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Brand Manager Energy Drink

AB InBev
Full-time
On-site
Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Brand Manager Energy Drink

πŸ”Ή Company: AB InBev

πŸ”Ή Location: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Brand Management

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 17, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: Associate (2-5 years)

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading day-to-day management of EZY in Belgium
  • Driving product launches and go-to-market plans
  • Implementing full 360Β° brand plans
  • Collaborating with global and local agencies
  • Optimizing media spend within budget

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong operational focus, with a significant portion of time dedicated to day-to-day management and execution. It also involves strategic planning and collaboration with various stakeholders.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Lead the day-to-day management of EZY in Belgium, collaborating with Business Unit stakeholders and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth operational delivery.

βœ… Drive the planning and execution of product launches and go-to-market plans.

βœ… Own the implementation of full 360Β° brand plans, covering communication, trade execution, and in-market activation to scale the brand in line with commercial objectives.

βœ… Work closely with global and local agencies to ensure timely delivery of high-impact campaign materials and assets suited to our audiences.

βœ… Review, assess, and provide operational feedback on creative marketing assets used in both above-the-line and below-the-line channels.

βœ… Partner with media and connections teams to optimize media spend and execution within budget.

βœ… Deliver monthly performance reporting to track execution results and support decision-making.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning and tactical execution. It requires strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: 2-5 years of practical experience in innovation, brand management, trade marketing, or category management, with a strong affinity for product launch activities

Required Skills:

  • Project management skills
  • Confident communication with senior stakeholders, agencies, and cross-functional partners
  • Fluency in English and Dutch

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in the beverage industry
  • Knowledge of the energy drink market

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, relevant experience and a strong skill set are more important for success in this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €45,000 - €60,000 per year (based on industry standards for an Associate-level Brand Manager in Belgium)

Benefits:

  • Competitive bonus
  • Flexible rewards system (smartphone, bike lease, internet at home, extra pension plan, etc.)
  • Quarterly vouchers to taste delicious beers
  • Compensation & seniority days in addition to legal holidays (40 days total)
  • Meal vouchers, allowances, gift per company policy
  • Unique parental leave
  • Competitive life insurance, disability & medical plan
  • Learning & development opportunities (LinkedIn Learning/Workday Learning/Mentoring)
  • Multiple physical & mental wellbeing support initiatives

Working Hours: Full-time, with standard office hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and flexibility for project demands

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for an Associate-level Brand Manager in Belgium. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and company policy.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Beverage manufacturing, with a focus on beer and energy drinks

Company Size: 10,001+ employees, providing a large, diverse work environment with ample growth opportunities

Founded: 1366 (as a brewery), with a rich history and global presence

Company Description:

  • AB InBev is the world's largest brewer, with a portfolio of over 500 iconic brands, including global classics like Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois
  • The company is committed to building great brands, brewing the best beers using the finest ingredients, and making a meaningful impact in the world
  • AB InBev has a diverse, global workforce of approximately 167,000 colleagues based in nearly 50 countries worldwide

Company Specialties:

  • Beer production and sales
  • Premium drinks
  • Marketing
  • Innovation
  • Sustainability
  • Social responsibility
  • Brand management
  • E-commerce

Company Website: http://www.ab-inbev.com/

ASSUMPTION: AB InBev's large size and global presence offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development. The company's long history and commitment to sustainability and social responsibility provide a stable, values-driven work environment.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Associate (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Beyond Beer team and collaborates with Business Unit stakeholders and cross-functional teams

Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexibility for remote work based on project demands

Growth Opportunities:

  • Progression to a Senior Brand Manager role within the Beyond Beer team
  • Expansion into other brands or markets within AB InBev's global portfolio
  • Development of leadership and management skills through mentoring and training programs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential within AB InBev's global organization, with opportunities to advance within the Beyond Beer team or explore new brands and markets.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with on-site amenities

Office Location(s): Leuven, Belgium

Geographic Context:

