Regional Brand Portfolio Director - Chocolate & Snacking Bars

Job Overview

The Regional Brand Portfolio Director for Chocolate & Snacking Bars holds a pivotal leadership role entrusted with shaping, executing, and overseeing the long-term commercial vision and growth strategy for the iconic chocolate bars portfolio across a vast region that includes Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, the Baltics, Turkey, and Central Eurasia. This position drives annual growth ambitions, leads a skilled team of five marketing professionals, and collaborates closely with varied functions and countries. Furthermore, it partners with the Global Portfolio Vice President to influence overarching global brand strategies. Reporting into the Regional Marketing Vice President for Europe & Central Eurasia, this role demands strategic acumen and strong relationship-building capabilities within a complex organizational context.

Scope and Impact

• Responsible for a portfolio generating over $2 billion in net sales.
• Leading a team of 5 direct marketing professionals and managing a multi-functional cross-regional brand community across 55 countries.
• Operating within a matrix environment requiring navigation through complex decision-making and cross-functional collaboration involving Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and others.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement regional portfolio strategies and growth levers aligned to the Bars category objectives and KPIs.
• Steer the innovation pipeline with new product launches, brand renovations, cost-efficiency efforts, and sustainability compliance.
• Oversee the financial performance, including profit and loss management and gross margin optimization, while guiding strategic investment decisions.
• Lead cross-functional governance teams to align marketing, product development, and value creation plans with long-term strategic goals.
• Partner with brand and content teams to design impactful consumer campaigns and brand experiences.
• Monitor commercial performance by tracking sales volume, revenue, penetration, and market share, providing strategic insights and adjustments as required.
• Support local market teams in operational adjustments and share best practices across the region.
• Manage tactical shifts in Advertising and Promotion budgets based on in-year performance.
• Lead commercial transformation initiatives to enhance regional efficiency and elevate marketing capabilities.
• Mentor and develop team members to foster talent growth and career progression.

Desired Expertise and Competencies

• Extensive experience designing and executing regional brand strategies in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG/FMCG).
• Proven track record managing complex matrix organizations and aligning senior stakeholders.
• Strong strategic insight with the ability to connect broad business perspectives to actionable plans.
• Exceptional leadership skills in coaching and developing high-caliber marketing teams.
• Excellent communication and networking abilities facilitating cross-functional collaboration.
• Successful experience working across varied cultures and international markets.

Leadership and Technical Skills

• Demonstrates strategic agility and long-term vision implementation.
• Capable of making decisive judgments amidst ambiguity with solid financial acumen.
• Skilled at inspiring and aligning teams to shared commercial objectives.
• Competent in strategic planning, portfolio and budget management, investment discipline, and innovation pipeline management.

Additional Information

• Works closely with a diverse workforce governed by the company’s Five Principles.
• Participates in initiatives designed to shape a sustainable and purpose-driven future.
• Access to continuous learning opportunities starting day one via the company’s dedicated university platform.
• Offers a competitive salary and benefit scheme, including performance bonuses.