability and social responsibility in its business operations?
• What is the typical career path for an Assistant Brand Manager within Mars?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, team dynamics, and career growth opportunities within Mars.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant brand management experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your brand campaign successes and challenges overcome
• Demonstrate your understanding of the ADVANCE business and Mars' commitment to sustainability
• Follow up with the Mars HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.