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Marketing Manager EMEA, Brand Planning

New Balance
Full-time
On-site
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing
πŸ“Œ Core Information

- Job Title: Marketing Manager EMEA, Brand Planning
- Company: New Balance
- Location: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Category: Marketing
- Date Posted: July 8, 2025

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

- Leading EMEA brand initiatives with a focus on media planning, budget management, and performance optimization.
- Collaborating with local marketing teams to ensure effective implementation of media plans aligned with brand objectives.
- Leveraging consumer and data insights, and competitor activities to inform and adapt future activities and identify new opportunities.
- Utilizing expertise to upskill various teams and key partners with rationale and insights that support media decisions.
- Responsible for managing the brand media budget and agency relationships to ensure cost-effective use of resources and optimization of budgets.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will have experience in brand and media planning, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the unique intersection of lifestyle and performance categories.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

- Media strategy and response analysis:
- Review and assess central media responses, ensuring alignment with strategy and brand objectives.
- Develop and execute effective media plans to deliver against strategic direction and long-term brand ambition.
- Collaborate with local marketing teams to ensure implementation of media plans across markets and raise the bar on their knowledge and level of commerciality.

- Channel expertise:
- Oversee media planning across various channels, leveraging knowledge of all media channels to create most effective plans that deliver against goals in line with strategic direction.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in brand/channel spend.

- Budget & agency management:
- Responsible for the brand media budget and agency relationships, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and optimization of budgets.
- Develop strong relationships with agencies to support the creation of full-funnel strategies and foster collaboration to create effective and efficient results.

- Performance measurement and insights:
- Leverage consumer and data insights, and competitor activities to inform and adapt future activities and identify new opportunities.
- Use expertise to upskill various teams and key partners with rationale and insights that support media decisions.
- Responsible for utilizing data analytics to track campaign performance and improve media decisions.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in brand and media planning, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the unique intersection of lifestyle and performance categories. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams are essential for success in this role.

🎯 Required Qualifications

- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in marketing, Business, or a related field.
- Experience: Extensive experience in brand and media planning, ideally within a marketing agency or in-house brand team. Strong collaboration and key partner management skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with agencies and internal teams. Expertise in managing large media budgets, with a focus on cost effectiveness and return on investment optimization. Strong background of building and growing brands, with a deep understanding of how to use the media landscape, from traditional to digital, to drive awareness and engagement. Solid understanding of ecommerce, digital marketing, and the role of online platforms in brand building and consumer engagement. Ability to travel up to 10%.
- Required Skills:
- Media planning
- Budget management
- Performance optimization
- Multi-channel marketing
- Consumer behavior
- Market trends
- Collaboration
- Agency management
- Data analytics
- Ecommerce
- Digital marketing
- Brand building
- Cost effectiveness
- Return on investment
- Lifestyle categories
- Performance categories

Preferred Skills:

- Experience with specific media channels (e.g., social media, SEO, SEM)
- Knowledge of specific marketing tools and platforms
- Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: While the required skills listed above are essential for success in this role, candidates with additional relevant skills and experiences may have an advantage in the application process.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

- Salary Range: €60,000 - €80,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Marketing Manager role in the Netherlands, with 5-10 years of experience)
- Benefits:
- Discretionary bonus opportunity
- Discount on health insurance
- 8% holiday allowance
- Flexible working hours
- Pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave per year
- Up to €250 travel allowance each month
- Hybrid working
- On-site gym
- Employee discount
- Work-from-home allowance
- Home working equipment
- Sports subscription services
- Flexibility to work from anywhere for up to four weeks per year
- Wellbeing and mental health benefit (24/7 employment assistance program & support)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Marketing Manager role in the Netherlands, with 5-10 years of experience. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the company's internal compensation structure. The benefits listed are based on the information provided in the job description and may be subject to change or additional terms and conditions.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

- Industry: Sporting Goods Manufacturing
- Company Size: 10,001+ employees
- Founded: 1906
- Company Description: New Balance began as a humble one-man operation founded on the belief that β€œwe were born to move,” and has since grown into an international corporation, selling footwear and apparel in over 120 countries and employing over 14,000 associates worldwide. The company's mission has always been to support the performance of athletes, and with an unparalleled focus on quality and craftsmanship, they have come to set the standard for comfort and fit in an industry all too often driven by hype. New Balance is committed to supporting communities around them through ambitious philanthropic efforts and involvement programs.
- Company Specialties: Running & Outdoor, Training, Lifestyle, Lacrosse, Tennis & Court, Kids, Apparel, Baseball, Track & Field, Soccer, Skateboarding, Softball, Golf, Cycling, and Hiking

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

- Career Level: Mid-level to senior marketing role, with potential for growth and leadership opportunities.
- Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Sr. Marketing Manager Paid Media and is responsible for managing brand media plans for EMEA.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid work arrangement, with the ability to work from anywhere for up to four weeks per year.
- Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities and lead teams as the company continues to grow and expand its marketing efforts.
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive brand success.
- Possibility to transition into a leadership role within the marketing department or explore other opportunities within the organization.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in brand and media planning, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the unique intersection of lifestyle and performance categories. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams are essential for success in this role. Candidates with a proven track record of driving brand growth and a passion for the sporting goods industry are encouraged to apply.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

- Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement, with the ability to work from anywhere for up to four weeks per year.
- Office Location(s): Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
- Geographic Context: Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city in the Netherlands, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse neighborhoods. The city is home to numerous multinational corporations and offers a dynamic work environment with a strong focus on innovation and creativity.
- Work Schedule: Flexible working hours, with the ability to work from anywhere for up to four weeks per year.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a hybrid work environment and have the ability to manage their time effectively to balance work and personal responsibilities. Candidates with experience working remotely or in a hybrid work arrangement are encouraged to apply.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

- Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth behavioral and skills-based interviews
- Final round interviews with key stakeholders
- Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Industry-specific knowledge and expertise
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this specific role.
- Showcase your understanding of the company, its products, and the industry by providing specific examples of how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and how they have prepared you for this role.
- Be ready to discuss your thoughts on the company's marketing strategies and how you would approach specific challenges in the role.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in brand and media planning, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the unique intersection of lifestyle and performance categories. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams are essential for success in this role. Candidates with a proven track record of driving brand growth and a passion for the sporting goods industry are encouraged to apply.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

- Media planning and buying platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads)
- Data analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau, Power BI)
- Marketing automation and CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo, Salesforce)
- Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Design and creative tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with relevant marketing tools and platforms, with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed. Candidates with experience in specific marketing tools and platforms relevant to this role are encouraged to apply.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

- Company Values: Independent, innovative, quality-focused, community-minded, and passionate about sports and craftsmanship.
- Work Style: Collaborative, data-driven, creative, and adaptable to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with New Balance's company values?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment, and how did you approach it?
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be a strong cultural fit with New Balance's values and work style, with a proven track record of driving brand growth and a passion for the sporting goods industry. Candidates with experience working in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment are encouraged to apply.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

- Role-specific challenges:
- Managing multiple stakeholders and balancing the needs of various teams and departments.
- Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in the media landscape and consumer behavior.
- Ensuring effective communication and collaboration with remote teams and international partners.
- Company-specific challenges:
- Working in a large, global organization with a diverse range of products and markets.
- Balancing the need for innovation and growth with the company's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
- Maintaining a strong company culture and fostering a sense of community among employees in a hybrid work environment.
- Industry-specific challenges:
- Navigating a competitive and dynamic market with a strong focus on innovation and technology.
- Adapting to changes in consumer behavior and preferences, driven by trends and shifts in the digital landscape.
- Balancing the need for data-driven decision-making with the importance of creativity and storytelling in marketing campaigns.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in brand and media planning, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the unique intersection of lifestyle and performance categories. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams are essential for success in this role. Candidates with a proven track record of driving brand growth and a passion for the sporting goods industry are encouraged to apply.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

- Role differences:
- This role focuses on brand media planning and budget management for the EMEA region, while other similar roles may have a broader scope or focus on specific channels or markets.
- The hybrid work arrangement and ability to work from anywhere for up to four weeks per year may differ from other roles, which may offer more traditional office-based or fully remote work arrangements.
- Industry-specific context:
- The sporting goods industry is highly competitive and dynamic, with a strong focus on innovation and technology.
- Successful marketing strategies in this industry often require a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the unique intersection of lifestyle and performance categories.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in brand and media planning, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the unique intersection of lifestyle and performance categories. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams are essential for success in this role. Candidates with a proven track record of driving brand growth and a passion for the sporting goods industry are encouraged to apply.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

- Developing and executing a comprehensive media strategy for a new product launch, targeting key demographics and markets.
- Collaborating with local marketing teams to optimize media plans and improve campaign performance across EMEA.
- Conducting a competitive analysis and identifying opportunities to differentiate New Balance's brand in the market.
- Leveraging consumer and data insights to inform and adapt future marketing activities and identify new opportunities for brand growth.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in brand and media planning, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the unique intersection of lifestyle and performance categories. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams are essential for success in this role. Candidates with a proven track record of driving brand growth and a passion for the sporting goods industry are encouraged to apply.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

- Role-specific questions:
- How do you approach managing large media budgets, and what strategies do you use to optimize costs and maximize ROI?
- Can you describe a time when you had to adapt a media plan due to changes in consumer behavior or market trends, and how did you approach it?
- How do you collaborate with local marketing teams to ensure effective implementation of media plans and raise the bar on their knowledge and level of commerciality?
- Company-specific questions:
- How do you balance the need for innovation and growth with New Balance's commitment to quality and craftsmanship?
- How do you foster a strong company culture and sense of community among employees in a hybrid work environment?
- Industry-specific questions:
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the media landscape and consumer behavior in the sporting goods industry?
- How do you differentiate New Balance's brand in a competitive and dynamic market with a strong focus on innovation and technology?
- How do you balance the need for data-driven decision-making with the importance of creativity and storytelling in marketing campaigns?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in brand and media planning, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the unique intersection of lifestyle and performance categories. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams are essential for success in this role. Candidates with a proven track record of driving brand growth and a passion for the sporting goods industry are encouraged to apply.

πŸ› οΈ Next Steps for Applicants

- To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this specific role.
- Prepare for phone or video screening and behavioral interviews by reflecting on your past experiences and how they have prepared you for this role.
- Be ready to discuss your thoughts on the company's marketing strategies and how you would approach specific challenges in the role.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative after your interview to express your interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications.

⚠️ Disclaimer

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