📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Global Brand Manager - Mentos Gum
🔹 Company: Perfetti Van Melle
🔹 Location: Schiphol, North Holland, Netherlands
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 days in office)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: August 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-7 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving incremental growth for the Mentos Gum brand through new product development and global collaboration.
- Managing international new product development from product brief through to launch.
- Partnering with local marketing teams to translate global initiatives into local commercial success.
- Gathering and analyzing market, brand, and product information to identify new business opportunities.
- Working closely with cross-functional teams to facilitate the development and execution of global brand and category strategic vision.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in brand and category management, with a focus on new product development and cross-functional collaboration.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Contribute to the development of category under management and brand innovation plans.
✅ Manage international new product development, working closely with various internal and external partners.
✅ Partner with Consumer & Market Insights (CMI) at Group and Local level to recommend consumer research.
✅ Collaborate with local marketing teams to translate global NPDs, brand positioning, and category expertise to local commercial execution.
✅ Create strong working relationships with cross-functional Group-level partners to facilitate the development and execution of global brand and category strategic vision.
✅ Support product design development for assigned projects, working with the internal agency.
✅ Provide compelling sales stories for NPDs under management to drive scale and wide acceptance at the local market level.
✅ Gather, analyze, and share relevant business, market, brand, and product information to identify new business opportunities.
✅ Work closely with assigned markets to execute and implement the overall Refreshment strategy.
ASSUMPTION: The role requires a high level of collaboration, project management, and adaptability to work effectively in a global, matrix organization.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field. A relevant Master's degree is preferred.
Experience: 5-7 years of brand and/or category marketing experience, with proven exposure to brand and category management at both Group/Corporate and local operating levels.
Required Skills:
- Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
- Advanced knowledge of new product development and consumer research methodologies.
- Strong project management skills across functions and geographies.
- Effective and influential communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, business-driven, and culturally sensitive within a diverse, global organization.
- Strong overall business acumen with the ability to understand product P&L and levers that influence profitability.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience within the FMCG industry.
- Fluency in additional languages.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong foundation in brand building fundamentals and be comfortable working in a matrix organization.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €60,000 - €80,000 per year (AI-estimated, based on experience level and industry standards for the Netherlands)
Benefits:
- Competitive salary complemented by a performance-based bonus scheme.
- 30 days of annual leave.
- Hybrid working model with at least three days in the office and remote work flexibility.
- Pension plan through the Stichting Bedrijfstakpensioenfonds voor de Zoetwarenindustrie.
- Comprehensive wellbeing and benefits program, including health and life insurance, gym membership discounts, health initiatives, and more.
- Regular office engagement events to foster team spirit and connection.
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible remote work options.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Marketing Manager role in the Netherlands with 5-7 years of experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Perfetti Van Melle operates in the competitive Food and Beverage Services industry, with a focus on confectionery and chewing gum.
Company Size: With over 17,000 employees and a presence in over 150 countries, Perfetti Van Melle is a large, global organization. This size offers opportunities for career growth and international exposure.
Founded: Perfetti Van Melle was founded in 2001 through the merger of Perfetti Spa and Van Melle N.V.
Company Description:
- Perfetti Van Melle is a privately owned company that produces and distributes candies and chewing gums in more than 150 countries worldwide.
- The company employs over 17,000 people and operates 37 companies throughout the world, with a true global reach.
- Perfetti Van Melle's brands, such as Mentos, Chupa Chups, and Alpenliebe, gratify, refresh, inspire consumers of all ages around the globe.
Company Specialties:
- Gums and Chewies and Confectionary Industry
Company Website: Perfetti Van Melle | Careers
ASSUMPTION: Perfetti Van Melle's large size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and international exposure.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the Manager level, with opportunities for growth within the Marketing department and the broader organization.
Reporting Structure: The Global Brand Manager reports to the Senior Brand Manager and Marketing Manager, working closely with local marketing teams and cross-functional partners.
Work Arrangement: The role follows a hybrid working model, with at least three days in the office and the flexibility to work remotely for the remainder of the week.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Senior Brand Manager or Marketing Manager role within the Marketing department.
