Senior Manager Brand Strategy and Activation; m​/f​/d

At Clarios, we are producing the world’s best batteries, essential for the evolving future of transportation. Our advanced, low-voltage batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. Ready to shape cutting-edge manufacturing processes and make an impact across the whole EMEA region and beyond? Take on the challenge and join us as a Senior Manager Brand Strategy & Activation (m/f/d)!

Power your future with Clarios and explore the possibilities with us.

As Senior Manager Brand Strategy & Activation (m/f/d), you will play a key role in defining, evolving, and activating the global brand strategy for VARTA and additional automotive aftermarket brands, including OPTIMA and second-line brands. You will lead the strategic repositioning and activation of VARTA globally, translating brand vision into emotionally compelling customer experiences and impactful market campaigns across Europe. In addition, you will lead a team of three, and collaborate closely with global, regional, and cross- functional stakeholders to ensure brand consistency, commercial relevance, and business growth.

The position will be based in our Clarios EMEA headquarters in Hannover, Germany.

• Define and continuously evolve the global brand strategy, positioning, and architecture for VARTA and additional aftermarket product brands.
• Translate global brand strategies into locally relevant activation plans that reflect customer needs, market insights, data and commercial priorities.
• Manage a complex brand portfolio across markets, channels and segments
• Lead the strategic repositioning, relaunch, and activation of VARTA, ensuring a modern, differentiated, and emotionally engaging brand presence.
• Develop compelling brand narratives, value propositions, messaging frameworks, and activation toolkits that strengthen customer preference and commercial impact.
• Drive integrated activation campaigns across Europe, including campaign strategy, creative development, agency management, launch planning, and performance evaluation.
• Lead market research initiatives including brand tracking, customer and competitor insights, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Act as the owner of trademark-related topics for relevant brands and ensure compliance with brand governance and protection standards.
• Collaborate closely with Corporate Communications to align brand strategy, external communications, and brand governance within the Clarios corporate brand.
• Build strong partnerships with the Global Team, European Marketing Managers and key cross- functional stakeholders to ensure consistent and impactful brand execution.
• Partner with Product Management, Sales, Digital Marketing, CX, and Trade Marketing teams to embed brand strategy throughout the customer journey.
• Set priorities, manage budgets, and ensure strong project execution across multiple strategic initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of three while fostering collaboration and high performance.

• University degree in Marketing, Brand Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Solid years of experience in brand strategy, brand management, or strategic marketing within an international environment.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team while remaining closely involved in key initiatives.
• Strong expertise in brand positioning, brand research studies, value proposition development, and integrated go-to-market activation.
• Experience building and activating brands in competitive B2B, B2B2C, or consumer-focused environments, automotive aftermarket…