📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Brand Manager
🔹 Company: Barilla Group
🔹 Location: Northbrook, Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid
🔹 Category: Brand Management
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-17
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Executing global category strategy through analytical rigor and strategic thinking
- Collaborating cross-functionally to lead key Barilla initiatives
- Monitoring market performance and consumer trends to drive brand equity and growth
- Managing brand projects and marketing campaigns to achieve short- and long-term objectives
- Financial management, including budget tracking, SAP duties, and coordination with the finance department
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of cross-functional collaboration and strategic thinking to drive brand success and protect category leadership.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead monthly and ad-hoc market performance monitoring using data to craft compelling narratives
✅ Analyze consumer trends to identify key learnings and insights
✅ Provide actionable recommendations for leadership to achieve short- and long-term objectives
✅ Collaborate with agencies and internal teams to execute key components of integrated marketing campaigns
✅ Ensure messaging consistency and global brand guideline alignment across touchpoints
✅ Oversee activity execution, track ROI, and recommend optimizations
✅ Lead and own brand projects like promo, social, channel packs, and marketing campaigns
✅ Serve as liaison to sales, R&D, and operations to manage packaging updates, product development, and other brand initiatives
✅ Lead and manage budget tracker, manage SAP duties, and ensure coordination and information sharing with the finance department
✅ Manage other business day-to-day ad-hoc duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and day-to-day execution to drive brand success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA preferred)
Experience: 2 years of experience in brand management, marketing, or related fields within the CPG industry
Required Skills:
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in using tools like Nielsen and syndicated data platforms
- Exceptional project management and organizational abilities
- Creative mindset with experience developing and executing marketing campaigns
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence stakeholders
- Strategic thinking: Ability to anticipate trends and develop forward-thinking strategies
- Consumer focus: Deep understanding and overall interest in consumer behavior and market dynamics
- Commitment to results: Focused on achieving measurable outcomes and driving business growth
- Collaboration: Ability to build relationships and work effectively across teams and functions
- Agility: Adapts quickly to changing business needs and priorities, acts decisively
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with global brands
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong foundation in brand management, marketing, and analytical skills, with a focus on the CPG industry.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 plus eligibility to participate in the annual discretionary bonus plan
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- 401(K) plan with company match
- Life and disability plans
- Employee assistance program
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for brand management roles in the CPG industry with 2-5 years of experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1877
Company Description:
- Barilla is an Italian family-owned food company committed to bringing people closer to the joy of good food and making quality the choice for a better life
- The company has been operating since 1877 and is present in more than 100 countries
- Barilla is recognized as the world's top food company by reputation and is committed to reducing its impact on the planet and fostering open and caring dialogue in the communities in which it operates
Company Specialties:
- Food production
- Marketing
- R&D
- Quality & Technology
- Sales
- Finance
- Engineering
Company Website: http://www.barillagroup.com
ASSUMPTION: Barilla is a well-established, international company with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Brand Manager and works cross-functionally with various teams, including sales, R&D, operations, and marketing agencies
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a full Brand Manager role
- Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and business needs
- Opportunities to work on global brands and gain international experience
ASSUMPTION: This role offers growth potential based on individual performance and the company's evolving needs.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid office with a mix of on-site and remote work
Office Location(s): Northbrook, Illinois, United States
Geographic Context:
- Northbrook is a suburb of Chicago, Illinois
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to the city
- Northbrook has a population of approximately 55,000 people and is known for its high-quality schools and family-friendly neighborhoods
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible remote work options
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and relevant team members
- Final round interview with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Barilla's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the CPG industry and Barilla's brand portfolio
- Showcase your ability to analyze data and develop strategic recommendations
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company culture
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Marketing, CPG, Nielsen, Syndicated Data, Strategic Thinking, Consumer Behavior, Market Dynamics, Collaboration, Agility
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, so it's essential to tailor your application materials and prepare thoroughly for interviews.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Data analysis tools (Nielsen, syndicated data platforms)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Marketing automation tools (HubSpot, Marketo)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in data analysis tools and project management software to effectively manage brand projects and marketing campaigns.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Trust
- Courage
- Intellectual curiosity
- Passion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional
- Data-driven and strategic
- Agile and adaptable
- Results-oriented
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay updated with industry trends and consumer behavior?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you developed and executed a successful marketing campaign?
- How do you approach working with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals?
ASSUMPTION: Barilla values candidates who are passionate, strategic, and collaborative, with a strong commitment to integrity and continuous learning.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple brand projects and marketing campaigns simultaneously
- Balancing short-term tactical tasks with long-term strategic planning
- Working effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Adapting to changing business needs and priorities
- Competing with larger, more established brands in the CPG industry
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong project management, strategic thinking, and adaptability.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other brand management roles, this position offers a unique blend of strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and day-to-day execution
- Barilla's global presence provides opportunities to work on international brands and gain international experience
- This role may have a more significant focus on data analysis and financial management compared to other brand management positions
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of responsibilities and growth opportunities compared to similar brand management positions in the CPG industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing campaign to launch a new product line
- Conducting a comprehensive market analysis to identify growth opportunities for an established brand
- Managing a brand rebranding project to refresh the brand identity and better resonate with consumers
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and tactical aspects of brand management within the CPG industry.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the brand management team?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the brand(s) I would be working on, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Barilla support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Barilla foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you better understand the company culture and expectations.
📌 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 skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for interviews by researching Barilla's brand portfolio, industry trends, and potential challenges facing the brand(s) you would be working on
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week after your interview to express your interest in the role
- If you are not selected for an interview, consider reaching out to the hiring manager or HR department for feedback on your application and opportunities for future consideration
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