- Expansion into other areas of the business, such as Sales or Operations.
- International assignments or relocations to other Perfetti Van Melle offices worldwide.
ASSUMPTION: The role offers opportunities for career growth within the Marketing department and the broader organization, as well as international exposure.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Perfetti Van Melle's headquarters is located in Schiphol, North Holland, Netherlands, with additional offices worldwide.
Office Location(s): Schiphol-Oost, NL, 1117 CE
Geographic Context:
- The Netherlands is known for its strong economy, high quality of life, and international business environment.
- Schiphol is a major international airport hub, offering excellent connectivity to other global destinations.
- The region is home to many multinational corporations and offers a multicultural environment.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible remote work options and at least three days in the office.
ASSUMPTION: The location offers a multicultural environment and excellent connectivity to other global destinations, making it an attractive option for international candidates.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the Perfetti Van Melle careers website.
- Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit.
- In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and other team members to discuss the role, responsibilities, and qualifications.
- Final round interviews or assessments to evaluate problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Brand management and new product development experience.
- Cross-functional collaboration and project management skills.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to a global, matrix organization.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Mentos Gum brand and Perfetti Van Melle's global presence.
- Prepare examples of successful brand management and new product development initiatives you've led or contributed to.
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, New Product Development, Consumer Research, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Global Marketing, Mentos Gum, Perfetti Van Melle
ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess candidates' relevant experience, skills, and cultural fit for the role and organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Consumer research tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in standard office software and project management tools, as well as familiarity with consumer research and data visualization tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passion for our products
- Continuous exploration and innovation
- Global reach and local relevance
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional
- Action-oriented and results-driven
- Adaptable and open to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Perfetti Van Melle's company values, particularly 'passion for our products' and 'global reach and local relevance'?
- How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment, collaborating with local teams and cross-functional partners across different time zones?
- How do you approach continuous learning and adaptation in a dynamic, global organization?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with Perfetti Van Melle's company values and work style, as well as their comfort with a hybrid work environment and global collaboration.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires managing multiple stakeholders and balancing global strategic vision with local market execution.
- International travel may be required to visit local markets and collaborate with local teams.
- The role involves working with cross-functional teams and navigating a matrix organization, which can present unique challenges in communication and decision-making.
- The competitive nature of the confectionery and chewing gum industry may present challenges in driving brand growth and market share.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a matrix organization, balancing global strategic vision with local market execution, and navigating a competitive industry.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other Brand Manager positions in its global scope and focus on new product development, requiring a strong background in consumer research and project management.
- Within the FMCG industry, this role offers a unique opportunity to work on a globally recognized brand like Mentos Gum.
- Career progression in this role could lead to Senior Brand Manager or Marketing Manager positions within the Marketing department or other areas of the business.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role, particularly its global scope and focus on new product development, and how it compares to other Brand Manager positions in the FMCG industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and launching a new Mentos Gum flavor or product line, from product brief through to market launch, with a focus on profitability and scalability.
- Conducting consumer research to identify trends and insights that inform brand positioning and new product development strategies.
- Collaborating with local marketing teams to translate global brand positioning and category expertise into local commercial execution, driving market share and brand growth.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the key responsibilities and required skills for the Global Brand Manager role, focusing on new product development, consumer research, and cross-functional collaboration.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical product development process for a new Mentos Gum flavor or product line, from product brief to market launch?
- How does the Global Brand Manager role collaborate with local marketing teams and cross-functional partners to drive brand growth and market share?
- What are the key challenges and opportunities for the Mentos Gum brand in the global market, and how does this role address them?
- How does Perfetti Van Melle support the professional development and career growth of its employees, particularly within the Marketing department?
- What is the work-life balance like for employees in this role, and how does the hybrid work arrangement support this?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates assess their fit with the role, the team, and the organization, as well as their understanding of the brand and its global market dynamics.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Perfetti Van Melle careers website.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role, demonstrating your understanding of the Mentos Gum brand and Perfetti Van Melle's global presence.
- Prepare examples of successful brand management and new product development initiatives you've led or contributed to.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
