At Bel, we are not just a company—we are a company on a Mission, built on 160 years of bold innovation, family values, and a commitment to social purpose. With beloved brands like Babybel®, GoGo squeeZ®, The Laughing Cow®, and Boursin®, our snacking solutions bring more than joy; they want to serve as a force for good. Our U.S. Mission? To help close the critical 80% nutrition gap by making it easier for Americans to eat more fruits, veggies, and dairy as part of their daily lives.

The company has headquarters in Chicago and New York City and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI; Brookings, SD; Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, ID.  #IWorkForAllForGood

LOCATION & JOB TYPE

Location : Chicago

Job type : Unlimited Contract

Reporting to : Group Platform Manager

OVERALL MISSION

As part of the BABYBEL Global Innovation Team, you will play a key role in supporting the brand into its journey to champion healthy snacking by executing strategic innovations and renovations to drive volume, turnover & margin growth. You will lead innovation and renovation projects from exploration to launch, reporting to the Innovation Group Platform Manager, who retains final responsibility for the innovation and renovation strategy. Your role will focus on operational leadership and project delivery, in close collaboration with countries, R&D and Strategic Insight teams, and factories.  This is a hybrid role (2-3 days per week in office), based in Chicago.

JOB SCOPE / CORE DELIVERABLES

MARKET DYNAMICS

• Understand consumer and customer needs and categories in key markets 

• Understand business challenges & opportunities of the Key countries you will work with 

• Benchmark products against key competitors and inspiring brands 
• Recommend new business opportunities based on strong insights  

Support and Execute the Innovation & Renovation Strategy in Retail and OOH by :

• Contribute to the Group the 5Y Innovation Pipeline in line with the Brand Architecture and Brand Strategy, including breakthrough concepts, quick-wins, and roll-outs, to deliver profitable growth,
• Lead the Out of Home Babybel project in line with the strategy together with OOH global team in line with Group and Brand ambition
• Drive global Innovation and Renovation projects from identification of the need states and occasions to Execution, including Business Case management (size of prize, competition…) and launch plan in a strong collaboration with RID, Strategic Insights, Global Babybel Equity team and Local marketing teams,
• Drive Renovations for Product Superiority & CSR: Lead renovation initiatives to deliver product superiority and achieve CSR ambitions, working in partnership with R&D.
• Ensure COGS & Profitability Targets: Ensure cost of goods sold (COGS) and profitability targets are met, optimize sourcing, and lead platform extensions and productivity programs.

MANAGEMENT & COORDINATION

• Transversal Relations: Build and maintain strong transversal relationships with Local Marketing Brand Manager and key partner functions, including Industrial, R&D, Finance, and Supply Chain, to ensure seamless project execution and alignment.
• Support in the prioritization of the innovation pipeline for topline growth, lead the development of key innovation projects, and collaborate closely with R&D, Strategic Insights and Local Markets to ensure successful execution.
• Ensure a close and constructive partnership with countries, with a focus on NORAM and ASIA, to align the innovation strategy and prepare innovation launches

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS & IMPACT

• Platform P&L and Market Share: Contribute to the platform’s profit & loss and market share performance.
• Innovation Rate and Time to Market: Track and deliver on innovation rate and time-to-market metrics for new launches and renovations.

PROFILE AND EXPERIENCE

• We are looking for a passionate Brand Manager, who’s excited to build the future of Babybel into being a healthy snacking brand for the whole family and who loves cheese.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or marketing required, Master’s degree preferred.  
• Minimum 4+ years of brand marketing experience, CPG industry experience preferred.
• Leadership, business, and marketing skills: knowledge of product value drivers, strong sustainability drive, data processing (Nielsen/IRI preferred), P&L management, trade constraints, project management (Agile methods), and innovation pipeline management.
• Language skills: Fluent in English; French is a plus.

What We Offer

Total Rewards

• Base Salary: $125,000 - $130,000
• Bonus Opportunity: 20%
• 401k, Medical, Dental, Vision from Day One
• PTO days and more
• Hybrid work schedule in Chicago

Bel Brands is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Bel Brands also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Bel Brand’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Bel Brands is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation or assistance in using the website, please call 312-462-1500.

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