Portfolio Activation Manager

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, ECLIPSE®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, DOLMIO®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® ORIJEN® ACANA® we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.  

About the role:
Mars is a global leader in pet care, and we're looking for a dynamic Portfolio Activation Manager to join our Market Strategy & Deployment team in Auckland. This is a pivotal role where you will be responsible for translating our global brand strategies into locally resonant activation plans for our beloved Pet Care & Treats portfolio.

As a key member of our team, you will champion our brands across all channels in New Zealand. You will lead the charge in bringing our innovation pipeline to life, crafting irresistible shopper experiences, and fostering strong partnerships with our customers. This role is your opportunity to build brand equity, drive commercial impact, and make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners.

Position: Portfolio Activation Manager, Pet Nutrition (Care & Treats)
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Segment: Mars Pet Nutrition
Reporting to: Market Strategy and Deployment Lead

What are your key responsibilities? 

• Lead Portfolio Activation: Define the commercial strategy for our Pet Nutrition portfolios, integrating pricing, promotion, distribution, and customer margins.
• Drive Marketing Excellence: Develop and execute shopper-centric campaigns and trade programs that boost traffic, conversion, and basket size with our retail partners.
• Champion Innovation: Create compelling sales stories for new products and our core range, tailored to customer needs and shopper insights.
• Execute Omnichannel Strategies: Activate our brands seamlessly across both physical and digital touchpoints to ensure a consistent and engaging shopper journey.
• Optimize Performance: Set and track key performance indicators for all activations, using data-driven insights to continuously improve return on investment.
• Collaborate for Success: Partner closely with our ANZ Marketing, Digital, and Sales teams to ensure aligned and effective execution.
   

What we’re looking for? 

• To be successful in this role, you will have a background in marketing, or category roles, preferably within FMCG
• Experience in shopper/trade marketing or portfolio activation and a passion for creating exceptional brand experiences
• Strong financial acumen with an understanding of P&L management
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and negotiation skills
• Experience in developing and executing omnichannel marketing campaigns
• An analytical mindset with the ability to translate data and insights into actionable strategies
• A university degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field

This is a full-time permanent role that requires the ability to work effectively in a dynamic office environment, with a strong focus on collaboration and managing multiple projects with complexity.

Why you’ll love working for Mars:

• Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.
• People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.
• Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.
• Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.