VP Marketing, Distinctive Brands (Chicago, IL, US) bei Ferrero Group

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Company description

Ferrero is a family-owned company with a truly progressive and global outlook and iconic brands such as Nutella®, Tic Tac®, Ferrero Rocher®, Raffaello®, Kinder Bueno® and Kinder Surprise®. As the love for our brands continues to grow, so too does our global reach. Represented in more than 50 countries, with products sold in more than 170, the Ferrero Group is loved by generations around the world. The secret to our global success? 40,000  dedicated employees who celebrate care and quality to craft a business, careers and brands we are proud of. Join us, and you could be one of them.

About the Role:

As the VP of Distinctive Brands, you will lead the strategic growth and positioning of iconic brands like Mother’s, Famous Amos, Murray, and Royal Dansk. You’ll shape the brand vision, drive innovation, and champion marketing strategies that resonate with consumers and deliver results. In this role, you’ll own the portfolio strategy, guide cross-functional teams, and influence key investment decisions to unlock long-term value. You’ll also inspire and develop a high-performing team, ensuring alignment with company values while fostering creativity, collaboration, and excellence across all touchpoints.

This position is Hybrid and will be based out of the Ferrero commercial offices in Chicago, IL.

Main Responsibilities:

Brand Strategy & Marketing Leadership

• Develop and execute the strategic vision, ambition, and growth roadmap for Distinctive Brands including Mother’s, Famous Amos, Murray, Royal Dansk, and seasonal portfolios.
• Lead the creation and implementation of PS1 and PS3 marketing plans, aligning with regional and global leadership.
• Drive e-commerce initiatives and strategic planning processes for North America.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Innovation, Finance, Operations) to build business cases for new product launches and proximity innovation.

Product Innovation & Portfolio Development

• Champion proximity innovation and renovation efforts, including recipe development, industrial feasibility, and P&L impact.
• Influence cross-functional teams (R&D, Quality, Plant, Finance, Packaging) to support local R&D needs and lab capabilities.
• Define brand portfolio strategy and product mix across channels for everyday and seasonal offerings.
• Maximize portfolio synergies and efficiencies to support a unified biscuits strategy and go-to-market execution.

Commercial Strategy & Performance Management

• Lead snack category initiatives to optimize point-of-sale visibility and promotional impact (e.g., multi-brand displays, cross-category tentpoles).
• Oversee brand performance and day-to-day execution of brand plans in close alignment with Sales.
• Own brand P&Ls, including A&P budgets, gross margin monitoring, and pricing strategies.
• Recommend actions to improve profitability through pricing optimization and cost-saving initiatives (e.g., F4G activities).

Integrated Marketing Communications & Media

• Translate consumer insights and market dynamics into actionable brand growth strategies through research and data analysis.
• Lead creative development for integrated marketing campaigns across TV, digital, social media, and PR.
• Manage external agencies (creative, media, PR) to ensure consistent brand messaging and campaign execution.
• Develop limited-time offers (LTOs), brand partnerships, and seasonal tentpole activations aligned with brand equity.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing marketing team aligned with company values and strategic goals.
• Recruit, coach, and develop talent to foster a culture of empowerment, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure professional development through performance evaluations and tailored growth initiatives.

Who we are looking for:

• Minimum of 15+ years of experience in brand marketing within the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Bachelor's Degree required, Master's degree preferred.
• Proven ability to translate syndicated data into actionable insights and strategic decisions.
• Skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and business objectives.
• Strong understanding of cross-functional collaboration and the ability to influence internal stakeholders to drive results.
• Solid project management capabilities from planning through execution and post-launch evaluation.
• Experience managing budgets and full P&L ownership, including advertising and promotion (A&P) spend.
• Familiarity with creative development processes and media planning across traditional and digital channels.
• Exposure to R&D and innovation processes is a plus.
• Good knowledge of U.S. retail and trade dynamics, with sensitivity to shopper and category trends.
• Experience working within a business unit or country team in a global organization is a plus.

Compensation Data

The base salary range for this position is $171,299 - $228,398 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits. Learn more about our benefits at https://www.ferrerocareers.com/us/en/our-benefits

How to be successful in the role and at Ferrero:

Consumers, quality and care are at the heart of everything we do. So, to be successful at Ferrero, you’ll need to be just as consumer and product centric as we are - dedicated to crafting brilliant results for consumers around the world. 

Diversity Statement

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.

Ferrero N.A. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics