Brand Activation Manager - Bahlsen

About the Job

THoM Talent Search is part of The House of Marketing and specializes in recruiting permanent marketing professionals. Please note: this position is with a client of THoM Talent Search, not with The House of Marketing itself.

About the Client

Bahlsen is one of the best-known German family companies. Since it was founded in 1889, the name has been standing for reliability, consistency and future-orientation as well as for its well-known brands such as BAHLSEN, LEIBNIZ, and PiCK UP! and RAWBITE. Bahlsen owes its sustained success to the passion of its approximately 2.500 employees. They are the heart of Bahlsen and together they face the challenges of the future: with curiosity, courage, ambition and support

Mission of the Role

Bahlsen is looking for an autonomous, curious, and hands-on marketer to join as Brand Activation Manager for Belgium and Luxembourg. This role is central in translating global marketing strategies into impactful local activations, ensuring our brands remain relevant and visible across both markets.

You will manage a diverse portfolio of brands, balancing strategic planning with operational execution (roughly 50/50). Success will come from your ability to collaborate across borders, analyse data-driven insights, and drive creative activations that resonate with local consumers.

You will work closely with the Global marketing Team and Sales. Belgium and Luxembourg are parts of the Business Unit Western Europe.

Your Responsibilities as a Brand Activation Manager

• Brand Strategy & planning:
  • Translate global strategies into local brand and activation plans for Belgium and Luxembourg.
  • Build and implement annual marketing plans, adapting to market trends and business priorities.
  • Contribute to the Western Europe mid-term strategic plan.
• Brand Activation:
  • Develop and execute campaigns across media, trade, and in-store channels.
  • Manage agency partners to deliver ATL and BTL activations that drive consumer engagement.
  • Create impactful POS activations (displays, secondary placements, in-store communication).

• Insights & Data Analysis
  • Analyse Nielsen and GfK data to monitor brand performance and identify growth opportunities.
  • Track market trends, consumer insights, and competitive activity, sharing actionable recommendations with local and global stakeholders.
  • Provide clear reporting and input into portfolio strategy.

• Portfolio Management
  • Oversee and evaluate brand portfolio performance.
  • Recommend adjustments or extensions aligned with global innovation pipelines.
  • Collaborate with Sales on second placement strategies and promotional tools.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder management
  • Act as the key local marketing contact, ensuring alignment between global, regional, and local stakeholders.
  • Partner closely with Sales to maximize brand impact in-market.
  • Represent Belgium and Luxembourg in international marketing meetings.

What’s in it for You?

• Contract type: Full-time, Permanent
• Location: Brussels
• Hybrid work environment (fixed office day Monday, plus 2 days remote).
• International exposure within a dynamic, entrepreneurial team.
• Opportunities for cross-market collaboration and professional growth.
• A culture built on simplicity, responsibility, curiosity, focus, and collaborative spirit.

The Ideal Brand Activation Manager

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Proven experience (4+ years) in marketing, trade marketing, or activation, ideally in FMCG or a consumer- focused industry
• Strong understanding of the Belgian and Luxembourg markets
• Strong analytical mindset, comfortable with Nielsen/GfK or equivalent data sources.
• Proficiency in Dutch, English, French (all required)
• Excellent project management and communication skills
• Ability to work in international teams located in various countries
• Proactive, autonomous, and collaborative mindset; able to balance strategy and execution.
• Curious and adaptable, thriving in a matrix organization and international environment.
• Strategic mind set with a hands-on approach