  • Leuven is a vibrant university city located in the Flemish region of Belgium, offering a high quality of life with rich cultural, historical, and culinary experiences
  • The city is well-connected by public transportation, with easy access to Brussels and other major cities in Belgium and Europe
  • Leuven has a dynamic startup ecosystem and is home to several innovative tech and biotech companies

Work Schedule: Full-time, with standard office hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and flexibility for project demands

ASSUMPTION: Leuven offers a high quality of life, with a vibrant cultural scene, excellent education, and a strong job market. The city's central location in Europe provides easy access to international travel and opportunities.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
  • In-depth interview with the Beyond Beer team and relevant stakeholders
  • Final interview with the Beyond Beer team lead

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Operational skills and project management capabilities
  • Strategic thinking and brand management expertise
  • Communication and collaboration skills
  • Cultural fit and alignment with AB InBev's values

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant experience in brand management, trade marketing, or category management, with a focus on product launch activities
  • Demonstrate strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Showcase your understanding of the energy drink market and AB InBev's brand portfolio
  • Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company to ask during the interview

ATS Keywords: Brand management, product launch, trade marketing, category management, project management, energy drink, beer, AB InBev

ASSUMPTION: AB InBev's interview process is designed to assess candidates' operational skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. The company values candidates who can demonstrate a strong understanding of the brand management process and a passion for the energy drink market.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
  • Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
  • Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools. Familiarity with marketing automation platforms and data analysis tools is a plus but not required.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Dream Big: We encourage our employees to think beyond the ordinary and push the boundaries of what's possible
  • Own It: We empower our employees to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, and to own their results
  • Do What's Right: We expect our employees to act with integrity and make decisions that align with our company's values and ethical standards

Work Style:

  • Collaborative: We foster a culture of teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
  • Agile: We embrace change and adapt to new challenges and opportunities
  • Results-driven: We focus on delivering results and achieving our goals, with a strong commitment to continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have a proven track record of driving product launches and managing brands in a fast-paced environment?
  • Are you comfortable working with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams to deliver results?
  • Do you share AB InBev's commitment to dreaming big, owning it, and doing what's right?

ASSUMPTION: AB InBev values employees who are collaborative, agile, and results-driven, with a strong commitment to the company's core values.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Collaborating effectively with global and local agencies to ensure timely delivery of campaign materials
  • Optimizing media spend within budget while maintaining brand visibility and impact
  • Adapting to changes in the energy drink market and consumer behavior

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development. Successful candidates will be able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and adapt to changes in the market and consumer behavior.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is unique within AB InBev's portfolio, focusing specifically on the energy drink market and the EZY brand
  • Compared to other brand management roles within the company, this position requires a stronger operational focus and a deeper understanding of the energy drink market
  • Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in other brands or markets within AB InBev's global portfolio, with potential for advancement to a Senior Brand Manager or similar position

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other brand management positions within AB InBev, it is unique in its focus on the energy drink market and requires a strong operational skill set and deep understanding of the energy drink consumer.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a go-to-market plan for a new energy drink flavor launch in Belgium
  • Collaborating with global and local agencies to create high-impact campaign materials and assets for the EZY brand
  • Optimizing media spend and execution for the EZY brand in Belgium, ensuring maximum impact within budget constraints

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the operational and strategic aspects of this role, highlighting the need for strong project management skills and a deep understanding of the energy drink market and consumer behavior.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does this role collaborate with other teams and stakeholders within AB InBev?
  • What are the most challenging aspects of managing the EZY brand in Belgium?
  • How does AB InBev support the growth and development of its employees in this role?
  • What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for success in this role, and how are they tracked and measured?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities, team dynamics, and growth opportunities within this role. They also demonstrate the candidate's interest in and understanding of the position.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the AB InBev careers portal
  • Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in brand management, trade marketing, or category management, with a focus on product launch activities
  • Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the energy drink market and AB InBev's brand portfolio, and explains why you are a strong fit for this role
  • Prepare for the interview by researching AB InBev's company history, values, and brand portfolio, and by practicing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer
  • Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of the interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role

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