Who we are:
Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all – a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. As a company guided by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World´s Most Ethical Companies since 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.
The role:
The Brand Manager (m/f/d), directly reporting to the Senior Brand Manager, executes the Brand Activation strategy. You support both product and communication functions, ensuring brand consistency across all channels. The Brand Manager (m/f/d) John Frieda customizes and executes the global brand strategy to meet local consumer needs in the German market. You will help understand German market dynamics and cultural nuances, aiming to enhance brand awareness and loyalty through targeted local campaigns, product launches, promotions and strategic partnerships. You will help ensure the brand's relevance, competitiveness, and ongoing success in the dynamic German haircare market.
This is a full-time, permanent position based in Darmstadt (hybrid working model).
What you will do:
- Product Localization: Customize global products and product concepts to align with German market demands. Prepare and build local go-to-market strategy.
- Media/ Marketing Campaign execution: Plan, implement and execute marketing campaigns across all media channels and the entire brand ecosystem (paid, owned, earned) to boost brand awareness and engagement.
- Team Collaboration & Stakeholder Relationship Management: Inspire and closely work together with internal, cross-functional teams for effective brand execution (e.g.: sales, trade marketing, market research, demand planning). Manage external agencies. Cultivate and maintain partnerships.
- Presentation Skills: Create and present strategies, campaign results, and brand performance to internal and external stakeholders.
- Performance Evaluation: Analyze and interpret data to measure brand performance, product launches and media campaign successes and adapt strategies accordingly.
- Media/Marketing Budget Management: Manage the internal media and marketing budget, ensuring efficient allocation and usage for optimal ROI.
What you will need:
- Must have a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Business Administration, Business Economy or comparable commercial education with focus on Marketing, Communication and/or Brand Management: a solid foundation in Marketing Strategy, Product Management and Brand Communication principles is essential.
- 3+ years of experience in Product Management, Brand Management, Communication or Marketing roles, preferably within the consumer goods, beauty or haircare industry.
- Experience focused on adapting global strategies to local markets and understanding consumer insights.
- Familiarity with executing marketing campaigns across traditional and digital/social channels (paid, owned, earned media).
- Excellent understanding of ATL as well as BTL marketing.
- Strong passion and affinity for beauty: Genuine enthusiasm for beauty and hair care products.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in German and Business English, both written and spoken.
- Versatile Problem Solver: Highly adaptable, agile and flexible, experienced in problem-solving and managing multiple tasks.
- Creative Analytical Experience: Merge creative thinking with strong analytical skills for informed decision making.
- Driven Enthusiast: Exhibit a strong enthusiasm for continual growth.
How we work: Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.
What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with great benefits packages, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.
Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.
Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit https://www.kao.com/emea/en/
#LI-Hybrid
What We Do
Ever since the company's founding in 1887, Kao has strived to deliver value to the life of people everywhere in the world. Today, we are a leading manufacturer in the fields of hygiene, beauty and health, while our chemical business contributes to the development of diverse industries. With more than 33,000 employees, our mission is to enrich the lives of people globally and contribute to the sustainability of the world.
In the regions of Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), we focus on our Beauty Care business with premium brands in three business sectors: Consumer, Salon and Cosmetics.
Our Business Sector represents skin and hair care brands that are recognized worldwide for their innovation and quality, such as Jergens, Curél, Bioré, Guhl, and John Frieda.
Our Salon Business Sector is committed to unleashing the creativity of stylists around the globe. With our industry leading brands Goldwell, KMS and Oribe, stylists have everything in their hands to create beautiful show-stopping hair representative of the individuality of their clients.
Our London-based boutique brand, Molton Brown, offers luxury beauty products found only in our exclusive Molton Brown stores, high-end department stores and travel retail, as well as five-star hotels around the world.
All three business sectors are driven by the same values and beliefs: Creating high-quality products and constantly striving for the best is what is at the heart of everything we do.
This is why we understand that our people are one of our core assets, and we strive for a working environment that allows team members to flourish and grow. Join us, and you will have opportunity to help us make life beautiful
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