Senior Brand Manager

Role overview

Join Kraft Heinz in a senior brand leadership position focused on growing well-known Kiwi brands such as Chef and Raro. Reporting to the Head of New Business, this role sits within the Petfood and Other Beverage team and is responsible for shaping marketing activity that supports ambitious portfolio growth. You will also contribute to new product development for selected channels, using global capabilities and learnings to strengthen local execution.

About the company

Kraft Heinz is among the world’s largest food and beverage businesses, with eight brands that each generate more than $1 billion in sales and annual global revenue of around $25 billion. Its portfolio spans more than 200 established and growing brands across products such as sauces, condiments, cheese, dairy, meals, meats, refreshment drinks, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and other grocery items. The company operates in over 40 countries.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-range brand strategies for the Pet and powdered beverage ranges, as well as strategic channels in New Zealand, with a focus on durable business growth.
• Plan and deliver end-to-end marketing campaigns across advertising, point-of-sale, consumer promotions, packaging changes, and brand messaging through digital, social, retail, and out-of-home media.
• Use market research, brand tracking, and in-market performance data to assess results and recommend actions that improve brand and category outcomes.
• Draw on category scan data and Dunnhumby/Quantium insights to strengthen performance analysis and growth planning.
• Study global consumer trends, buyer behaviour, and competitor activity to uncover innovation opportunities and guide portfolio direction.
• Lead cross-functional NPD work from concept development through launch, including business case creation, project coordination, commercialisation, and post-launch review.
• Work with agencies and internal partners such as designers, ATL/BTL agencies, university partners, research agencies, printers, copackers, and ingredient suppliers to deliver strong campaigns and product innovation.
• Oversee brand financials, including monthly P&L review, marketing budget optimisation, and return-on-investment analysis.
• Support commercial decision-making through margin assessment, cost-reduction ideas, and pricing strategy in partnership with the Commercial Manager.
• Influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams to align on strategy and innovation priorities.
• Collaborate with sales teams on retailer range review presentations and updates covering NPD, communications plans, and innovation sessions.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in marketing or a marketing-related role.
• Previous brand management experience, ideally in a comparable industry.
• Sales experience is considered an advantage.
• Solid understanding of marketing processes and systems.
• Proven strength in managing A&P budgets, forecasting, and budget planning.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle demanding timelines.
• Strong analytical ability and comfort turning data into practical recommendations.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to convert ideas into measurable actions.
• Confident written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Hybrid working flexibility, allowing more choice in when and where you work.
• Performance-linked variable compensation in addition to a competitive base salary.
• Leave options that include purchased leave, volunteer leave, and LiveWell leave.
• Recognition as a Great Place to Work certified employer in New Zealand.
• Access to in-house training programmes.
• Corporate discount schemes.

Additional information

This opportunity is based in Newmarket, Auckland. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the company may close the advertisement early. Kraft Heinz is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applications from underrepresented ethnic minority groups, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.