Associate Brand Manager

About Barilla

At Barilla, we believe that every great journey begins with passion and a bold vision. From our humble beginnings in 1877 in a small shop in Parma, Italy, we’ve blossomed into a global leader in the food industry, guided by our commitment to progress and excellence.

Today, Barilla is an international group present in more than 100 countries and we are proud to be recognized as the world’s top food company by reputation. With 22 beloved brands in our portfolio, we are world leader for pasta, the number one choice for ready-made sauces in Europe, leader for bakery products in Italy, and for crispbread across Scandinavia with Wasa.

Our success story is written by a passionate team of almost 9,000 dedicated employees across 30 plants and offices worldwide, all united by a shared mission to nourish the future with purpose and passion.

Are you ready to add your unique flavor to our journey?

Job Purpose

This position serves to execute the global category strategy by combining analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and cross-collaboration to lead key Barilla initiatives. The role ensures the seamless integration of market trends, consumer insights, and brand objectives to strengthen brand equity and accelerate market growth to protect category leadership.

This is a hybrid role based out of Northbrook, IL.

Key Accountabilities

Brand Monitoring and Strategy:

• Lead monthly and ad-hoc monitoring of market performance (brand, competition…) using data to craft compelling narratives

• Analyze consumer trends to identify key learnings and insights

• Provide actionable recommendations for leadership to achieve short- and long-term objectives.

Marketing and Campaign Development:

• Collaborate with agencies and internal teams to execute key components of the integrated marketing campaign, including organic day to day activity

• Ensure messaging consistency and global brand guideline alignment across touchpoints (incl. shopper, consumer promo etc)

• Oversee activity execution, track ROI and recommend optimizations

Brand Management

• Lead and own brand projects like promo, social, channel packs, marketing campaign

• Serve as liaison to sales, R&D, and operations to manage packaging updates, product development, and other brand initiatives

Financial Management

• Lead and manage budget tracker (ie. Day to day, monthly closure, quarterly inputs)

• Manage SAP (PO/invoicing) duties

• Ensure coordination and information sharing with finance department

Manage other business day to day adhoc duties as assigned

Desired Skills and Background

• Bachelors degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA preferred)

• 3+ years of experience in brand management, marketing or related fields within the CPG industry

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in using tools like Nielsen, and syndicated data platforms

• Exceptional project management and organizational abilities

• Creative mindset with experience developing and executing marketing campaigns

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influencer stakeholders

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate trends and develop forward-thinking strategies

• Consumer Focus: Deep understanding and overall interest in consumer behavior and market dynamics

• Commitment to Results: Focused on achieving measurable outcomes and driving business growth

• Collaboration: Ability to build relationships and work effectively across teams and functions

• Agility: Adapts quickly to changing business needs and priorities, acts decisively

Work Environment & Flexibility

This position is based at our Barilla Americas Headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois and follows a hybrid work model. Employees are expected to work onsite three days per week, including Mondays and Wednesdays, which are designated Core Days, plus one additional day each week based on the needs of the role and team. This approach provides flexibility while creating regular opportunities for in-person collaboration and connection.

Please note that work arrangements are subject to change based on business needs, operational requirements, or company policy updates

Compensation & Total Rewards

New Hire Salary Range:

$89,000 – $98,000

Annual Incentive:

This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive, subject to the terms of the applicable plan.

The actual base salary offered within this range will be determined based on relevant experience, skills and qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity.

Benefits & Wellbeing

Barilla offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support employees’ health, wellbeing, financial security, and development. Depending on eligibility, offerings may include:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

• Time Away: Paid time off, company holidays, and applicable leave programs

• Wellbeing & Support: Employee assistance and wellbeing resources

• Financial Wellbeing: 401(k), life insurance, and disability coverage

• Development: Learning and professional development opportunities, including Barilla’s Tuition Reimbursement Program

Benefits and program eligibility are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and may vary by position, location, and employment status.

Barilla is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.