Senior Brand Manager - Innovation

Mars; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity employer

Development opportunities

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Senior Brand Manager – Innovation to shape breakthrough products across MasterFoods, Ben’s Original, Dolmio and Kantong. You will define the 5-year innovation roadmap, translate insights into growth platforms and own delivery from concept to launch.

The role requires 6+ years in marketing with strong FMCG experience, strategic thinking and leadership across cross-functional teams. You’ll drive compelling business cases and partner with global teams to fuel portfolio growth.

Qualifications

• 6+ years marketing experience with portfolio strategy and innovation.
• FMCG experience essential with track record from insight through to launch.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to build financially sound business cases.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, pipeline and prioritisation for our transformative innovation pipeline.
• Translate consumer and market insights into compelling innovation platforms and growth opportunities.
• Build robust business cases that unlock investment, stakeholder support and retailer excitement.
• Lead cross-functional teams through complex innovation projects, balancing speed, creativity and commercial rigour.
• Develop propositions across product, pricing, packaging and route-to-market.
• Own delivery from concept through to launch on key projects, ensuring milestones and operational readiness are on track.
• Embed best-practice innovation tools and processes to improve development speed and launch success.
• Track innovation performance, risks and critical success factors and use insights to drive better decisions.
• Partner with global teams and external agencies to bring new thinking, expertise and creative inspiration into the portfolio.
• Build strong relationships across Mars and create an environment where ambitious ideas can thrive.

Skills

Marketing strategy

Innovation leadership

FMCG experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Business case development

Ambiguity navigation

Job description

Job Description:

Mars: Where your Tomorrow Starts Today!

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® we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

About the role

This is a brand-new opportunity to help shape the future of some of Mars’ most iconic food brands!

As Senior Brand Manager – Innovation, you’ll turn emerging consumer needs, trends and bold ideas into breakthrough innovations that fuel growth across MasterFoods, Ben’s Original, Dolmio and Kantong.

From defining the innovation roadmap to bringing big ideas to life in market, you’ll have the opportunity to influence strategy, challenge the status quo and make a tangible impact on the future of our portfolio.

You will own a transformational innovation agenda and help define our 5-year innovation roadmap and turn consumer, cultural and category trends into distinctive propositions people want.

What you’ll do

• Lead the strategy, pipeline and prioritisation for our transformative innovation pipeline.
• Translate consumer and market insights into compelling innovation platforms and growth opportunities.
• Build robust business cases that unlock investment, stakeholder support and retailer excitement.
• Lead cross-functional teams through complex innovation projects, balancing speed, creativity and commercial rigour.
• Develop propositions across product, pricing, packaging and route-to-market.
• Own delivery from concept through to launch on key projects, ensuring milestones and operational readiness are on track.
• Embed best-practice innovation tools and processes to improve development speed and launch success.
• Track innovation performance, risks and critical success factors and use insights to drive better decisions.
• Partner with global teams and external agencies to bring new thinking, expertise and creative inspiration into the portfolio.
• Build strong relationships across Mars and create an environment where ambitious ideas can thrive.

What you’ll bring

• 6+ years’ marketing experience, with strong experience across portfolio strategy and innovation.
• FMCG experience is essential, with a track record of taking innovation from insight through to launch.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to build compelling, financially sound business cases.
• Strategic thinker who can connect the big picture to practical action and execution.
• Confident cross-functional leader who can influence without authority and bring diverse teams together.
• Curious, creative and comfortable navigating ambiguity and complexity.
• A bias for action, with the energy and resilience to turn big ideas into real outcomes.

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.
• Join an iconic Australian brand – MasterFoods is the #3 brand in dry grocery in Australia and is enjoyed by 8 / 10 households.
• Exciting projects for the right candidate to sink their teeth into including the execution of packaging design changes and launching new products to attract the next generation of shoppers.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, 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.

We know everyone’s needs are different, and we’re committed to making our application process accessible and supportive for all candidates. If you require any adjustments along the way, simply let us know in your application form. We’ll work with you to understand what will help you feel comfortable and supported.