(Junior) Product strategy & Market Intelligence specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: (Junior) Product Strategy & Market Intelligence Specialist

Company: Tony's Chocolonely

Location: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Strategy & Market Intelligence

Date Posted: March 19, 2026

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (average 3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic product development by identifying and analyzing emerging consumer trends, category shifts, and competitor activities.

• Translate complex sales data and market performance metrics into clear, actionable insights to inform product strategy and innovation.

• Own and develop product segments, such as seasonal offerings and portfolio renovations, from initial concept to execution support.

• Act as a central knowledge hub for market intelligence and consumer insights, fostering collaboration across Product, Marketing, and Market teams.

• Contribute to maintaining a robust and evidence-based innovation pipeline by supporting senior specialists and project managers with data-driven proof points.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a 'radar' for the product team, emphasizing proactive market scanning and insight generation. The "Junior" title, combined with the 0-2 years of experience requirement and the focus on supporting senior roles, indicates an entry-level position with significant learning and development potential within product strategy and market intelligence. The emphasis on translating data into "simple stories" suggests a need for strong communication and storytelling skills alongside analytical capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and communicate emerging trends, consumer behavior shifts, and competitor actions to guide strategic product planning.

• Conduct comprehensive analysis of sales data and category performance across key markets, pinpointing areas of strength, weakness, and opportunity.

• Develop compelling trend reports and insight summaries that inspire creative thinking and define new product development territories.

• Lead the ideation process for smaller product segments (e.g., Seasonals, Portfolio Renovations), transforming insights into well-defined concepts.

• Support senior product strategists by gathering supporting evidence (Reasons to Believe - RTBs), deepening consumer insight research, and exploring relevant market trends for larger concepts.

• Contribute to portfolio optimization by analyzing SKU performance, identifying opportunities for product renovation, or recommending delistings.

• Collaborate with Project Managers and the Delivery team during the execution phase of smaller projects, assisting with artwork approvals and ensuring concept integrity.

• Disseminate key market intelligence and consumer insights across various departments, including Markets, Brand, Creative, and the broader Product team.

• Assist the Product Strategy team in maintaining the integrity and evidence-base of the product innovation funnel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of analytical rigor and creative input. The ownership of "smaller product segments" and support for "bigger strategic decisions" clearly defines the junior level of responsibility and the growth trajectory within the role. The focus on "simple concepts" and "sharp insights" emphasizes clarity and impact in communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, Statistics, or a related field is preferred, though equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Experience: 1-2 years of experience in Brand Marketing, Category Development, Market Insights, Consumer Research, Business Analytics, or a similar role, ideally within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to analyze quantitative data (sales figures, market share, consumer panel data) and translate it into clear, concise, and inspiring narratives.

• Strong proficiency in spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for data manipulation and analysis.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in an accessible and engaging manner.

• Demonstrated curiosity and a strong desire to understand consumer behavior and market dynamics ("always asking why").

• Ability to balance analytical tasks with early-stage creative concept development.

• Proactive and collaborative approach to teamwork, with a strong "how can I help?" attitude.

• Passion for food, particularly chocolate, and a keen eye for spotting emerging product trends.

• Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic scale-up environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) or dashboard interpretation.

• Familiarity with market research methodologies and syndicated data sources (e.g., Nielsen, IRI).

• Basic understanding of product development lifecycle and innovation processes.

• Experience working in a hybrid or international team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is explicitly stated as 0-2 years, with a preference for FMCG. The skills emphasize a unique combination of analytical prowess, storytelling ability, and a proactive, mission-driven mindset. The "Data-driven decision-maker" point is crucial and implies a need for candidates who can not only present data but also use it to justify strategic choices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of data analysis projects, demonstrating how you translated raw data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Include case studies or project summaries where you identified market trends or consumer shifts and proposed product or marketing solutions.

• Present examples of concept development, even if for smaller segments, illustrating your ability to turn insights into clear, simple concepts.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of structured thinking by documenting the process you followed in past projects, from problem definition to insight generation and recommendation.

• Highlight your approach to synthesizing information from various sources (e.g., sales data, trend reports, consumer feedback) into cohesive insights.

• Illustrate how you have supported or contributed to a defined innovation or product development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested in the job description, candidates with 1-2 years of experience are often expected to present examples of their work during interviews. This section outlines the types of projects and analytical work that would be most relevant and impressive for demonstrating the required skills in areas like data analysis, trend spotting, and concept development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €40,000 - €50,000 per year (including holiday pay)

Benefits:

• Generous Learning & Development (L&D) budget for continuous professional growth.

• Comprehensive training programs, regular feedback cycles, and coaching opportunities.

• Luxurious vegetarian (vega) lunch provided daily.

• Company bonus structure.

• Minimum of 28 holidays per year.

• Opportunities for inspirational team updates and engaging company events (e.g., Tony's Carnaval).

