Senior Brand Manager

Lindt & Sprüngli; San Leandro, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 148,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghirardelli is seeking a Senior Brand Manager to lead brand strategy, portfolio management, and cross-functional collaboration with marketing, sales, and insights teams.

You will drive growth through innovative marketing plans, rigorous analysis, and effective leadership, shaping premium chocolate brands for a global audience while mentoring a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• MBA degree preferred with 5–7 years brand management experience.
• Experience in a leading Consumer Packaged Goods company.
• Strong marketing mix skills to drive growth in high growth environments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong analytical skills with data-driven decision making.
• Proven track record of influencing senior stakeholders and partners.
• Budget management experience.
• Excellent written communication and presentation skills.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint proficiency.
• Experience with co-packing, co-manufacturing and new product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead portfolio management and product strategy to hit revenue targets.
• Develop annual marketing plans and present to executives.
• Execute marketing programs and manage budget and P&L.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, insights, and supply chain.
• Lead and develop team members and foster an inclusive environment.

Skills

Brand Management

Cross-functional Leadership

Marketing Strategy

Data Analysis

Project Management

Communication

Education

MBA Degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

WHO WE ARE

At Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee’s contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli’s growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.

Job Summary

WHO WE ARE Established in San Francisco since 1852, Ghirardelli has spent generations perfecting the craft of premium chocolate. From responsible sourcing to time-honored roasting and processing techniques, we honor the tradition of our iconic brand as we innovate and grow the business. We are fueled by a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, and that same passion shapes our workplace, where people are genuinely welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow. If you’re excited to join our welcoming and vibrant team that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and delicious possibilities, you'll feel right at home with us. The Senior Brand Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution plans for the assigned brand, as part of the long-term marketing strategy. The Brand Manager will collaborate cross-functionally to drive profitable, equity-building brand growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Portfolio Management

Responsible for managing an assigned portfolio to hit revenue and profit targets, to include SKU rationalization, mix strategies and profit optimization. Develop product portfolio strategy and 3 Year Innovation Pipeline, exploring areas such as format, packaging, and recipe extensions and adjacencies. Lead the cross functional team in the new product development process. Lead the go-to-market process for product innovation, including marketing plans, selling tools, and forecasting volume and growth expectations.

Marketing Strategy & Execution

Develop annual marketing plans for alignment with senior stakeholders. Present and defend plans to executive leadership. Develop, execute and evaluate marketing programs (advertising and consumer promotions) that are based on consumer, customer and competitive trends. Manage product portfolio budget, including preparing and tracking annual P&L. Lead delivery of clear and inspiring annual marketing plans to sales organization. Collaborate with customer marketing and sales to define and deliver customer specific programs. Manage the creative development process with internal teams and external agencies from briefing through critical feedback to execution Prepare and present annual business review for executive leadership. Attend sales calls and participate in selling at the customer level. Identify research needs to inform decision making and conduct research in collaboration with Insights Manager.

Management & Leadership

Provide business and team leadership in a fast-paced environment. Set individual and team objectives, plan project steps and resources needed, and manage execution. Train and develop direct reports for promotion and individual growth. Hire, develop and manage performance of team. Create an inclusive environment that embraces our values and purpose.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• MBA Degree preferred + 5-7 years Brand Management experience
• Experience working in a leading Consumer Packaged Goods company
• Proven ability to develop and utilize all elements of the marketing mix to drive business in high growth environment.
• Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously within a fast-paced environment, with a high degree of independence and resilience
• Strong analytical skills in using data to make sound recommendations affecting business decisions and results; ability to analyze and manipulate large data sets (e.g., IRI) and draw actionable conclusions.
• Proven track record of leading and influencing internal and external partners, including senior stakeholders.
• Budget management experience
• Excellent written communication skills and solid presentation skills
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience working with co-packing or co-manufacturing partners. Experience in new product development Experience working in an international corporate environment, a plus

Other Job Requirements

• Required to regularly sit
• Must be able to work seated or standing for at least 8 hours
• Must be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detail
• Works in a normal office environment
• Required to travel up to 10% of the time

Salary:

$147,668-$175,00/year

Looking to grow your career in a dynamic, international setting?

Join the Lindt & Sprüngli Group! Together, we thrive to achieve our bold ambitions, powered by our purpose and unique culture of community and mutual support – rooted in a proud tradition, yet always evolving to stay ahead and set new standards. Across our diverse local teams, we think globally and act locally – empowering people to grow, take ownership and shape a sustainable future together. We are a responsible “employer of choice” who provides an inspiring people experience. Together, we build trust, drive innovation, and grow – as individuals and as a business. Lindt & Sprüngli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 180 years. The long-established Swiss company with its roots in Zurich is a global leader in the premium chocolate category. Lindt & Sprüngli produces quality chocolates today at its 12 factories in Europe and the USA. Its products are sold by 41 subsidiaries and branch offices in around 620 of its own stores as well as via a network of around 100 distributors around the globe. With around 15,500 employees, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group reported sales of CHF 5.92 billion in 2025. Our commitment to contributing to a sustainable tomorrow is a key element driving the company’s actions and ambitions. Since 2008, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program has been our Responsible Sourcing Standard for cocoa.