Our EMEA brand portfolio spans across three sectors; Consumer Care (John Frieda, Guhl, Bondi Sands, Bioré, Jergens, Curél), Professional Hair (Goldwell, Oribe, KMS Hair, Kerasilk), and Molton Brown.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 Senior Brand Manager will join the Global John Frieda Innovation & Portfolio Strategy team, helping to shape what comes next for the brand and taking ownership for making it happen. The role combines strategic and creative innovation thinking with hands-on, end-to-end project leadership. You will identify and develop compelling new product opportunities while owning complex innovation projects from initial idea through development to launch. Working in a international and cross-functional environment, you will partner closely with R&D, Kaihatsu, Packaging Development, Legal & Regulatory, Communications, Supply Chain and regional and local Commercial teams. What you will do:Own and drive complex innovation projects end-to-end. Lead New Product Development projects through the Stage Gate process, from initial opportunity through development and launch. anticipate risks, identify gaps and resolve issues to keep projects moving forward. Lead the cross-functional project team. Be the central Marketing lead connecting R&D, Kaihatsu, Packaging Development, Legal & Regulatory, Supply Chain, Communications and Commercial teams. Respond quickly and constructively when formulas, claims, costs, timings, feasibility or market requirements change, bringing the right people together and driving pragmatic solutions without losing sight of the consumer proposition. Combine consumer insight, brand strategy, technical possibilities and commercial understanding to develop distinctive product concepts and stories, including claims, naming, design and copy. Bring commercial discipline to innovation. Manage Cost of Goods and identify and drive TCR/value-engineering opportunities while protecting the consumer experience and brand proposition. Help shape the Innovation Masterplan. Bring a clear point of view on future growth opportunities, informed by global trends, competitive activity, consumer needs and brand and product performance. Help prioritize where the brand should - and should not - investPartner closely with our markets. Build strong relationships with regional and local Commercial teams, incorporating their market expertise throughout development and ensuring they have compelling propositions and tools to maximize in-market successCreate alignment and influence decisions. University Degree/MBA ideally with a focus on Marketing, Business Management or equivalent 5+ years in similar Global Brand position, with relevant Brand Management, Innovation or New Product Development experience, ideally within Beauty, Personal Care or consumer goods sectorExceptional project leadership and executional discipline, with the ability to manage multiple complex innovation projects simultaneously, anticipate risks and dependencies, maintain attention to detail and proactively resolve issues before they derail timing or quality.A creative and curious mindset, combined with strong analytical and conceptual thinking and a genuine passion for beauty, consumers and innovation. Strong cultural sensitivity and appreciation of the different consumer, market and commercial needs that exist across countries with experience working in a pan regional role.Strong consumer and commercial instinct, with the ability to identify opportunities and translate consumer insights, market dynamics and trends into differentiated propositions with clear growth potential.Strong experience in problem solving with strong ownership and resilience, bringing the tenacity and solution-oriented mindset needed to keep complex projects moving forward.At Kao, we believe the diversity of our teams strengthens our global mission. A workplace culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, with opportunities to get involved in initiatives such as Mental Health First Aiders, our Charity Committee, and DE&I communities A broad range of benefits, including flexible working, competitive salaries, health and wellbeing offers, pension schemes, insurance options, and more… Learning and development opportunities Your voice matters here, we value entrepreneurial thinking and innovation from our teams. Our Privacy Policy:
Senior Brand Manager - Hybrid in London employer: Goldwell
At Kao, we pride ourselves on being an ethical employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our flexible working options, competitive salaries, and extensive learning and development opportunities, all set against the backdrop of our vibrant UK office. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values innovation and respects diverse perspectives, making a meaningful impact in the beauty and personal care industry.
