Senior Brand Identity Manager – Europe, MEA

Job Description

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a steward for the Brand Identities of some of the most well-known brands such as M&M’S, advocating and steering work to build iconic brands across the ecosystem, and to preserve the integrity of our distinctive assets with all Design Agency partners.
• Lead global strategic design initiatives on Orbit/Extra and Twix.
• Lead regional / local Branding and Packaging initiatives across the portfolio. Partner with marketing co-pilots to co-develop the brief and steer the creative process and direction. Additionally, participate in key global design projects.
• Lead our Design Agency partners (JKR, Elmwood, Marks, Straight Forward etc.) to deliver projects with excellence and within timeline and budget. Manage annual agency reviews and on-going performance interventions.
• Represent the region and set design agenda in collaboration with the Brand Stewards.
• Act as a catalyst for change and continuous improvement for our brands – driving change in perspectives, ways of working, agency/supplier models and infrastructure.
• Serve an educational role around Branding, Distinctive Assets, Design and Graphics Commercialization to elevate enterprise design effectiveness
• Chair Creative Content Review for the region.

Context and Scope

This role reports to the Global Director of Brand Identity and Design and will oversee all brand design projects in Europe and MEA. He/she will work closely with the Content Head in his/her region to influence and initiate the right projects and ensure all design outputs ladder up to a coherent brand strategy, look and feel. He/she will manage agencies to ensure the work is completed with excellence and will serve as a gatekeeper and liaison bringing in additional stakeholders when needed to ensure compliance, such as Marketing Properties or Responsible Marketing. Additionally, he/she will stay connected to counterparts in other regions keeping an up-to-date, global view on all work facilitating reprioritization of the work as needed.

Job Specifications/Qualifications
Education & Professional Qualifications

10-15 years’ experience in Brand Identity & Design, Design Strategy, Design Execution
Degrees in Fine Arts, Design, Communications or Marketing will be considered

Knowledge / Experience

• Experience in a design leadership role in FMCG either client or agency side
• Demonstrated strength in strategic vision paired with the attention to detail required for successful deployment
• Strong communication and selling skills, both written and oral
• Experience working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and agency partners
• Comfortable working in ambiguity and change management situations

Key Mars Leadership Competencies

• Managing Vision & Purpose
• Drive for Results
• Creativity – Practices Breakthrough Thinking
• Comfort around Higher Management
• Standing Alone
• Business Acumen

Key Functional Competencies & Technical Skills

• Brand Identity & Design Management
• Agency & Creative Process Management
• Strong Presentation and Communication Skills
• Print & Creative Production Processes

Financial / Budget Impact

• Steward for a set of Distinctive Assets valued between $13-16 Billion.
• Oversee Design spend estimated at $3-4 Million

Staff

Oversee core agency partners as an extension of our team

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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.