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.

The role:

As a Brand Manager with Kao, you will be responsible for the implementation of a brand vision and strategy of masterbrands, subbrands and category to deliver a robust, cross functionally and globally aligned 3-5 year product initiative calendar, including all relevant marketing mix elements to meet long term net sales and profit goals.

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Darmstadt (hybrid working model).

You will:

• Execute global strategy with dedicated 3-5 years New Product Development (NPD) master plan for master plan for regional execution (EMEA, AM and/or ASIA)
• Execute aligned NPD plans and brand strategy with internal and external stakeholders for the short- and midterm planning
• Ensure NPD master plan delivers against global and regional net sales and profit targets, support line manager to adjust in case of miss.
• Development of global or regional specific product concepts and execution of the entire Marketing Mix. Execution of business analyses (sales, profitability, etc.). Market monitoring & evaluation and competitor analyses (e.g. assessment of data, interpretation of developments, identification of business opportunities).
• Responsible for insight generation: analysis of stylists and salon clients Initiation of market research projects and interpretation of the results
• Management, coordination and supervision of projects in respective areas of responsibility, in collaboration with internal stakeholders (e.g.R&D, SCM,…). Managment of budget. Managment of agencies.
• Develop communication /brand image campaigns together with Creative & Communication and ensure all masterbrand / subbrand requirements are met.

You have:

• University degree/Master in Business Management with a focus on Marketing
• Several years of professional experience in Brand Management - preferably in beauty / global product management
• Ability to lead assigned multifunctional project teams.
• Ability to manage conflicting parties (Global, Regional, Local, Project Team including RD, GSC, Legal, etc.) and achieve alignment
• Conceptual, strategical and analytical skills, capability of abstract reasoning and creative thinker
• Good technical understanding and high affinity for the product group / hair cosmetics sector
• Highly self-motivated, results-oriented and entrepreneurial
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English

Our Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare plan including options for family cover, gym memberships, cycle to work scheme and moroe
• Generous holiday allowances with Christmas and holiday bonuses
• Great discounts on Kao products
• The opportunity to develop and progress your career in the wider Kao group