Customer Brand Manager - Düsseldorf

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Customer Brand Manager - Düsseldorf 🔹 Company: Arla Foods 🔹 Location: Düsseldorf, DE 🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site) 🔹 Category: Retail Brand Management 🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Managing the existing assortment of private label products for clients and ensuring an optimal mix of Arla products. - Collaborating with national and international teams to ensure smooth product development and marketing. - Coordinating the design of packaging for existing and new products in collaboration with external agencies. - Observing market trends and creating detailed market and assortment analyses to make informed decisions. - Acting as the main point of contact for clients, fostering long-term relationships, and driving brand success. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of cross-functional collaboration and strong project management skills to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Manage the existing assortment of private label products for clients and ensure an optimal mix of Arla products. ✅ Collaborate with national and international teams to ensure smooth product development and marketing. ✅ Coordinate the design of packaging for existing and new products in collaboration with external agencies. ✅ Observe market trends and create detailed market and assortment analyses to make informed decisions. ✅ Act as the main point of contact for clients, fostering long-term relationships, and driving brand success. ASSUMPTION: The role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a matrix organization. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Food Science, or a related field. Experience: - Several years of professional experience, ideally in retail brand management. Required Skills: - Proven experience in retail brand management or a similar role. - Strong analytical and project management skills. - Excellent communication and collaboration skills in English and German. - Proficiency in MS Office Suite. Preferred Skills: - Experience working with external agencies and design teams. - Knowledge of the dairy industry or relevant consumer goods sector. - Familiarity with market research and data analysis tools. ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in fast-paced consumer goods environments or relevant consulting backgrounds may also be considered. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: €60,000 - €80,000 per year (based on experience level and industry standards for the role and location) Benefits: - Work-life balance with flexible working hours and 30 days of vacation. - A unique, Scandinavian work culture with flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes. - Access to a learning library for online trainings and global career opportunities. - Employee discounts on Arla products and access to the corporate benefits program. - A commitment to sustainability and reducing the company's carbon footprint by 30% by 2030. - On-site dining options, including a Starbucks corner, and good public transportation access. - Job ticket and E-bike options, as well as free on-site parking. Working Hours: 39 hours per week, with flexible working hours and the option to work from home. ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing Company Size: 10,001+ employees Founded: 1881 (as a cooperative; 1999 as a merged entity) Company Description: - Arla Foods is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality dairy products while championing sustainability and innovation. - The company is a cooperative owned by 7,624 dairy farmer-owners in Denmark, Sweden, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. - Arla Foods aims to create the future of dairy, making healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all while leading the transition towards sustainable dairy farming and production. - The company works continuously on the farms, at the dairies, and in its administration to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact. - Arla Foods collaborates with NGOs and public stakeholders to develop viable dairy sectors in emerging markets and ensure access to affordable dairy nutrients. - The company takes its responsibility, its relationships, and its role in society seriously, working together with its customers, scientists, suppliers, NGOs, and other stakeholders to develop its business. - Arla Foods' well-known brands include Arla®, Lurpak®, Castello®, and Puck®, which are sold in more than 120 countries. Company Specialties: - Dairy - Milk - Yoghurt - Cheese - Cream - Powder - Purpose - Healthy - Natural - Cooperative - Responsible - Food - sustainability - growth - careers - and Farming Company Website: http://www.arla.com ASSUMPTION: Arla Foods' cooperative structure and strong focus on sustainability set it apart in the dairy industry, offering unique opportunities for employees to make a significant impact on the planet and the industry. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Mid-level to senior, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Category Management or a similar position within the organization. Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week, with the option to work from home for the remaining days) Growth Opportunities: - Opportunities for career progression within the company, including potential moves into senior management or specialist roles. - Access to a learning library for online trainings and global career opportunities. - The company's strong focus on employee development and internal promotions. ASSUMPTION: Candidates with strong leadership potential and a desire to grow within the organization may find particularly attractive opportunities for career advancement at Arla Foods. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week, with the option to work from home for the remaining days) Office Location(s): Düsseldorf, DE Geographic Context: - Düsseldorf is the capital of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its historical architecture. - The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies and is an important economic hub in Germany. - Düsseldorf offers a high quality of life, with a wide range of cultural attractions, excellent dining options, and a strong sense of community. Work Schedule: - The role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with 3 days on-site per week and the option to work from home for the remaining days. - The company offers flexible working hours and a job ticket for employees who commute by public transportation. - Arla Foods also provides E-bike options and free on-site parking for employees. ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers employees the best of both worlds, allowing them to balance the benefits of working on-site with the flexibility of remote work. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission through the Arla Foods careers website. 2. Phone or video screening with the talent acquisition team. 3. In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and relevant team members. 4. Final round interviews, potentially including a case study or presentation. 5. Job offer and onboarding process. Key Assessment Areas: - Cultural fit and alignment with Arla Foods' values and work environment. - Problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically about brand management. - Strong communication and collaboration skills, both internally and with external stakeholders. - Demonstrated experience in retail brand management or a similar role. - Proficiency in MS Office Suite and relevant market research tools. Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role. - Showcase your understanding of the retail brand management landscape and Arla Foods' unique position within the industry. - Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, collaboration, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. ATS Keywords: Retail Brand Management, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Business Administration, Food Science, Analytical Thinking, Communication Skills, English Language, German Language, MS Office Proficiency ASSUMPTION: Arla Foods' ATS system may prioritize candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with the company's values and a proven track record in retail brand management or a similar role. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - Market research and data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, or Python) - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or JIRA) - Design and prototyping tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or Figma) ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's background and the team's preferences. However, strong proficiency in MS Office Suite and relevant market research tools is essential. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Natural: We believe in the power of nature and strive to create products that are as close to nature as possible. - Responsible: We take responsibility for our actions and their impact on our people, our planet, and our communities. - Cooperative: We work together, sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise to achieve common goals. - Purpose: We are driven by a strong sense of purpose, committed to making a positive impact on the world through our products and our actions. Work Style: - Collaborative: Arla Foods fosters a culture of teamwork and cross-functional collaboration, with a strong emphasis on open communication and knowledge sharing. - Agile: The company encourages adaptability and continuous learning, with a focus on innovation and improvement. - Results-driven: Arla Foods prioritizes achieving tangible results and making a meaningful impact on the business. Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you align with Arla Foods' value of being 'natural' in your personal and professional life? 2. Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated strong collaboration skills in a cross-functional team environment? 3. How do you approach continuous learning and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment? ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Arla Foods' values and work style may be more likely to succeed in the role and contribute to the company's ongoing success. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Work-life balance: The role may require occasional travel and working outside of regular business hours to meet project deadlines or attend industry events. 2. Stakeholder management: Balancing the needs and expectations of multiple internal and external stakeholders can be challenging and may require strong diplomatic skills. 3. Market volatility: The retail landscape is constantly evolving, and candidates must be prepared to adapt to changes in consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive dynamics. 4. Language requirements: Strong proficiency in both English and German is essential for effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are proactive, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively may find these challenges to be exciting opportunities for growth and development. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Role differences: This role focuses on managing private label brands for retail clients, while similar roles in Arla Foods' product management or global brand management teams may have a broader scope, including the development and launch of new products or the management of Arla's proprietary brands. 2. Industry context: Retail brand management roles may require a deeper understanding of the retail landscape and customer behavior, as well as strong relationships with retail partners and other external stakeholders. 3. Career path comparison: Retail brand management roles may offer a clear path to senior management or specialist roles within the company, with opportunities for career progression in line management or functional expertise. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider their career goals and the specific aspects of the role that appeal to them when comparing this opportunity to other roles within the company or the industry. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Private label product portfolio review and optimization: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the existing private label product portfolio for a key retail client, identifying opportunities for improvement, and developing a strategic plan to optimize the assortment and drive sales growth. 2. New product launch support: Collaborate with the product management team to develop and execute a go-to-market strategy for a new private label product, including packaging design, pricing, and promotional support. 3. Market research and trend analysis: Lead a market research project to identify emerging trends in the retail landscape and develop data-driven insights to inform brand strategy and product development. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to provide specific examples of their experience with similar projects and their ability to apply data-driven insights to drive business results. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role responsibilities: Can you provide more details about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role and how they may evolve over time? 2. Team structure: How is the retail brand management team organized, and what are the key priorities for the first 30, 60, and 90 days in the role? 3. Company culture: How would you describe the work environment and company culture at Arla Foods, and how does this role fit into the broader organization? 4. Growth opportunities: What opportunities exist for professional development and career progression within the company, and how does this role contribute to those opportunities? 5. Work-life balance: How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role, and what resources are available to help manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance? ASSUMPTION: Candidates should approach the interview process as an opportunity to learn more about the role, the team, and the company, and to assess their fit with the organization's culture and values. 📝 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: - Submit your application through the following link: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role. - Prepare for phone or video screening with the talent acquisition team, focusing on your cultural fit and problem-solving skills. - Research Arla Foods' unique position in the dairy industry and be prepared to discuss your understanding of the retail brand management landscape. - Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview, expressing your enthusiasm for the role and addressing any concerns or questions that may have arisen during the interview process. ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.