📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Brand Manager
🔹 Company: Suntory
🔹 Location: Genval / Brussels, BE, 1332
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-30
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing the Schweppes brand in the Benelux market
- Aligning European strategy with local consumer needs
- Executing marketing plans and managing P&L
- Analyzing market data to drive brand performance
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and agency partners
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to balance local market needs with European strategy.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Be the voice and expert of the local consumer & shopper towards the Regional team. Influence to make sure the European strategy, comms plan & innovation pipeline reflects the BNL needs.
✅ Amplify & execute the BNL marketing plans based on the European strategic plan & communication platform: consumer communication plan (media & activation), shopper communication plan (retail & horeca), localize the innovation pipeline in BNL (incl. P&L) & execute a successful innovation launch plan.
✅ Be a team player; align well with functional counterparts such as European marketing, trade marketing, sales, finance & supply chain. Build a constructive relationship with agency partners to build great communication plans. Manage the P&L, penetration & MS targets for your brand in BNL & course correct when required to reach targets.
✅ Reporting: Analyse Nielsen, GfK, Validators & Business Intelligence reports to draw conclusion & take action. A&P Budget management & allocation. Coaching and managing a Junior Brand Manager.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and cross-functional collaboration. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are crucial for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in brand management, with a focus on the Belgian market and experience in the Netherlands market being a plus
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in managing and activating brands in the Belgian market
- Experience in developing media & activation plans with media & activation agencies
- Experience working within an international marketing framework & team
- Experience analyzing Nielsen and GFK data
- Fluency in French, Dutch, and English
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the non-alcoholic beverage industry
- Knowledge of the Suntory brand portfolio
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in brand management, with a proven track record of driving brand performance in the Belgian market. Fluency in multiple languages is essential for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €60,000 - €80,000 per year (Based on market research and industry standards for a Senior Brand Manager role in Belgium)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Dynamic and inclusive work environment
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Flexible work arrangements may be available.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and industry standards. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Suntory is a global leader in the beverage industry, offering a diverse portfolio of products, including non-alcoholic favorites like Orangina, Lucozade, Oasis, and BOSS coffee. The company operates throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, with an annual revenue of $20.3 billion in 2024.
Company Size: Suntory has 41,357 employees worldwide, making it a large, global organization. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse markets and products.
Founded: 1899, in Osaka, Japan
Company Description:
- Suntory aims to inspire the brilliance of life by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature
- The company's brand collection includes award-winning Japanese whiskies, iconic American whiskies, Japanese wine, and popular health and wellness products
- Suntory is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day
Company Specialties:
- Beverage & Food
- Spirits Beer
- Wine
- Health Food
- Restaurants and Flowers
Company Website: http://www.suntory.com
ASSUMPTION: Suntory's global presence and diverse product portfolio offer unique opportunities for career growth and exposure to various markets and brands.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Regional Marketing Manager and works closely with cross-functional teams, including European marketing, trade marketing, sales, finance, and supply chain.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time, with opportunities for flexible work arrangements
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand responsibilities based on performance and business needs
- Opportunities to work on international projects and gain exposure to global markets
- Access to professional development and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within a large, global organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space
Office Location(s): Genval / Brussels, BE, 1332
Geographic Context:
- The Benelux region is home to a diverse mix of cultures and languages, offering a unique opportunity to develop and implement localized marketing strategies
- The region is a major economic hub, with a strong focus on trade, finance, and technology
- Brussels, in particular, is a multicultural city with a vibrant food and beverage scene
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for remote work and adjusted hours as needed
ASSUMPTION: The Benelux region offers a unique blend of cultures and languages, providing an ideal environment for a Senior Brand Manager to develop and implement localized marketing strategies.
💼 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 interview with the Regional Marketing Manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Brand management experience and achievements
- Market analysis and data-driven decision-making skills
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Language proficiency in French, Dutch, and English
Application Tips:
- Highlight your relevant brand management experience and achievements
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for the role and the Benelux market
- Prepare examples of market analysis and data-driven decision-making in the context of brand management
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Benelux, Marketing Strategy, Consumer Insights, Shopper Marketing, Innovation Launch, P&L Management, Nielsen, GfK, Budget Management, Coaching, French, Dutch, English
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on brand management experience and language proficiency.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with marketing automation and data analysis tools is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Growing for Good: Suntory aims to create a sustainable future for people and the planet through its business activities
- Yatte Minahare: Dream big and go for it – Suntory encourages employees to take on challenges and pursue their dreams
- Harmony with Nature: Suntory strives to create products and experiences that are in harmony with nature and respect the environment
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
- Agile and entrepreneurial mindset
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you share Suntory's commitment to growing for good and creating a sustainable future?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment?
- Do you have the ability to dream big and take on challenges, even in the face of uncertainty?
ASSUMPTION: Suntory's company values and work style emphasize sustainability, collaboration, and innovation, making it an ideal fit for candidates who share these priorities.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a brand in a diverse, multilingual market like the Benelux region can be complex and challenging
- Balancing local market needs with European strategy may require strong negotiation and influencing skills
- Working with cross-functional teams and agency partners can present unique challenges and opportunities
- Managing a Junior Brand Manager may require strong coaching and mentoring skills
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for a Senior Brand Manager, requiring strong market analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Senior Brand Manager roles, this position offers unique exposure to a diverse, multilingual market and the opportunity to manage a well-known global brand
- In the beverage industry, this role is similar to other Senior Brand Manager positions, with a focus on market analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration
- Career-wise, this role offers opportunities for growth and development within a large, global organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for career growth and development within the beverage industry and a large, global organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing plan for a new product launch in the Benelux region
- Conducting market research and analysis to identify consumer trends and preferences in the Benelux region
- Managing the P&L and driving brand performance for Schweppes in the Benelux region
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects highlight the strategic planning, tactical execution, and cross-functional collaboration required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does this role fit into the broader marketing strategy for the Benelux region?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the company?
- How does Suntory support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company's approach to sustainability and creating a positive impact on the environment?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions will help you better understand the role, the company, and the cultural fit for you as a candidate.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Suntory careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant brand management experience and achievements
- Prepare examples of market analysis and data-driven decision-making in the context of brand management
- Follow up with the HR department 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.
