Future Leader (f_m_d) in Sales & Marketing, Cologne

Jun 10, 2026 At Barilla, we believe that every great journey begins with passion and a bold vision. From our humble beginnings in 1877 in a small shop in Parma, Italy, we’ve blossomed into a global leader in the food industry, guided by our commitment to progress and excellence. Today, Barilla is an international group present in more than 100 countries and we are proud to be recognized as the world’s top food company by reputation. With 20 beloved brands in our portfolio, we are world leader for pasta, the number one choice for ready-made sauces in Europe, leader for bakery products in Italy, and for crispbread across Scandinavia with Wasa. Our success story is written by a passionate team of 9,000 dedicated employees across 30 plants and offices worldwide, all united by a shared mission to nourish the future with purpose and passion. Are you ready to add your unique flavor to our journey? As part of our growth strategy in Central & Northern Europe we are looking for a Future Leader (f_m_d) in Sales & Marketing that will be based in our office in Cologne. In this Graduate / Trainee Program you will be prepared to take over a leadership position within our organization in which you will influence and shape the future of Barilla. During this time, you will be a full member of the respective department, be responsible for your own projects and you will support the manager in the day-to-day business activities. It also includes formal trainings, business mentorship, experience in the field sales and additionally a key project which you drive to success. You will complete two assignments of approximately 12 months each in any of the following three areas: Trade Marketing: You will support with the definition and implementation of the trade marketing strategy mix for each product and sales channel (including listing, POS, pricing, promotions and shelf placement) as well as preparing communication materials. Consumer Marketing: You will actively participate in defining the most effective marketing plans while guaranteeing consistent monitoring of the performance of the managed products and the market in terms of supply and demand trends. Key Account Management: You will perform potential analyses, develop customer-related marketing plans and drive measures. Furthermore, you will plan, implement and monitor listings, distributions and activities concerning sales volumes, promotion prices, insertions and placement as well as collaborating with the sales representatives in the execution of campaigns at the POS. The two assignments This role involves an exciting international rotation designed to enhance your professional growth and cross-cultural experience. Participants will begin their journey in the location they originally applied for, whether that's Cologne (Germany), Baar (Switzerland), or Innsbruck (Austria). Candidates with Nordic language skills may also start their journey at one of our Nordic locations in Sweden, Denmark, or Norway. After successfully completing the first year, you will rotate to another of these vibrant locations for the remainder of the Future Leader program. By participating in these rotations, you will gain unique insights, broaden your professional network, and deeply experience Barilla's diverse, dynamic, and inclusive culture across multiple regions. Your Profile: A master's degree in business administration, marketing or a comparable area First working experience as working student or intern, ideally within the FMCG industry You already have international experience, e.g. through an internship or studies abroad You convince through your problem solving and analytical skills and very strong communication skills in both German and English You bring a high level of autonomy, proactivity and engagement as well as being a team player With your eagerness to learn and develop you are ready to shape your own career path and the future of Barilla Our Offer: You will be given a high level of responsibility, e.g. international work assignments that will ultimately help you grow along your individual career path To maximize your potential, you will receive along the on-the-job training regular feedback, trainings and mentoring Grow with our learning & development programs, which have been awarded "Gold Excellence" by Brandon Hall Group High flexibility through our hybrid approach with up to 40% Smart Working (Home Office) The possibility to get involved in national and international Diversity & Inclusion projects A focus on your well-being by offering Pasta, crispbread, fruits, and vegetables for free Urban Sports Club Membership & Corporate Benefits Attractive office space and very good access to public transportation A dynamic, motivated team with a very positive, inclusive working culture with flat hierarchies At Barilla, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity in all its forms is valued and embraced. Our employment policies and practices are designed to ensure equal employment opportunities for all, regardless of age, race, color, citizenship, faith, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or characteristics of expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, medical condition, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our commitment to equal employment stems from our unwavering belief that it is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a fundamental driver of innovation and business success. Trade Marketing & Sales Germany Cologne Permanent