Brand Manager - Gum

Mars (External) Open · verified Sep 19, 2026

KEN-Nairobi-Nairobi Full-time Manager Brand Marketing

Mid-level Brand Marketing role at Mars (External). KEN-Nairobi-Nairobi · full-time.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

You'll set near- and long-range direction for the Gum portfolio using market share, category trends, and whitespace
You'll build the three-year innovation plan, connecting Nairobi-made concepts with European launches adapted for regional tastes
You'll create omnichannel campaigns and media plans with agencies and content teams to improve returns and brand connection
You'll coordinate pricing, pack structure, launches, and post-launch reviews with revenue management and cross-functional teams
You'll connect MEA and global Gum stakeholders while keeping brand standards, marketing codes, and communications aligned

What you bring

Three to four years of brand management experience, preferably in a multinational FMCG business
Commercial experience across Africa, with wider MEA exposure viewed as an advantage
Hands-on innovation delivery informed by shopper insight, consumer data, and financial measures
A relevant bachelor's degree, plus professional fluency in English and Swahili
Strong storytelling, agency direction, and cross-functional leadership in matrix organizations

Who this fits

This role suits a Nairobi-based brand marketer who can lead Gum strategy across MEA and work closely with a local manufacturing hub. You'll need to operate across regional, global, agency, and cross-functional teams. Professional English and Swahili are required.

From the employer

Job Description:

Brand Manager – Gum: Mars Snacking, Nairobi Kenya

As a Brand Manager – Gum at Mars Snacking, you will be the brand and portfolio custodian driving our Gum strategy and marketing execution across Middle East and Africa (MEA), with a dedicated focus on iconic priority brands like Orbit and Juicy Fruit. Acting as a strategic brand lead, you will shape portfolio growth, steer full-funnel innovation from inception to launch alongside our Nairobi manufacturing hub, and deliver high-impact, culturally resonant consumer campaigns that drive household penetration and market share.

What are we looking for?

Experience & Industry Background: At least 3 to 4 years of proven brand management experience, ideally within a multinational Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (CPG/FMCG) environment.
Regional Market Insight: In-depth commercial experience across the African continent, with broader Middle East and Africa exposure considered a strong plus.
Innovation & Analytical Acumen: Demonstrated hands-on track record of delivering end-to-end innovation pipelines—grounded in shopper insights, consumer data, and sound financial metrics.
Education & Communication: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (Master’s degree is advantageous), with full professional fluency in both English and Swahili.
Collaborative Leadership: A results-oriented professional with strong storytelling ability and agency steering capabilities, adept at leading cross-functional teams across complex matrix organizations.

What would be your key responsibilities?

Brand Strategy & Portfolio Growth: Lead short- and long-term brand strategy for our Gum portfolio, analyzing market share, category dynamics, and whitespace opportunities to accelerate business growth.
End-to-End Innovation Pipeline: Shape and deliver an agile 3-year innovation pipeline, balancing breakthrough local innovation from our Nairobi plant with European launches tailored to regional consumer palates.
Culturally Resonant Marketing & Comms: Develop powerful, omnichannel brand campaigns and media plans in close collaboration with agency partners and content teams to ensure top-tier ROI and brand love.
Integrated Business Planning & Pricing: Partner closely with Strategic Revenue Management (SRM) on price/pack architecture, and lead cross-functional activity teams to ensure flawless on-ground launch execution and post-launch reviews.
Global & Regional Alignment: Serve as the key link with regional MEA and Global Gum teams, ensuring brand guidelines, marketing codes, and communication pipelines are seamlessly integrated.

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.