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Sep 9, 2025

Associate Brand Manager - Wasa

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 is a key player on a broad cross-functional team supporting the execution of multiple initiatives to drive growth on Wasa, a smaller but important brand in the US Bakery and Wasa globally.  The role supports the US Brand Manager and is involved in all aspects of the brand, responsible for budget management, Nielsen analysis, and data pulls, as well as assisting with the planning & execution of marketing plans. The role includes owning key projects on the brand, including monthly reporting, innovation, marketing programs, consumer research, and packaging design improvements.

 

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

 


Key Accountabilities
 

•    Perform analysis of business performance, including understanding of Wasa performance, competitive activity, and overall trends. Analyze consumption & consumer data.  Translate learnings and insights into actionable recommendations. 
•    Mange budget tracker & SAP (PO/Invoicing duties)
•    Assist with the execution of annual marketing plans
•    Contribute to the development of the long-term strategy for the brands, including brand objectives, integrated marketing plans, and budgets
•    Partner with internal agencies and cross-functional teams on creative development and execution of marketing activations
•    Collaborate with Wasa global team and key cross-functional partners, including Shopper Marketing, Digital, PR, Packaging, 
•    Supply Chain, Finance, Sales 
•    Manage agency and partnership relationships
•    Manage the business day-to-day, including supporting the execution of brand marketing programs, along with other brand properties, including assets on the website, social channels, and any future packaging changes.
•    Keep abreast of industry changes and developments, especially in the realm of smaller, niche brands (tools, tactics, etc.).
•    Assist with development of longer-term innovation strategy/plan
•    Other ad hoc duties as assigned

 

Desired Skills and Background


 
•    Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field (MBA) preferred
•    3+ years of related work experience in brand management, marketing, or related fields within the CPG industry (can be in a cross functional role)
•    Enthusiasm for working on smaller, niche brands in the CPG space 
•    Strong analytical skills, able to conduct data pulls & interpret data (ie, Nielsen) 
•    Strong time management and communication skills
•    Exceptional project management and organizational abilities
•    Creative mindset with experience developing and executing marketing campaigns preferred
•    Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence 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
•    Bakery brand experience a plus

 

As of the date of this posting, the estimated pay range for this role is $86k-$95k plus eligibility to participate in the annual discretionary bonus plan. The actual pay for the position will be determined by various factors, including but not limited to job-related experience, skills, education, location, and internal equity. This range may be subject to change over time.

 

Barilla strives to provide you and your family with a wide range of benefit options to support your overall health and financial well-being needs. This position qualifies for benefits that include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401(K) plan with company match, life and disability plans, and an employee assistance program.

 

At Barilla, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity in all its forms is valued and embraced. Our employment policies and practices are designed to ensure equal employment opportunities for all, regardless of age, race, color, citizenship, faith, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or characteristics of expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, medical condition, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our commitment to equal employment stems from our unwavering belief that it is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a fundamental driver of innovation and business success.

Consumer Marketing
United States
Northbrook, IL
Permanent

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