📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Global Marketing Specialist - Wasa Global Brand
🔹 Company: Barilla Group
🔹 Location: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: June 27, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Contributing to the global growth strategy for Wasa's crispbreads
- Acting as a liaison across various departments to drive business growth
- Ensuring ongoing monitoring of segments and competitive landscape
- Identifying innovation opportunities through global or local research
- Leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovation projects
- Contributing to the development of communication and activation strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Contribute to the global growth strategy for Wasa's crispbreads by becoming a business expert and addressing unique challenges faced by Wasa in different countries
✅ Act as a liaison for Wasa across various departments (RDQ, Supply Chain, Finance, Center of Excellence Equity & Communication, Digital, Media planning, Shopper) to drive business growth
✅ Ensure ongoing monitoring of the crispbread segments and competitive landscape through regular and ad hoc analyses
✅ Identify innovation opportunities in designated platforms through global or local research to ensure strong concept development, grounded in robust consumer insights
✅ Lead cross-functional teams to ensure the effective delivery of Innovation Projects, adhering to the Barilla Phase & Gate process
✅ Contribute to the development of your product segment's communication and activation strategy, overseeing the implementation and launch of new products in regions
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and project management, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree in Economics, Marketing, or equivalent
Experience: 3+ years of experience in a commercial area (consumer-shopper-trade marketing, customer teams/key account management, category management) in the FMCG industry. Previous experience at a regional level is recommended.
Required Skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent writing and presentation skills
- Fluency in English
- Excellent analytical skills
- Proven ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment
- Strong project management skills
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in additional languages
- Experience working with global brands
- Knowledge of the crispbread market
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the food industry and familiarity with Wasa's products will have a strong advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €45,000 - €60,000 per year (based on industry standards for a role of this level in the Netherlands)
Benefits:
- Hybrid working model
- Opportunity to grow professionally through international projects
- Dynamic and inclusive team culture
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees (mid-sized multinational)
Founded: 1877 (over 140 years of history)
Company Description:
- Barilla is an Italian family-owned food company with a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability
- The company is present in over 100 countries and employs nearly 9,000 people worldwide
- Barilla is recognized as the leading food company in the world for reputation and is committed to bringing people closer to the joy of good food and making quality the choice for a better life
Company Specialties:
- Food production and marketing
- Research and development
- Quality and technology
- Sales and finance
- Engineering
Company Website: www.barillagroup.com
ASSUMPTION: Working at Barilla offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a large, multinational organization with a strong focus on Italian heritage and family values.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Global WASA® Associate Marketing Director
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the marketing department
- Opportunity to work on international projects and gain global experience
- Possibility to transition into a full-time on-site role or move into a different department within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in Amsterdam Zuid
Office Location(s): Amsterdam Zuid, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Geographic Context:
- Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city in the Netherlands, with a vibrant cultural scene and a strong international business community
- The city is known for its canals, museums, and historic architecture, as well as its diverse and multicultural population
- Amsterdam Zuid is a central and well-connected district, with excellent access to public transportation
Work Schedule: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
ASSUMPTION: Working in Amsterdam offers a unique blend of urban living and natural surroundings, with easy access to both the city center and the countryside.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the HR department
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final round interview with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Barilla's values
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of Wasa's products and the crispbread market
- Showcase your ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively
ATS Keywords: Marketing, FMCG, Consumer Insights, Innovation, Project Management, Cross-Functional Teams, Global Brand, Wasa, Barilla
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will likely focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, analytical skills, and cultural fit with Barilla's values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant marketing and project management tools is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Trust
- Courage
- Intellectual curiosity
- Passion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional
- Data-driven and analytical
- Innovative and creative
- Results-oriented and focused on continuous improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Barilla's values in your daily work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a new work environment or team dynamic?
- How do you approach identifying and capitalizing on innovation opportunities within an established product category?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with Barilla's values and a willingness to embrace the company's collaborative work style will be well-suited to this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities in a cross-functional environment
- Balancing global strategy with regional market demands
- Keeping up with industry trends and consumer behavior in a rapidly evolving market
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and maintaining productivity
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role will require strong project management skills, the ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, and a willingness to adapt to change.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Global Brand Manager or Senior Marketing Manager within the FMCG industry, with a focus on driving growth and innovation for a specific product category
- Compared to other marketing roles, this position places a greater emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, strategic thinking, and data analysis
- Career progression in this role could lead to opportunities in global marketing, category management, or brand management within the company
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in similar roles or relevant transferable skills will be well-positioned for success in this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a global marketing campaign for a new crispbread product launch
- Conducting consumer research to identify trends and opportunities in the crispbread market
- Collaborating with the R&D team to innovate and improve existing crispbread products
- Working with the sales team to optimize crispbread product placement and promotions in retail stores
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and collaborative nature of the Global Marketing Specialist role at Wasa.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the marketing department?
- How does the company support the professional development of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the company approach innovation and staying competitive in the global crispbread market?
- What is the company's strategy for growing the Wasa brand in the next 5 years?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: https://jobs.barillagroup.com/job/Amsterdam-Global-Marketing-Specialist-Wasa-Global-Brand-Amst-Amsterdam/1218582201/
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively
- Research Wasa's products and the crispbread market to demonstrate your understanding of the industry
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
