North American Associate Brand Director, Seeds of Change

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: North American Associate Brand Director, Seeds of Change

🔹 Company: Mars

🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Food and Beverage Manufacturing

🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the Seeds of Change brand and developing value creation strategies
• Managing the P&L and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive growth
• Building new capability for "Seed Quadrant" insurgent brands and whitespace expansion
• Acting as the business leader of the cross-functional Seeds of Change Acceleration Team

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset and entrepreneurial spirit to succeed in a "start-up" environment within a large organization.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement long-term and annual marketing plans to deliver growth and earnings expectations

✅ Design and implement brand marketing strategies and content creation aligned with brand essence and guidelines

✅ Use market research and business analytics to enhance brand awareness, household penetration, and consumer offtake

✅ Deliver robust innovation pipeline while championing a Test, Build, Scale innovation model for the organization

✅ Lead new product launches through collaboration with R&D, Supply Chain, Finance, and Sales

✅ Direct external agency partners (advertising agency, media agency, shopper marketing, dCom, etc.)

✅ Lead packaging development projects on core + Innovation

✅ Serve as a brand steward to ensure the marketing strategy and positioning are accurately represented in all marketing activities and materials

✅ Develop and engage a direct report across key marketing and leadership competencies

✅ Lead and build a high-performing Seeds of Change Acceleration Team

✅ Ensure a culture of trust, open communication, and sustained performance

✅ Accelerate omnicommerce growth for Seeds of Change through convergence of marketing, digital media, shopper marketing, eCommerce, and CRM

✅ Develop breakthrough digital demand creation plans via a One Brief approach across all agency partners

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong leadership and project management skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required, MBA preferred

Experience: 7+ years of marketing and brand management experience required; food brands and startup brands preferred

Required Skills:

• Strategic planning and execution
• Brand management and marketing strategy
• Cross-functional team leadership

• Data analysis and interpretation
• Project management

Preferred Skills:

• People leadership experience
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Experience in the food industry

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in food brands and startup brands are likely to be more successful in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD 152,142.00 - USD 209,202.00 per year

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• 401k
• Paid Time Off
• Company Bonus

Working Hours: Full-time, Hybrid (2-3 days on-site per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job listing and is typical for a role of this level in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global)

Founded: 1911 (as Mars, Incorporated)

Company Description:

• Mars is a global manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products
• Known for brands such as M&M's, Snickers, Wrigley's, and Pedigree
• Operates in more than 80 countries and has over 130,000 employees worldwide

Company Specialties:

• Mars Petcare
• Mars Food
• Mars Edge
• Mars Wrigley

Company Website: www.mars.com

ASSUMPTION: Mars is a well-established company with a strong global presence and a diverse portfolio of brands.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior management

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Global Brand Director, Seeds of Change

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site per week)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a global brand leadership role
• Opportunities to work on innovative projects and drive brand growth
• Chance to develop leadership skills and build a high-performing team

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a real impact on the Seeds of Change brand.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office

Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, United States

Geographic Context:

• Chicago is a major city with a diverse population and a vibrant food and beverage industry
• The office is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to public transportation
• The city offers a wide range of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options

Work Schedule: Full-time, with some flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The Chicago office provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with easy access to the city's amenities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth behavioral and situational interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the Global Brand Director, Seeds of Change

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and brand management skills
• Leadership and team-building abilities
• Cross-functional collaboration and project management
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in food brands and startup brands
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the Seeds of Change brand and its market position
• Showcase your entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in a "start-up" environment

ATS Keywords: Brand management, marketing strategy, cross-functional leadership, data analysis, project management, food brands, startup brands, Seeds of Change

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is likely to be comprehensive and focused on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership, and brand management skills.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's background and the team's needs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Quality: The consumer is our boss, quality is our work, and value for money is our goal.
• Responsibility: As individuals, we demand total responsibility from ourselves; as Associates, we support the responsibilities of others.
• Mutuality: A mutual benefit is a shared benefit; a shared benefit will endure.
• Efficiency: We use resources to the full, waste nothing, and do only what we can do best.
• Freedom: We need freedom to shape our future; we need profit to remain free.

Work Style:

• Collaborative and cross-functional
• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Results-driven and entrepreneurial

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Mars' Five Principles, particularly in the context of this role?
• How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with cross-functional teams?
• What is your approach to driving results and innovation in a "start-up" environment within a large organization?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Mars' Five Principles and a willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment are likely to be successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing the needs of a well-established brand with the requirements of a "start-up" environment
• Managing a cross-functional team with diverse priorities and workloads
• Adapting to changes in the market and consumer behavior
• Meeting aggressive growth targets and delivering on the P&L

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require a strategic, adaptable, and results-driven approach.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on the Seeds of Change brand and the "Seed Quadrant" insurgent brands strategy
• Compared to other brand management roles, this position requires a higher degree of entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability
• Career progression in this role could lead to global brand leadership positions within Mars

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to drive growth and innovation for a well-established brand in a dynamic and evolving market.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing plan for a new product launch
• Conducting market research and analyzing data to inform brand strategy and positioning
• Leading a cross-functional team to develop and execute a breakthrough digital demand creation plan

ASSUMPTION: These projects are representative of the types of initiatives the Associate Brand Director might undertake in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader strategy for the Seeds of Change brand and the "Seed Quadrant" insurgent brands initiative?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does Mars support the growth and development of its Associates, particularly in this role?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the Seeds of Change brand, and how can this role address them?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams and functions within Mars?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the role's strategic importance, priorities, and opportunities for growth and collaboration.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in food brands and startup brands
• Prepare examples of your brand management and marketing strategy work to showcase your skills and accomplishments
• 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.