📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager
🔹 Company: LotusBakeries
🔹 Location: Milan, Lombardy, Italy
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Brand Management, FMCG
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-22
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing the roll-out of strategic plans for popular brands Biscoff and Nakd in Italy
- Coordinating with the global brand team for article creation and packaging flow
- Developing and executing promotional plans for retail assortment and in-store execution
- Creating and monitoring materials and presentations for the sales force and promotional activities
- Managing the budget for in-store promotions and digital media
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the Italian trade structure and media development, as well as experience in a product management or trade marketing function.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage the operational marketing plan, supporting new product launches and existing portfolio
✅ Coordinate article creation and packaging flow with the Global brand team
✅ Develop and execute promotional plans for retail assortment and in-store execution
✅ Create and monitor materials and presentations for the sales force and promotional activities
✅ Follow up on branding and materials used and developed by distribution partners in 'Away from home'
✅ Participate in the implementation of international digital campaigns and create website content
✅ Manage the budget for in-store promotions and digital media
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve occasional travel to meet with distribution partners and attend industry events.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: Minimum 3 years of FMCG experience
Required Skills:
- Strong knowledge of the Italian trade structure and media development
- Experience in a product management or trade marketing function
- Fluency in written and spoken Italian, strong understanding of English (written and spoken)
- Proven ability to drive results and solve problems
- Strong interpersonal skills, social, and ambitious with a positive attitude
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with global brand teams
- Knowledge of digital marketing and content creation
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the food and beverage industry or related sectors may be given preference.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €45,000 - €60,000 per year (Based on industry standards for mid-level Brand Managers in Milan)
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Employee discounts on LotusBakeries products
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible working hours and occasional overtime
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: LotusBakeries operates in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, specializing in indulgent and natural snacking segments.
Company Size: LotusBakeries has around 3,000 employees and achieved a revenue of EUR 1,063.0 million in 2023, making it a mid-sized company.
Founded: 1932, with headquarters in Lembeke, Flemish Region, Belgium
Company Description:
- LotusBakeries is a dynamic and internationally oriented company with production facilities in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, South Africa, and the United States.
- The company has 23 sales organizations in Europe, America, Asia, and Australia, and works with commercial partners in approximately fifty countries worldwide.
- LotusBakeries is listed on Euronext Brussels and is part of the BEL20-Index.
Company Specialties:
- Caramelised biscuits
- Cake specialties and waffles
- Gingerbread
- Pepparkakor biscuits
- Healthy snacks
- Whole foods
- Baby snacks and meals
Company Website: http://www.lotusbakeries.com
ASSUMPTION: LotusBakeries is a well-established company with a strong global presence and a diverse product portfolio.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: The Brand Manager will report directly to the Sales Director for the Italian market.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional travel required
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career progression to Senior Brand Manager or similar roles within the company
- Opportunities to work on international projects and gain global experience
- Possibility to move into different functions or brands within the LotusBakeries portfolio
ASSUMPTION: LotusBakeries offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in the center of Milan
Office Location(s): Milan, Italy
Geographic Context:
- Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital of the Lombardy region
- The city is a major commercial, financial, and cultural hub, with a vibrant food and beverage industry
- Milan has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible working hours and occasional overtime
ASSUMPTION: The Milan office provides a dynamic and multicultural work environment, with easy access to public transportation and amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call interview with the HR department
- On-site interview with the Sales Director and a member of the HR team
- Final interview with the Global Brand Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Cultural fit and alignment with LotusBakeries' values
- Knowledge of the Italian trade structure and media development
- Problem-solving skills and ability to drive results
- Interpersonal skills and communication abilities
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in brand management, trade marketing, or related fields
- Research LotusBakeries' products and brands to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the company
ATS Keywords: Brand Manager, FMCG, Italy, Trade Marketing, Product Management, Promotional Planning, Digital Campaigns, Budget Management, Team Player, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Initiative, Positive Attitude, Retail Knowledge, Italian Trade Structure, Content Creation, Packaging Coordination
ASSUMPTION: LotusBakeries uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen and manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume can improve your chances of being selected.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Digital marketing platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook Ads Manager)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the candidate's role and responsibilities.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passion for our brands and consumers
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Responsibility and accountability
- Innovation and continuous improvement
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
- Strong focus on results and performance
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Multicultural and inclusive team culture
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with LotusBakeries' core values, and can you provide an example of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles?
- How do you approach working in a multicultural and collaborative team environment, and can you share an example of a successful team project you've led or contributed to?
- How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively when working on multiple projects or tasks simultaneously?
ASSUMPTION: LotusBakeries values candidates who are passionate, collaborative, responsible, innovative, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a tight promotional budget and finding creative solutions to maximize impact
- Balancing the needs and priorities of multiple stakeholders, including global brand teams, distribution partners, and the sales force
- Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with changing priorities and deadlines
- Navigating the Italian trade structure and media landscape, which may be different from other markets you've worked in
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to managing priorities and expectations.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Brand Manager roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work on well-known and popular brands in the Italian market
- LotusBakeries' global presence and diverse product portfolio provide opportunities for international exposure and career growth
- As a mid-sized company, LotusBakeries offers a more agile and entrepreneurial work environment compared to larger corporations, with more direct access to senior leadership
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their career goals and personal preferences when comparing this role to similar positions in other companies.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a successful in-store promotional campaign for the launch of a new product in the Italian market
- Creating and monitoring digital content for the Italian website, including product descriptions, images, and videos
- Managing the packaging flow for a seasonal product line, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to brand guidelines
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for the Brand Manager role at LotusBakeries.
❓ 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 fit into the overall brand management strategy for Italy, and how does it contribute to the company's global goals?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the company?
- How does LotusBakeries support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company's approach to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and can help you make an informed decision about the opportunity.
📌 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 experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in brand management, trade marketing, or related fields
- Research LotusBakeries' products and brands to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the company
- Follow up with the HR department 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.
