Brand Manager

• Set & ensure delivery of segment growth strategies across the Snacking segment
• Mars New Zealand is home to market leading brands such as PEDIGREE® MARS®, SNICKERS®, WHISKAS®, ECLIPSE®
• Permanent full-time role based from our Ellerslie office + Hybrid work

Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales, we’re passionate about our people and looking to recruit our next Brand Manager.

Join our highly engaged team where you’ll be responsible for setting & ensuring delivery of the short-term segment growth strategies to drive sales and profit for Mars.

You’ll act as a ‘key link’ between marketing, shopper marketing, category, sales & Digital Demand to achieve a high standard of brand strategy execution in market.

What would be your key responsibilities? 

• Work cross functionally using relevant consumer insights to identify portfolio performance opportunities. Build and execute strategies to address
• Identify NZ innovation pipeline within 5-year strategic plans
• Engage the NZ business in portfolio growth strategies
• Work with agency partners to build and deliver media and activation plans. Set and measure performance targets for activations
• Build and leverage strong relationships with Australian counterparts
• Liaise with Demand Planner and Key Account Manager(s) to develop forecasts for NPD/activities
• Work in close consultation with the Activity Manager to ensure excellent execution of planned activities both in-store and online.
• Work with Digital Demand team to develop product & brand content for customer websites & brand websites
• Manages A&CP invoicing & A&CP spend to budget each period and at year end

What are we looking for? 

• Business or marketing qualification at tertiary level preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Experienced marketing professional (at least 2 years’ experience)
• Interest in breadth career, i.e. Shopper, Category, Sales, Activity, Digital
• Proven track record in brand building through innovation and execution
• Excellent analytical skills, in order to drive business growth via translating insights into action
• Strong ability to influence key stakeholders
• Experience presenting to & influencing various audiences & functions

What can you expect from Mars?

• Access to our in-house Mars University
• A strong and supported focus on your development
• Global health and wellbeing program to support flexibility and work-life balance
• Opportunity to make a difference with our volunteer programs
• Be part of a company that is contributing to making the world a better place today and every day through on our sustainable generation plan
• A culture that offers collaboration, leadership and rewards you for the role you play within Mars
• Work for a well-established distributor of pet food, confectionery and food products in our multi-sales business

Applications will only be accepted from candidates who have the appropriate approval to work in New Zealand.  

Internal applicants: This role has been graded a T1 opportunity. Please discuss this role with your line manager before applying including obtaining their endorsement.

Please note: Applications close, Wednesday 28th of Jan, 2026

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.