Assistant Brand Manager, Renovation & Enablement Operations - Pet Nutrition

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Assistant Brand Manager, Renovation & Enablement Operations - Pet Nutrition

🔹 Company: Mars

🔹 Location: Bolton, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 22, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading core renovation workstreams to deliver executional excellence and operational efficiency within the Marketing organization.
• Driving the global deployment of Flywheel, Mars' signature marketing tool, to enable smarter ways of working.
• Collaborating cross-functionally to manage budgets, integrate systems, and adopt AI-powered tools and digital productivity platforms.
• Supporting Brand Managers by handling executional responsibilities, allowing them to focus on innovation, strategy, and brand equity building.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of operational excellence and strategic thinking, with a focus on driving efficiency and enabling growth within the marketing team.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Oversee core marketing operations including budget actuals reconciliation (A&CP, Coupons, Media), PO processing, budget reporting, annual accrual coordination, and STEP alignment and forecast accuracy.

✅ Own Veritas setup for commercialization and go-to-market readiness.

✅ Act as the key point of contact for IAS system setup and documentation.

✅ Utilize AI and digital productivity tools to streamline recurring operational reporting, optimize marketing budget tracking and risk management, and identify and address workflow inefficiencies to drive speed and simplification.

✅ Enable Brand Managers by handling executional responsibilities, ensuring their focus remains on innovation, strategy, and brand equity building.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of tactical, operational tasks and strategic, enabling responsibilities, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in brand support, marketing operations, or project management.

Required Skills:

• Strong cross-functional coordination and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Excel; familiarity with Veritas, IAS, SAP, or similar platforms preferred.
• Experience with or enthusiasm for AI tools and workflow automation.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with or knowledge of the pet nutrition industry.
• Fluency in additional languages.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in marketing operations, project management, or a related field are likely to be successful in this role. Familiarity with the pet nutrition industry is a plus but not required.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and company bonus
• Learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University
• Work with diverse and talented Associates, guided by the Five Principles
• Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Mars is a global manufacturer of confectionery, pet care, and other food products, with a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.

Company Size: Mars is a large, family-owned company with over 100,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse teams and projects.

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 guided by the Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.
• The company is committed to creating a positive impact on the world through its business operations and initiatives.
• Mars offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, with opportunities for professional development and growth.

Company Specialties:

• Mars Petcare: Brands include PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, and ROYAL CANIN®
• Mars Food: Brands include UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, and MASTERFOODS®
• Mars Edge: Focuses on health and nutrition, with brands like COCOAVIA® and KIND®
• Mars Wrigley: Offers iconic confectionery brands like M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, and ORBIT®

Company Website: www.mars.com

ASSUMPTION: Mars' large size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse teams and projects. The company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is a key aspect of its culture and operations.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for early to mid-career professionals seeking to develop their skills in marketing operations and project management.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Brand Manager reports directly to the Brand Manager and works closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and finance.

Work Arrangement: This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with a combination of on-site and remote work.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a full Brand Manager role, with increased responsibilities and strategic focus.
• Expansion into different brands, categories, or markets within the Mars portfolio.
• Development of skills in areas such as data analysis, digital marketing, or project management, through training and mentorship opportunities.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the Mars organization, with a clear path to progression for high-performing individuals.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Mars' Bolton office is a modern, collaborative workspace with on-site amenities and a focus on employee well-being.

Office Location(s): Mars' Bolton office is located at 6885 Elm St, McLean, Virginia 22101, US

Geographic Context:

• Bolton is a vibrant and growing community with a strong sense of local identity.
• The area offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.
• Bolton is well-connected by road and public transportation, with convenient access to major cities and airports.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement.

ASSUMPTION: The Bolton office offers a modern and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for employees to connect and engage with one another. The location's proximity to major cities and attractions makes it an attractive option for both local and remote workers.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the Brand Manager and other team members
• Final interview with the Director of Marketing

Key Assessment Areas:

• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Cross-functional coordination and communication
• Project management and organizational skills
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for learning new tools and platforms

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in marketing operations, project management, or a related field.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail in your resume and cover letter.
• Showcase your enthusiasm for AI tools and workflow automation, and provide examples of how you've used them in previous roles.
• Prepare questions about the role, team, and company to ask during the interview.

ATS Keywords: Marketing operations, project management, AI tools, workflow automation, cross-functional coordination, budget management, brand support

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on identifying candidates with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for learning new tools and platforms.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Excel
• Veritas
• IAS
• SAP
• AI-powered tools and digital productivity platforms

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Excel and relevant marketing operations tools is essential for this role. Experience with AI-powered tools and digital productivity platforms is a plus but not required.

👔 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, with a focus on teamwork and communication
• Results-driven, with a focus on delivering high-quality work on time and within budget
• Adaptable and open to learning new tools and platforms

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills?
• Are you comfortable working with AI tools and digital productivity platforms?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional environment?

ASSUMPTION: Mars' company values and work style are central to its culture and operations. Candidates who align with these values and work style are likely to be successful in the role and within the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Balancing operational tasks with strategic, enabling responsibilities
• Adapting to new tools and platforms as the role evolves and grows
• Working with cross-functional teams, requiring strong communication and coordination skills

ASSUMPTION: This role presents opportunities for career growth and development, but also comes with challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a focus on results.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional brand management roles, this position focuses more on operational excellence and enabling strategic initiatives.
• Experience in the pet nutrition industry is not required, but familiarity with marketing operations and project management is essential.
• This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the Mars organization, with a clear path to progression for high-performing individuals.

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique within the Mars organization, offering a blend of operational and strategic responsibilities with a focus on driving efficiency and enabling growth within the marketing team.

📝 Sample Projects

• Leading a cross-functional team to implement a new AI-powered tool for marketing budget tracking and risk management
• Streamlining operational reporting processes to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Collaborating with Brand Managers to identify and address workflow inefficiencies, enabling them to focus on strategic initiatives

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the blend of operational and strategic responsibilities required for this role, with a focus on driving efficiency and enabling growth within the marketing team.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does this role support the broader marketing team and contribute to the company's strategic goals?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Mars organization?
• How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the company's approach to sustainability and social responsibility, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's priorities, the company's culture, and opportunities for professional development and growth.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Mars Careers website
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in marketing operations, project management, or a related field.
• Prepare for the interview by researching Mars' company values and work style, and practicing your responses to common interview questions.
• Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.

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