- Job Title: Brand Manager
- Company: BEL
- Location: Braine-l’Alleud, Wallonia, Belgium
- Job Type: On-site
- Date Posted: July 14, 2025
- Experience Level: 2-5 years
- Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
1. Contributing to the definition of brand strategy and growth pillars.
2. Developing and implementing marketing activities based on data-driven insights.
3. Managing the portfolio strategy, including core product securitization and innovation.
4. Leading the annual marketing plan and ensuring perfect execution of activities.
5. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive brand equity and market share growth.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a matrix organization.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Brand Strategy & Portfolio Management:
- Define and implement brand strategy in collaboration with the Marketing Manager.
- Manage the portfolio strategy, including core product securitization and innovation.
- Analyze consumer and market data to inform brand strategies and objectives.
- Marketing Planning & Execution:
- Develop and execute annual marketing plans for brands, both above and below the line.
- Define media and digital strategies for brands.
- Manage relationships with external partners and agencies.
- Budget Management & Data Analysis:
- Allocate marketing budgets effectively to achieve business objectives.
- Analyze financial data and market trends to inform decision-making.
- Innovation & Integrated Communication:
- Identify and implement innovative communications and activations.
- Define touchpoint mix and campaigns to drive brand engagement and growth.
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong project management skills, the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Master's degree in Marketing or a related field.
- Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience in marketing, preferably in the FMCG industry, with a focus on brand management, marketing planning, and data analysis.
Required Skills:
- Strong business and marketing acumen.
- Excellent data analysis skills.
- Proficiency in digital marketing and consumer insights.
- Ability to manage budgets and stakeholders effectively.
- Creative problem-solving skills and a strategic mindset.
- Fluency in English and French or Dutch.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Nielsen, GfK, or Ipsos market research panels.
- Knowledge of the Belgian market and consumer trends.
- Familiarity with the Bel Group's portfolio of brands.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a proven track record in brand management, marketing planning, and data analysis will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: €45,000 - €60,000 per year (based on experience level and industry standards for brand managers in Belgium)
- Benefits:
- Competitive health insurance and pension plan.
- Performance-based bonus structure.
- Employee discounts on Bel Group products.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible working arrangements available.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for brand managers in Belgium. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Food & Beverage, specifically focused on branded cheeses and dairy products.
- Company Size: Mid-size (23 employees)
- Founded: 1865, with a rich history and strong brand portfolio, including The Laughing Cow, Kiri, Babybel, Boursin, and GoGo squeeZ.
- Company Description: The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry, with a strong commitment to sustainability and responsibility. It offers a dynamic and international work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Company Specialties: Branded cheeses, dairy products, fruit-based products, and plant-based alternatives.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-level management, with opportunities for growth and progression within the organization.
- Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Manager and collaborates with cross-functional teams, including sales, R&D, and operations.
- Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexible working arrangements available to accommodate individual needs and preferences.
- Growth Opportunities: This role offers opportunities to gain experience in brand management, marketing planning, and data analysis, with potential for career progression within the Bel Group.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium.
- Office Location: BEL's headquarters are located in the heart of the Wallonia region, offering a mix of urban and rural surroundings.
- Geographic Context: Braine-l’Alleud is situated near Brussels, offering easy access to the capital's cultural and entertainment offerings. The region is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant food scene.
- Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible working arrangements available to accommodate individual needs and preferences.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: The interview process typically includes an initial phone or video screening, followed by on-site interviews with the hiring manager and relevant stakeholders. A final interview with the Marketing Director may also be conducted.
- Key Assessment Areas: Candidates should expect to be assessed on their strategic thinking, data analysis skills, and cultural fit with the Bel Group. Specific attention will be paid to the candidate's ability to manage multiple stakeholders, drive brand equity, and execute marketing plans effectively.
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making.
- Familiarize yourself with the Bel Group's brand portfolio and market position to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its products.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing Tools: Google Analytics, Facebook Ads Manager, Hootsuite, Mailchimp, and other relevant marketing platforms.
- Data Analysis Tools: Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and other data visualization tools.
- Project Management Tools: Asana, Trello, or other project management software.
- Communication & Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Office Suite, Slack, or other communication platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: The Bel Group values innovation, collaboration, responsibility, and sustainability. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong alignment with these values in their application and interview responses.
- Work Style: The Bel Group fosters a dynamic, international, and collaborative work environment. Candidates should be comfortable working in a matrix organization and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive brand success.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do you integrate product value (nutrition, CSR, etc.) into activation campaigns?
2. How do you drive the growth of brand equity?
3. How do you manage stakeholders across entities and functions?
🛑 Potential Challenges
- Role-Specific Challenges: This role requires managing multiple brands and stakeholders, balancing short-term activations with long-term strategy, and navigating a complex, matrix organization.
- Company-Specific Challenges: The Bel Group is a mid-sized company with a strong brand portfolio, offering opportunities and challenges unique to its stage of growth and development.
- Industry-Specific Challenges: The food and beverage industry is dynamic and competitive, with evolving consumer preferences and market trends. Candidates should be prepared to adapt to change and innovate in response to these challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Career Level: This role is comparable to a Senior Brand Manager or Marketing Manager role in a larger organization, offering similar responsibilities and career growth opportunities.
- Industry-Specific Context: The food and beverage industry is unique in its focus on consumer health, wellness, and sustainability. Candidates should be prepared to address these industry-specific challenges and opportunities in their application and interview responses.
📝 Sample Projects
- Brand Strategy & Portfolio Management: Developing a comprehensive brand strategy for a new product launch, including target audience identification, positioning, and activation planning.
- Marketing Planning & Execution: Executing a successful marketing campaign for an existing brand, including media planning, creative development, and event management.
- Budget Management & Data Analysis: Conducting a comprehensive data analysis to inform brand strategy and marketing plan development, including market trend analysis, consumer segmentation, and competitive landscape assessment.
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
1. How does the Bel Group support the growth and development of its brand managers?
2. What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
3. How does the Bel Group approach innovation and new product development?
4. What are the key challenges facing the Bel Group's brand portfolio, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
5. How does the Bel Group foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within its marketing teams?
📝 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through the provided link: [Application URL]
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
3. Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making.
4. Familiarize yourself with the Bel Group's brand portfolio and market position to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its products.
5. Follow up with the recruitment team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps in the interview process.
