Associate Brand Manager (Leadership Development Program) - Minneapolis, MN

General Mills, Inc; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 91,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Associate Brand Manager for their Leadership Development Program. This innovative role offers the chance to lead teams, make impactful business decisions, and develop brand strategies that resonate with consumers. Participants will gain hands-on experience with multi-million-dollar brands while enjoying a structured career growth path. The program emphasizes collaboration and strategic thinking, ensuring that you are well-prepared for future leadership roles. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this company fosters a supportive environment where your contributions can truly make a difference.

Benefits

401k match

Relocation benefits

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Annual incentive program

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in Brand Marketing, Finance, or Sales.
• Proven success in a large, matrixed organization.
• Strong analytical skills to assess complex data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute brand strategies that connect with consumers.
• Own and manage P&Ls, driving revenue growth and profit.
• Lead cross-functional teams across sales, R&D, and finance.

Skills

Brand Marketing

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Strategic Decision-Making

Education

Bachelor's Degree

MBA (preferred)

Job description

Job Description

Associate Brand Manager (Leadership Development Program)

At General Mills, Brand Management is at the heart of our business. Our Brand Management Leadership Development Program (BLDP) is designed to cultivate the next generation of brand leaders by offering multiple Associate Brand Manager (ABM) rotations across our North America & Pet Segment businesses. Through a structured learning curriculum, hands-on experience, and direct ownership of multi-million-dollar brands, ABMs in the BLDP gain critical brand leadership skills to build brands, run businesses, and lead teams-preparing them for future leadership roles. As an ABM, you will lead teams across functions, make high-impact business decisions, and develop innovative brand marketing strategies that drive growth and brand equity.

To support a strong onboarding experience and set participants up for success in the competitive BLDP, we are requiring individuals to be located with their teams in Minneapolis. Given the fast-paced nature of the program and frequent transitions (typically every 12-18 months), this location is essential for building relationships, accelerating development and integrating seamlessly into the broader business. Relocation benefits will be provided for those selected to join the BLDP who are not currently based in Minneapolis.

Given that collaboration is critical to the success of our team members, our teams, and our business, the expectation for this role will be to work in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays each week. Our policy allows flexibility for the reality of business and personal schedules. Monday and Friday are flexible regarding your work location.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Build Brands

• Develop and execute brand strategies that connect with consumers through modern marketing approaches.
• Work closely with Consumer Insights to uncover trends and identify innovative business opportunities.
• Lead purpose-driven brand-building initiatives that align with growth strategies.

Run Businesses

• Own and manage P&Ls, driving revenue growth, profit, and market share.
• Influence key decisions across the 4Ps-Product, Price, Place, and Promotion.
• Oversee demand planning and forecasting by leveraging business insights.
• Lead product innovation and commercialization initiatives that drive brand success.

Lead Teams

• Act as the hub of the wheel, leading cross-functional teams across sales, R&D, finance, and operations.
• Partner with Sales to develop compelling customer strategies that drive category growth.
• Execute brand-building, innovation, and business model ideas that shape the future of our brands.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of proven experience in Brand Marketing, Finance, Sales, Consulting, or a leadership development program, showcasing a track record of impact and results.
• Demonstrated success working in a large, matrixed organization, with a strong grasp of P&L mechanics and strategic decision-making.
• Proven analytical skills to assess complex data, generate insights, and shape business strategies.
• Showcased ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage projects effectively, and drive execution against strategic objectives.
• Strong communication and influencing skills with a history of successfully aligning teams and stakeholders.
• A bias for action, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA (or actively pursuing one).
• Experience in Brand Marketing, CPG, Pet Industry, or consumer-driven industries.
• Ability to balance short-term performance with long-term brand health.
• Experience with forecasting, strategic revenue management, and commercialization.

WHY JOIN GENERAL MILLS?

• Impact & Ownership - ABMs are empowered to lead and own their brands, making decisions that shape business outcomes. You'll have a chance to work on some of the world's most iconic, billion-dollar brands like Cheerios, Haagen-Dazs, and Nature Valley, as well as our fast-growing pet brands like Blue Buffalo, shaping their future in a competitive market.

• Structured Career Growth - The BLDP provides hands-on experience, formal learning opportunities, and a clear path to leadership.

• Diverse Portfolio & Innovation - Work across a portfolio of beloved brands, drive innovation, and develop strategies that impact millions of consumers worldwide.

• Award-Winning Workplace - General Mills has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Employers for Diversity, Women, and New Grads, as well as a World's Top Company for Women and a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. We're committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and purpose-driven workplace.

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits - General Mills offers a highly competitive salary, bonus potential, 401k match, and full relocation benefits for eligible candidates.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

• International relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered
• Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one other and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $91900.00 - $153300.00 / Annually. At General Mills we strive for each employee's pay at any point in their career to reflect their experiences performance and skills for their current role. The salary range for this role represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, educations, skills, work experience, certifications, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range. Beyond base salary, General Mills offers a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, wellbeing support and perks. Benefits may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors. You may also be eligible to participate in an annual incentive program. An incentive award, if any, depends on various factors, including, individual and organizational performance.