Senior Director Brand Strategy - Sweeteners

Senior Director, Brand Strategy – Sweeteners

Lead the strategy. Shape the portfolio. Drive growth.

As Senior Director, Brand Strategy – Sweeteners, you will lead marketing strategy and in-market execution for the sweetener category, including the Splenda and Equal portfolio. This is an opportunity to combine strategic leadership, consumer insights, and hands-on business ownership to move the business forward.

Reporting to the VP of Marketing, you will own the portfolio growth strategy, lead annual brand planning, and guide marketing execution. You will be accountable for monthly business targets, marketing performance, and return on investment—turning data into clear recommendations and decisive action.

This highly visible role offers broad exposure to senior management and close partnership with Sales, R&D, Finance, Procurement, and Insights. You will also mentor a team of brand associates, helping translate strategy into focused, effective execution.

What You will Lead

• Brand strategy and portfolio growth: Develop a strategic growth plan for the sweetener portfolio, using a deep understanding of the brands and key business drivers to identify opportunities and accelerate growth.
• Annual business planning: Lead the planning process from brand reviews through prioritization, translating insights into actionable marketing plans.
• Marketing execution and performance: Oversee in-market execution, track progress against monthly business targets, evaluate marketing ROI, and adjust plans as needed.
• Retail and sales partnership: Partner with Sales to monitor in-market performance, develop compelling selling stories for retail customers, and optimize shelf assortment.
• Consumer understanding: Work with the Insights team to understand consumer needs and purchase motivations—and turn the “what” and “why” into action.
• Creative and media development: Brief internal and external agency partners on creative assets and media plans that support brand priorities.
• Portfolio expertise and team development: Build holistic product and business expertise while mentoring brand associates and collaborating across functions.

What You will Bring

• At least 10 years of leadership experience with a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brand, preferably in Food category.
• Direct experience in brand positioning and new product launches.
• Experience owning brand P&Ls.
• A solution-focused approach and a business-owner mindset, with strong accountability for results.
• The ability to turn data and consumer insights into clear strategic recommendations.
• A self-motivated working style, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects with urgency and focus.
• A collaborative approach to working with internal teams and external partners.
• A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related discipline; MBA preferred.

Location & Travel

T his position is 100% in-office at Heartland Corporate Headquarters in Carmel, Indiana, on the north side of Indianapolis.

Business travel includes two annual sales meetings, customer sales calls, and consumer research.