Brand Manager - Gum

BRAND MANAGER – GUM Mars Snacking, Nairobi Kenya About the Opportunity Join Mars Snacking as Brand Manager – Gum and take the helm of our iconic gum portfolio across the Middle East and Africa region. You'll be the strategic custodian driving brand vision and marketing execution for priority brands including Orbit and Juicy Fruit. In this role, you'll shape portfolio growth, shepherd innovation initiatives from concept through launch—leveraging our Nairobi manufacturing capabilities—and create culturally compelling consumer campaigns that build household loyalty and capture market share. What We're Seeking Experience & Background: You bring at least 3 to 4 years of hands-on brand management experience, preferably within a multinational Fast-Moving Consumer Goods or FMCG organization. African Market Knowledge: You have solid commercial experience across the African continent, with exposure to Middle East and Africa markets representing an added advantage. Innovation & Data-Driven Thinking: You demonstrate a proven ability to execute full-cycle innovation programs anchored in consumer insights, shoppers' needs, and rigorous financial analysis. Education & Language Skills: You hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (a Master's degree is a plus), and you communicate fluently in both English and Swahili at a professional level. Cross-Functional Leadership: You're a results-focused leader with compelling storytelling skills, strong agency management capabilities, and the ability to collaborate effectively across complex, matrix-based team structures. Your Key Responsibilities Brand Strategy & Portfolio Development: Own the short and long-term strategy for our Gum portfolio, evaluating market share dynamics, category trends, and untapped opportunities to drive business expansion. Innovation Pipeline Management: Build and deliver a responsive 3-year innovation roadmap that blends breakthrough local innovation from our Nairobi facility with regionally adapted European product launches. Marketing & Campaign Leadership: Craft engaging omnichannel brand campaigns and media strategies in partnership with creative agencies and content teams, maximizing ROI and deepening brand affinity. Commercial Planning & Execution: Collaborate with Strategic Revenue Management on pricing and packaging strategy, then coordinate cross-functional launch teams to ensure flawless execution and comprehensive post-launch evaluation. Regional & Global Coordination: Act as the bridge between MEA regional leadership and Global Gum teams, ensuring consistent brand standards, marketing guidelines, and communication protocols across all markets. Why Join Mars? Collaborate with over 130,000 talented professionals worldwide, all united by the Five Principles. Be part of a purpose-led organization dedicated to building a better world for tomorrow, starting today. Access world-class learning and development from your first day, including Mars University resources. Receive a competitive salary package plus benefits and performance bonus opportunities.