Senior Brand Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Brand Manager

🔹 Company: JACOBS DOUWE EGBERTS

🔹 Location: Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: June 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic leadership of the instant coffee category for Sweden and Denmark
• Portfolio, pricing, and COGS management for both core and NPD
• Local portfolio management and optimization
• Collaboration with local sales and shopper marketing teams for NPD and launches
• Development and project management of the 36-month NPD plan and product launches
• Annual business plan (AOP) development for brand/category
• Marketing budget management

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong, experienced brand manager with a proven track record in FMCG marketing to drive long-term growth and profitability for the instant coffee category in the Nordics.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Strategically lead the instant category for Sweden and Denmark to ensure long-term growth and profitability

✅ Drive proactive portfolio, pricing, and COGS management for both core and NPD based on market trends, gap analysis, and innovation opportunities

✅ Responsible for local portfolio management to ensure an optimized and correct product line up vs market opportunities

✅ Work with local sales and shopper marketing teams to generate ideas for NPD and launch NPDs to ensure category and brand growth

✅ Evaluate and create business cases for new opportunities and innovations in each market

✅ Create and project manage 36-month New Product Development (NPD) plan as well as develop and drive product launches and activation plan

✅ Develop and present the annual business plan (AOP) for brand/category that will achieve the agreed financial and market share targets

✅ Project manage launches and changes in product, packaging, and pack offering

✅ Monitor/control marketing budget for the respective brand/category

✅ Work closely with insights team, media team, brand communication, sales & finance

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong presentation skills to communicate clearly and with high impact.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, economics, or a business-related field

Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience from FMCG marketing

Required Skills:

• Analytical and strategic thinking
• Accustomed to lead and drive a brand & category
• Strong commercial understanding and interest
• Great presentation skills
• Good interpersonal skills and interest in collaborating across functions & borders

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in Swedish and English

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the coffee or tea industry, or a strong passion for coffee, may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Senior Brand Manager role in Denmark, the estimated salary range is DKK 600,000 - DKK 800,000 per year. This range takes into account the candidate's experience level, the company's size, and the location.

Benefits:

• Fantastic opportunities for learning and development in an exciting international fast-growing business
• Competent, caring, and supporting colleagues
• Unique culture with amazing brands and great coffee!
• Great business hub with 3 different canteens, fitness rooms, massage, and more

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's specific experience and qualifications. The benefits listed are based on the information provided in the job description and may be subject to change.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: JACOBS DOUWE EGBERTS (JDE) operates in the food and beverage services industry, specifically focusing on coffee and tea. The company is the world's largest pure-play coffee and tea company, with a portfolio of over 50 brands.

Company Size: JDE is a large corporation with over 10,000 employees globally. This size offers opportunities for growth and development within the company.

Founded: JDE was founded in 1753 in Joure, the Netherlands, by Egberts Douwe. The company has since grown and expanded its presence worldwide.

Company Description:

• JDE is inspired by its belief that it's amazing what can happen over a cup of coffee or tea
• The company's purpose is to unleash the possibilities of coffee and tea to create a better future
• JDE's goal is to be a coffee & tea for every cup

Company Specialties:

• Coffee and tea production, marketing, and distribution
• Brand management and development
• Global operations and supply chain management

Company Website: www.jdepeets.com

ASSUMPTION: JDE's large size and global presence offer applicants the opportunity to work in a dynamic and international environment with a strong focus on growth and innovation.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the marketing department, requiring a high level of experience and expertise in brand management.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand Manager reports directly to the Category Marketing Manager Sweden / Denmark.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position based in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential career progression within the marketing department or other functions within the company
• Opportunities to work on international projects and gain global experience
• Chances to develop skills in areas such as innovation, category development, and strategic planning

ASSUMPTION: Given JDE's large size and global presence, there are numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The office is located in a great business hub in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Office Location(s): Arne Jacobsens Allé 17, 2300 København, Denmark

Geographic Context:

• Copenhagen is the capital and most populous city of Denmark
• The city is known for its high quality of life, vibrant culture, and rich history
• Copenhagen is a major hub for business, finance, and technology in the Nordics

Work Schedule: Standard office hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed

ASSUMPTION: The office location in Copenhagen offers a dynamic and international work environment, with easy access to various amenities and cultural attractions.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
• Final interview with the Category Marketing Manager or another senior leader

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and analytical skills
• Presentation and communication skills
• Commercial understanding and interest
• Collaboration and interpersonal skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with JDE's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your passion for coffee and understanding of the coffee industry
• Prepare examples of your strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills
• Research JDE and the instant coffee category to show your understanding of the business and market

ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Market Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Innovation Development, Commercial Understanding, Presentation Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Collaboration, Project Management, Portfolio Management, Consumer Insights, Marketing Budget Management, NPD Planning, Sales Collaboration, Category Development, Data Analysis

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their strategic thinking, analytical skills, and passion for coffee and brand management in their application materials and interviews.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

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

ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are standard for marketing professionals and can be learned or improved upon with relevant experience and training.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for coffee and tea
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and continuous improvement
• Customer focus and consumer-centricity
• Integrity and responsibility

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
• Data-driven decision making and strategic thinking
• Focus on results and delivery

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a genuine passion for coffee and a strong understanding of the coffee industry?
• Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, international environment with a high degree of collaboration and cross-functional interaction?
• Do you have strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders?
• Are you comfortable working with data and using it to drive strategic decision-making?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with JDE's values and work style by considering their personal preferences, work experience, and career goals.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a complex portfolio of brands and products across multiple markets
• Balancing short-term tactical needs with long-term strategic goals
• Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including global marketing, local sales, and shopper marketing teams
• Adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to manage multiple priorities, work effectively with diverse teams, and adapt to change in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other senior brand manager positions in the FMCG industry, with a focus on category development, innovation, and brand management
• However, this role is unique in its focus on the instant coffee category and the opportunity to work with strong coffee brands such as Gevalia, L’OR, Espresso House, Karat, and Café Noir
• Career progression opportunities may vary depending on the specific company and industry

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles in the FMCG industry to understand the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to other opportunities.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and launching a new instant coffee product line to target a specific consumer segment
• Conducting a comprehensive market analysis and consumer insights study to inform brand and category strategy
• Managing a product recall or other crisis situation, requiring quick decision-making and strong communication skills

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they have approached them in previous roles.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for the instant coffee category in the Nordics?
• What are the key challenges facing the instant coffee category in Sweden and Denmark, and how can this role address them?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the marketing department or other functions within the company?
• How does JDE support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful and insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of the business.

📌 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 and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills
• Research JDE and the instant coffee category to show your understanding of the business and market
• Follow up with Marketing Manager Hanne Birkbo one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

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