Senior Manager Brand Strategy and Activation (m/f/d)

In this role you will define, evolve, and activate the global brand strategy for VARTA and aftermarket brands, translating brand vision into compelling customer experiences across Europe. You will lead a small team and coordinate with global, regional, and cross-functional partners to ensure consistent brand execution and business growth. The position blends strategic brand management with hands-on campaign activation in a dynamic, international environment. This is a chance to shape brand positioning and go-to-market activation for multiple brands at scale.

• flexible working hours
• above average vacation days
• mobile work policy
• company pension scheme
• preventive health care offers (fitness center, physiotherapist, canteen)
• relocation support and housing assistance? (depending on factors)

• Define and evolve the global brand strategy, positioning, and architecture for VARTA and aftermarket brands
• Translate global brand strategies into locally relevant activation plans
• Manage a complex brand portfolio across markets, channels and segments
• Lead the strategic repositioning and activation of VARTA with a modern, differentiated presence
• Develop brand narratives, messaging frameworks, and activation toolkits
• Drive integrated activation campaigns across Europe (strategy, creative development, agency management, launch planning, evaluation)
• Lead market research and translate insights into actionable recommendations
• Own trademark-related topics and ensure compliance with brand governance
• Collaborate with Corporate Communications to align brand strategy and governance
• Build partnerships with Global Team and European Marketing Managers to ensure consistent execution
• Partner with Product Management, Sales, Digital Marketing, CX, and Trade Marketing to embed brand strategy in the customer journey
• Set priorities, manage budgets, and drive project execution across initiatives
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of three

• University degree in Marketing, Brand Management, Business Administration, Communications, or related field
• Solid experience in brand strategy, brand management, or strategic marketing in an international environment
• Proven leadership experience with team coaching and development
• Strong expertise in brand positioning, research, value proposition development, and integrated go-to-market activation
• Experience building and activating brands in B2B, B2B2C, or consumer-focused environments; automotive aftermarket is a plus
• Strong understanding of customer insights, market research, brand performance measurement, and data-driven decision-making
• Proven success in integrated multi-channel campaigns (digital, social, retail, trade marketing, events)
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration across regions and agencies
• Strategic, creative, commercially minded with ability to translate vision into activation
• Fluency in English; German or other European languages are a plus
• Hands-on, proactive, ownership-driven and accountable

• stakeholder management
• leadership and team development
• strategic thinking
• brand strategy and positioning
• campaign activation and go-to-market
• market research and brand tracking