Job Description
Who we are:Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all – a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World´s Most Ethical Companies since 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.
In this position you will lead and manage the DACH Skincare Portfolio (Bioré, Curél, and Bondi Sands brands), holding full P&L ownership. This role is responsible for driving DACH business goals through strategic marketing and brand planning. The role requires effective cross-functional collaboration, both internally and externally, to deliver an exceptional brand strategy and innovation pipeline for the DACH region. Additionally, the role includes line management of a Brand Manager, supporting business goals and developing future talent within the Kao organization.
This role reports directly to the General Manager of DACH Consumer Care. As the leader of the DACH Skincare Marketing team, you will oversee the entire portfolio, including Curél, Bioré, and Bondi Sands.
The skincare team comprises four members: this position, two Brand Managers, and one Communication Manager. Both Brand Managers and the Communication Manager will report directly to the Senior Brand Manager.
This is a permanent, full-time position located in Darmstadt (hybrid working model).
What you will do:
- Working closely with the DACH CLs, SDs and the UK-Team, this role will be responsible for leading and managing the DACH marketing brand plans for the skincare portfolio. This includes the planning and execution of NPD launches and communication campaigns, briefing agencies (as required) and engaging trade for best results.
- Innovation and strategy planning; working with EMEA and Global teams to ensure NPD proposition and brand strategy delivers on DACH market needs. Working cross-functionally to forecast size of prize and define the launch strategy via the stage-gate process.
- Collaborating with the Sales, Category and Shopper Marketing teams to unlock opportunities for growth in retailers. Aligning on strongest possible product mix and communication at point of purchase. When necessary, joining Key Account Managers attending retailer meetings to present marketing plans and pitch listing new product.
- P&L responsibility for the Skincare portfolio, accountable for ensuring efficient marketing spend to drive both sales and profit. Ensuring we drive ROI within our budget objectives and managing the complete purchase order, invoice and payment process internally with finance and accounts departments, as well as with external agencies.
- Regular sales and consumer data analysis and market auditing to keep on the pulse of performance and identify opportunities to drive profitable brand growth.
- Managing, developing and stretching the Brand Manager direct report, ensuring full SMART objectives (OKRs) are set and achieved, development plans are identified and executed
- BSc/BA Hons degree or equivalent with a focus on Marketing, ideally in Skincare.
- Fluency in German and English
- Minimum of 5 years in FMCG, preferably in the Health & Beauty category.
- Proven track record as a Direct Report/Line Manager.
- Proficient in using Nielsen/IRI sales and shopper loyalty software.
- Skilled in creating and presenting annual 'Go To Market Brand Plans' to key retailer buying teams.
- Extensive experience in owning and managing marketing budgets and full P&L.
- Expertise in planning and managing 360-degree campaigns, including agency collaboration.
- Strong ability to manage multiple stakeholders to influence brand strategy, execution, and innovation
How we work: Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 18 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.
What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.
Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.View More