Brand Marketing Director, Gum & Mints

Mars (External) Open · verified Sep 13, 2026

Illinois-Chicago Full-time Director Brand Marketing

Leadership Brand Marketing role at Mars (External). Illinois-Chicago · full-time · $153,600–$211,200 base.

SalaryStated by Mars (External)

$153,600 – $211,200

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

Role brief

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

What you'll do

Shape and advance the worldwide Orbit and Extra brand agenda
Set brand positioning, architecture, governance, and strategic development priorities
Use consumer and cultural insight to guide audiences, communications, and activation ideas
Coordinate collaboration across markets, regions, and brand teams through forums and ongoing connections
Lead knowledge sharing that helps the global Gum community pursue its growth agenda

What you bring

At least seven years of relevant professional experience
A bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree preferred
Strong capability in positioning, brand building, architecture, communications, and portfolio strategy
A record of strategic brand planning, consumer growth work, and communication brief development
You lead teams effectively and influence stakeholders across a matrix organization

Who this fits

You’ll suit a senior marketer who can combine strategic thinking with strong execution across global brands and markets. The role centers on Orbit and Extra while also involving Airwaves, Extra USA, and Hubba Bubba teams. The listed location is Chicago, Illinois, and the position is full time.

From the employer

Job Description:

The Gum & Mint category is a key growth priority for Mars, contributing significantly to its global snacking portfolio. With a leading market share (>50%), Mars’ iconic brands like Extra, Orbit, and Doublemint drive multi-billion dollar revenues across 180+ countries. This category supports Mars’ growth and profitability through innovation, convenience, and broad consumer appeal.

As part of the Global Gum & Mint Portfolio team, this role will lead the Gum Brand Marketing portfolio agenda, designing its marketing strategy, brand positioning, lead advertising brief and develop/lead the agenda for the global Gum community. It is main focus is on the development of the global brand Orbit/Extra (OEFY) brand agenda while being involved on Airwaves, Extra USA and Hubba Bubba brand teams. This role reports to the Global Gum & Mint Portfolio Leader.

What are we looking for?

7+ years of relevant experience required
Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred
Strong Marketing expertise in brand positioning, brand building, architecture, and communication.
Proven record of strategic brand planning and development as well as communication brief and development.
Strong expertise in consumer growth agenda and portfolio strategy.
Strategic mindset with strong execution capability
Strong team leadership and ability to drive influence across matrix organization and stakeholder management

What will be your key responsibilities?

Develop and drive Orbit/Extra - OEFY brand globally. Lead the global brand governance and ensure alignment on co-create, ambition, positioning and portfolio architecture.
Drive the brand positioning and its main strategic pillars of development with strong consumer insight/data driven decisions
In partnership with the Brand & Content team, build meaningful distinction and relevance for OEFY Brand with Gen Z and Gen Alpha to accelerate category growth by: identifying key drivers from data driven and human cultural insights, redefining and strengthening audiences and positioning, building communication and advertising briefs, and dialing up authenticity by tapping into content/activation ideas/partnerships that ladder up to new/community led/culturally relevant ways of building brands (in process accelerate earned, shared, owned aspect of deployment)
Define brand and portfolio architecture by analyzing brand health, understanding roles, brand stages/evolution across markets, customer segments, innovation play and 2030 category growth strategy
Lead co-create and collaboration across key markets by orchestrating and driving engagement through period connects, key forums etc.
Maintain oversight of global brand strategy in partnership with brand and content teams, regions and global brand governance, and on-going connectivity across brand strategic initiatives
Build and develop the Gum community through the leadership of knowledge by aiming to inspire and guide the global community towards our brands growth agenda.

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with 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.
A strong focus on 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.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 153,600.00 - USD 211,200.00