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Mars UK • NZL-Auckland-Auckland | New Zealand

Senior Brand Manager - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Employment type:  Contract
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Job Description

Job Description:

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, ECLIPSE®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, DOLMIO®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® ORIJEN® ACANA® we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

Join us in building a sustainable future where people, communities, and the planet can truly thrive.

Role Title: Senior Brand Manager – Snacking
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Hours & Arrangement: Full-time. 12 month fixed term contract
Reporting to: Market Strategy and Deployment Lead

About the role:
We have an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned Senior Brand Manager (SBM) to join our Auckland-based team for a 12-month parental leave contract. This is not your standard SBM position. We are looking for a brand leader to not only drive the growth of some of the world's most beloved snacking brands—including M&M's®, Skittles®, and Maltesers®—but to also act as a key leader within our NZ business.

Reporting to the Market Strategy & Deployment Lead, you will be the functional marketing expert for our team, providing mentorship to junior marketers and running our marketing team meetings. You will also play a pivotal role on the Snacking Leadership Team, helping to contribute to the overarching business strategy for this key growth area. This role offers a unique blend of hands-on brand management and genuine business leadership.

What are your key responsibilities:

  • Strategic Brand and Growth Planning: Lead the creation of data-driven marketing and 3-year growth plans, incorporating consumer, shopper, category and customer insights.
  • Innovation and Product Development: Drive a robust innovation pipeline aligned to brand strategy, market trends and grounded in consumer insights, and ensure the core portfolio is fully optimised.
  • Cross-Functional and Customer Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver key brand initiatives and customer plans.
  • Communications and Media Planning: Manage execution of communications and lead media strategy implementation and optimisation.
  • Performance Analysis and Risk Management: Leverage market data and the S&OP+ process to drive brand health, manage risks and guide decision-making.
  • Team Leadership and Development: Foster a high-performing culture, mentor team members

What we’re looking for:

  • Significant experience in brand marketing as a Senior Brand Manager or Marketing Manager, FMCG highly regarded
  • A proven track record in brand ownership and P&L management
  • Strong analytical, presentation, stakeholder and communication skills
  • A highly strategic, insights led marketer who has a creative passion for understanding the consumer and growing brands
  • Ability to manage several different and complex high-profile projects at the same time
  • University Degree, preferably in Business/Marketing/Brand Management

Why you’ll love working for Mars:

  • Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.
  • People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.
  • Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.
  • Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.

Company benefits

Open to part-time employees
Open to job sharing
Open to compressed hours
Sabbaticals
Enhanced maternity leave – 26 weeks at 90% pay
Enhanced paternity leave – 26 weeks at 90% pay
24 days annual leave + bank holidays
“Pawternity” leave
Pregnancy loss leave
Bank holiday swaps
Shared parental leave
Adoption leave
Family health insurance
Pregnancy support
Neo-natal leave
Faith rooms
Meditation space
Dog friendly office
Dog friendly co-working space
Annual bonus
Employee discounts
Cinema discounts
Referral bonus
Joining bonus
Cycle to work scheme
Electric Car Salary Sacrifice
Enhanced pension match/contribution
Theme park discounts
Lunch and learns
In house training
Learning license
Studying sabbaticals
Open to part time work for some roles

Working at Mars UK

Company employees:

4,000 In the UK

Gender diversity (m:f):

57:43

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Awards & Accreditations

1st - Most Family Friendly Company

1st - Most Family Friendly Company

Flexa awards 2026
3rd - Best Workplace Benefits

3rd - Best Workplace Benefits

Flexa awards 2026
Most loved - Large companies

Top 5 - Most loved - Large companies

Flexa awards 2026
Best Work-Life Balance

Top 10 - Best Work-Life Balance

Flexa awards 2026
1st - Most Family Friendly Company

1st - Most Family Friendly Company

Flexa awards 2025
2nd – Pet Friendly

2nd – Pet Friendly

Flexa awards 2025
Most Flexible Company

Top 5 - Most Flexible Company

Flexa awards 2025
Most Inclusive Company

Top 5 - Most Inclusive Company

Flexa awards 2025
Best Work-Life Balance

Top 10 - Best Work-Life Balance

Flexa awards 2025
Best Career Progression

Top 10 - Best Career Progression

Flexa awards 2025
Best Workplace Culture

Best Workplace Culture

Flexa awards 2025
Best Workplace Benefits

Best Workplace Benefits

Flexa awards 2025
1st – Large companies

1st – Large companies

Flexa100 2024
Consumer Goods

Consumer Goods

Industry awards 2023
3rd – Large companies

3rd – Large companies

Flexa100 2023
Retail & Ecommerce

Retail & Ecommerce

Industry awards 2022

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