Senior Manager Global Category Management – Consumer Brands (f/m/d)

Freudenberg Group; Weinheim; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Freudenberg Group is seeking a seasoned leader to shape and drive the global category strategy, translating long-term ambitions into actionable priorities across product segments and markets.

You will develop growth platforms rooted in consumer insights and lead strategic category and marketing initiatives, partnering with Global Insights, Innovation and other functions to identify trends and opportunities for expansion.

Qualifications

• University degree in business, economics, or similar; MBA preferred.
• Experience in FMCG marketing or commercial functions with strategy consulting or corporate strategy.
• Proven track record in developing growth strategies, business cases and executive-level recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Shape and drive the global category strategy.
• Identify new growth opportunities and translate 3-year ambitions into clear priorities.
• Develop global category growth platforms and compelling trade stories rooted in consumer and shopper insights.
• Lead strategic category and marketing initiatives and present recommendations to senior leadership.
• Partner with Global Insights, Innovation and other key functions to identify consumer needs, market trends and future growth opportunities.
• Drive strategic planning and performance tracking across key category priorities.
• Explore new growth territories beyond the core business, including adjacent categories, strategic partnerships and M&A opportunities.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Growth strategy

Executive storytelling

Data-driven

Analytical skills

FMCG marketing

Stakeholder management

Fluent English

Education

University degree

MBA preferred

Job description

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities:

• Shape and drive the global category strategy , setting strategic priorities through the Category Flywheel and tracking progress against key growth targets.
• Identify new growth opportunities and translate 3-year ambitions into clear priorities across product segments, channels and markets.
• Develop global category growth platforms and compelling trade stories rooted in consumer and shopper insights.
• Lead strategic category and marketing initiatives and bring forward recommendations to senior leadership.
• Partner with Global Insights, Innovation and other key functions to identify consumer needs, market trends and future growth opportunities.
• Drive strategic planning and performance tracking across key category priorities.
• Explore new growth territories beyond the core business , including adjacent categories, strategic partnerships and M&A opportunities.

Qualifications:

• University degree , ideally in business studies, economics or an MBA.
• Experience in FMCG marketing or commercial functions combined with strategy consulting or corporate strategy – ideally at a top-tier strategy consultancy, Big 4/Big 5 advisory firm or in a comparable strategic planning role.
• Proven track record in developing growth strategies, business cases and executive-level recommendations.
• Strong analytical skills in business analytics and market assessment, with the ability to turn complex data into actionable insights.
• Advanced knowledge of FMCG marketing, sales and category management , strong financial and commercial acumen and a solid understanding of consumer insights; local or regional marketing experience is highly desirable.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills , including executive-level storytelling and presentations.
• Strategic, structured and hypothesis-driven mindset with a strong consumer focus and the ability to inspire teams for transformation and growth.
• Fluent English ; additional languages are a plus.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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