📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager, Knorr Innovation Deployment
🔹 Company: Unilever
🔹 Location: Englewood Cliffs, NJ
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Brand Management
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Owning the innovation funnel end-to-end for Knorr's bouillon and meal makers categories
- Leading cross-functional teams to understand consumer trends and deploy disruptive innovations
- Strategic thinking and crafting, from concept development to execution
- Managing the innovation budget and resources allocated
- Developing and managing a direct report (ABM)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in brand management, innovation, and product management within the CPG industry. The ideal candidate will have a passion for food, market trends, and consumer insights.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and lead Knorr’s big bet innovations within bouillons and meal makers categories, from concept stage through execution
✅ Lead and own every aspect of assigned innovation projects across multiple stages, including strategy & concept development, pricing, P&L creation, innovation forecasting, and go-to-market creative campaigns
✅ Secure resource prioritization through clear business cases for projects worth pursuing
✅ Partner with the commercial team to develop compelling selling stories for innovations, rooted in category growth strategies
✅ Bring best-in-class innovation trends, technologies, and competitive movements to each initiative
✅ Own and manage the innovation budget and resources allocated
✅ Manage and develop future leaders, with a direct report (ABM)
ASSUMPION: This role requires strong project management, leadership, and communication skills to successfully lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required, MBA preferred
Experience: 5+ years of experience in Brand or CPG marketing, with a minimum of 3-5 years in innovation and product management
Required Skills:
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Has a real passion for innovation, crafting mixes that truly excite consumers
- Excellent oral/written and presentation skills; ability to tailor communication style across a multitude of disciplines and leadership levels
- Experience leading or working with large teams, with the ability to build rapport and influence cross-functional and global partners
- Strong track record of successful product launches, including landing and executing communication campaigns in the US market
- Comfortable with using data throughout aspects of the role, turning consumer and social insights into strategic thinking, and building viable financial models
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in Spanish
- Experience working with external partners, such as research agencies, world-class design agencies, and flavor experts
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the food industry, particularly in the bouillon and meal makers categories, will have a significant advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $99,760 to $149,640 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage)
- Retirement savings benefits
- Life insurance and disability benefits
- Parental leave
- Sick leave
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Voluntary benefits
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Brand Manager role in the CPG industry, with 5-10 years of experience. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Consumer Goods, specifically in the Food category
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global Fortune 500 company)
Founded: 1872, in the United Kingdom
Company Description:
- Unilever is a British multinational consumer goods company co-headquartered in London, England and Rotterdam, Netherlands
- It owns over 400 brands and its products are sold in over 190 countries
- The company's products include foods, beverages, cleaning agents, beauty products, and personal care products
- Unilever is one of the largest manufacturers in the world, with revenues of over €52.4 billion in 2020
Company Specialties:
- Consumer Goods
- Food
- Home Care
- Personal Care
- Refreshments
- Marketing & Advertising
- Retail
- Purpose
- FMCG
- Digital
- Ice Cream
- Nutrition
- Sustainability
- Beauty & Wellbeing
- Innovation
- and Careers
Company Website: http://www.unilever.com
ASSUMPTION: Unilever is a large, global company with a diverse portfolio of brands and products. This role will provide the opportunity to work on well-known brands and gain experience in a multinational corporation.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior-level brand management role
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Innovation Deployment Marketing Director
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position based in Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a senior brand management role or take on additional responsibilities within the innovation deployment function
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with global teams
- Access to professional development and training opportunities within Unilever's extensive learning and development programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and advance their career within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a modern, collaborative work environment
Office Location(s): Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Geographic Context:
- Englewood Cliffs is a suburban town in Bergen County, New Jersey, located approximately 10 miles northwest of New York City
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to New York City and other nearby attractions
- Englewood Cliffs is known for its high-quality schools and family-friendly neighborhoods
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on collaboration and innovation. The office is located in a suburban area with easy access to New York City and other nearby amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with the hiring manager and cross-functional stakeholders
- Final round interviews, potentially including a case study presentation
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
- Communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Industry knowledge and passion for innovation
- Cultural fit and alignment with Unilever's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this specific role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and leadership experiences
- Research Unilever's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit
- Be prepared to discuss your passion for food, market trends, and innovation
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Innovation, Product Management, Strategic Thinking, Analytical Skills, Problem Solving, Communication, Leadership, Market Trends, Consumer Insights, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Project Management, Budget Management, Presentation Skills, Creativity, Relationship Building, CPG, FMCG, Food Industry, Bouillon, Meal Makers
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and experiences throughout multiple rounds of interviews.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, JIRA, Trello)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics, Tableau)
- Consumer research and insights tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Qualtrics)
- Design and prototyping tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with relevant tools and technologies, and be comfortable learning and adapting to new platforms as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Our purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace
- We believe in business as a force for good
- We promote innovation, big and small, to make our business win and grow
- We believe in the power of our people to make a real impact on the world
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Focus on strategic thinking and innovation
- Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement
- Agile and adaptable to change
- Passionate about making a positive impact on society and the environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Unilever's purpose and values, specifically in the context of this role?
- Describe a time when you drove innovation and disruption in a previous role. How did you approach the challenge, and what was the outcome?
- How do you stay up-to-date with market trends and consumer insights in the food industry?
ASSUMPTION: Unilever values candidates who are passionate about their purpose, innovative, collaborative, and committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously, with tight deadlines and high expectations
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent changes and priorities
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including global partners, to drive consensus and execute projects
- Navigating a large, matrixed organization with complex reporting structures
- Balancing strategic thinking and execution, with a focus on both short-term results and long-term growth
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong project management, leadership, and communication skills, as well as the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other brand management roles, this position has a stronger focus on innovation and product development
- In the food industry, this role requires a deep understanding of consumer trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior brand management positions or other leadership opportunities within Unilever's innovation deployment function
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of brand management, innovation, and product development responsibilities, making it an attractive opportunity for candidates interested in driving growth and disruption in the food industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and launching a new line of Knorr bouillon or meal makers products, from concept to execution
- Creating and implementing a go-to-market strategy for a new product launch, including pricing, positioning, and communication campaigns
- Conducting consumer research and insights analysis to inform product development and marketing strategies
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the breadth of responsibilities and the impact this role can have on the success of the Knorr brand and Unilever's overall business.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader innovation strategy for the Knorr brand and Unilever's portfolio?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I make the most significant impact?
- How does Unilever support the growth and development of its brand managers, and what opportunities are there for advancement within the company?
- What is the team structure and dynamic for this role, and how does it collaborate with other functions within the organization?
- How does Unilever measure the success of its brand managers, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role's expectations, the team's dynamics, and the company's commitment to your professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Unilever careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this specific role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and leadership experiences
- Research Unilever's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit
- Be prepared to discuss your passion for food, market trends, and innovation
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
