Dark-to-darker Innovation Brand Manager

**WHO WE ARE**
- We are EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames and sunglasses. The Company brings together the complementary expertise of two industry pioneers, one in advanced lens technologies and the other in the craftsmanship of iconic eyewear, to create a vertically integrated business that is uniquely positioned to address the world’s evolving vision needs and the global demand of a growing eyewear industry. _
- With over 180,000 dedicated employees in 150 countries driving our iconic brands, our people are creative, entrepreneurial and celebrated for their unique perspectives and individuality. Committed to vision, we enable people to “see more and be more” thanks to our innovative designs and lens technologies, exceptional quality and cutting-edge processing methods. Every day we impact the lives of millions by changing the way people see the world_

Do not miss a great opportunity to become part of our Global Marketing team in an exciting, pioneering and growing organisation. We, at Transitions Optical, are deeply passionate by light, universal symbol of life, energy and beauty. We focus all our efforts to enable all eyeglasses wearers to enjoy the positive side of light without its drawbacks or hassles wherever you are, whatever your lifestyle. Transitions® is a powerful consumer brand, loved by its community of wearers, and is the #1 recommended photochromic brand by Eye Care Professionals worldwide. Transitions Optical is part of the EssilorLuxottica Group, a global leader providing solutions seen by professionals and consumers as the reference in correction, protection and prevention for visual health. EssilorLuxottica is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is a part of the CAC40 index. Employs more than 180 000 people in over 150 countries and owns over 10 000 patents, over 130 major brands - both lens technology (e.g. Varilux®, Transitions®) and eyewear brands (e.g. Ray-Ban®, Persol®, Oakley®), and 18 000 stores.

**Job Purpose**

The Dark-to-Darker Innovation Brand Manager will be in charge of supporting the business growth and opportunities by delivering category & brand innovations and services, with a focus on the dark-to-darker and plano (=non prescription) categories of Transitions products in collaboration with the frames brands.

The ability to bring a strategic vision to life, to have a strong impact and drive, to be result-oriented, to meet strict deadlines within a fast-paced environment, to build on R&D, legal, markets and customers feedback as well as federate teams will be key to succeed in the mission.

**Key Responsibilities of the Role & related activities**

Innovation Management
- Define and manage the innovation pipeline on the Dark-to-Darker together with the trends team in Milan, Transitions R&D team and the frames teams in Milan
- Guarantee Transitions brand equity on the plano offer: Ray-Ban®, Oakley®, license frames brands
- Guarantee Transitions brand equity on the mineral offer
- Assess technical performance of Transitions lenses across materials to guarantee Transitions benefits and claims, also in the case of a competitor’s new launch
- Launch new Dark-to-Darker / plano innovations:

- Manage the stage gate process for Transitions Dark-to-Darker / plano innovations
- Define product platform / story / marketing concept (Insights, benefits, Reason to Believe) / performance & claim assessment and validation with R&D and Legal
- Lead presentations to all channels (Wholesale, Retail, Online) and to Top Management on Transitions Dark-to-Darker / plano innovations
- Analyze product performance vs. competition
- Conceive and evaluate sales aid tools together with the Brand Activation & Go-to-Market team
- Develop sell in speech and launch support assets
- Extend distribution and listing of Transitions Dark-to-Darker / Plano portfolio worldwide

Dark-to-Darker & Plano Tints portfolio management
- Manage Transitions portfolio of tints on plano and mineral : product range, price, cost, margin, etc.
- Monitor sales performance and update consequently Transitions portfolio of tints
- Communicate availability of tints and the related performance / claims to the frames teams requesting Transitions new Dark-to-Darker tints
- Develop seasonal catalogue of tints available on Transitions, targeting both internal teams (frames brands, Key account/sales team, etc.) and external customers (all channels: wholesale, retail, online)

Legal & Operational documents
- Completion and coordination with Transitions legal department for legal documents (NDAs, Consultancy agreements )
- Management of cost estimates and budget for his/her perimeter
- IP management of his/her portfolio of innovations

Business development & Customer relationship
- Business case justification, including category growth sizing and value creation when looking at new opportunities
- Act as a devoted Brand Ambassador within t