• Unlimited supply of Tony's Chocolonely products.

Working Hours: Full-time position. While flexibility is offered, the expectation is an average of 3 days per week in the Amsterdam office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated (€40k-€50k annually, including holiday pay). The benefits package is substantial, emphasizing professional development, employee well-being, and a strong company culture, aligning with Tony's Chocolonely's impact-driven mission. The hybrid work arrangement is clearly defined with an in-office expectation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (specifically Chocolate), with a strong focus on Social Impact and Ethical Sourcing. Tony's Chocolonely operates as an "impact company that makes chocolate."

Company Size: Tony's Chocolonely is a growing scale-up company. While specific employee numbers aren't detailed here, the context of "scaleup environment" and having teams with multiple specialists suggests a dynamic and expanding organization. The existence of a separate listing for a "Senior" role in the same team indicates a structured hierarchy within this growing company.

Founded: Tony's Chocolonely was founded in 2005. The company's mission to end exploitation in cocoa has been central since its inception.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the Product team, specifically within the Product Strategy & Ideation sub-team.

• This sub-team consists of four members, including the new Junior Specialist.

• The role reports directly to the Product Strategy & Ideation Manager.

• There are no direct reports for this position.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core methodology, emphasizing the use of "proof points" and "evidence-based" strategies.

• The approach is characterized by translating complex data into "simple stories" and "sharp insights."

• A blend of analytical rigor and creative ideation is employed for product development and innovation.

• Collaboration and knowledge sharing are integral to the team's operational approach.

Company Website: https://jobs.tonyschocolonely.com/o/junior-product-strategy-market-intelligence-specialist

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in its mission, which influences all operational aspects. The "impact company" identity means that market intelligence and product strategy are not just about commercial success but also about furthering the mission. The scale-up environment implies a dynamic, sometimes demanding, but also opportunity-rich setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Specialist. This role is designed for individuals early in their careers (0-2 years of experience) looking to build a foundation in product strategy and market intelligence. It offers hands-on experience in data analysis, insight generation, and concept development within a mission-driven organization.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Specialist reports to the Product Strategy & Ideation Manager. This provides a clear line of mentorship and guidance, crucial for skill development at this career stage. Collaboration is also key with Senior Specialists and Project Managers.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue-generating role, the insights and strategies developed by this specialist directly influence product innovation, portfolio decisions, and market positioning. This impact contributes significantly to Tony's Chocolonely's commercial success and its ability to drive positive change in the cocoa industry. The role helps ensure that product development is aligned with consumer needs and market opportunities, thereby supporting revenue growth and mission impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in market analysis, consumer insights, trend forecasting, and product concept development.

• Career Advancement: Potential to progress into Senior Specialist roles within Product Strategy, Market Intelligence, or related fields like Brand Management or Category Development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broad exposure to different functions within Tony's Chocolonely, potentially leading to opportunities in Brand, Marketing, or Commercial teams.

• Impact Leadership: Contribute to shaping products that have a tangible impact on the cocoa supply chain and farmer livelihoods.

• L&D Support: Utilize the generous L&D budget for certifications, courses, and workshops relevant to product strategy, market research, and data analytics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly positioned as a stepping stone for early-career professionals. The growth opportunities are framed around developing core competencies in product strategy and market intelligence, with a clear path for advancement within the company's structure. The emphasis on "impact" suggests that growth also involves contributing more significantly to the company's social mission through product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office environment in Amsterdam. Tony's Chocolonely fosters a collaborative atmosphere and emphasizes in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): Amsterdam, Netherlands. Specific office details are not provided, but the expectation is regular presence there.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires daily collaboration with the Product Strategy team and regular interaction with other departments (Markets, Brand, Creative, Delivery). The hybrid model (average 3 days/week) is designed to facilitate this in-person teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, data analysis tools, and reporting software necessary for market intelligence and product strategy work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for brainstorming, insight sharing, and project discussions within the Product team and cross-functionally. The "in-person than apart" philosophy suggests a culture that values face-to-face communication and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility offered. The hybrid model requires an average of 3 days per week in the Amsterdam office, balancing focused analytical work with collaborative team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key characteristic, emphasizing a balance between focused individual work and collaborative team engagement. The company's philosophy of "more in person than apart" suggests a preference for a connected and interactive work environment, which is important for roles that involve significant collaboration and knowledge sharing.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume and cover letter via the provided link.

• Screening: Likely a recruiter or hiring manager screening to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• First Interview: May involve the hiring manager and/or a senior team member to discuss experience, motivation, and core skills, potentially including a brief case study or data interpretation exercise.

• Second Interview/Assessment: Could involve a more in-depth discussion, a practical assessment (e.g., analyzing a sample dataset, presenting a mini market analysis), and interviews with other team members or cross-functional stakeholders.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a department head or senior leader to confirm fit and discuss overall strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Data Storytelling: Prepare 1-2 concise examples (slides or brief descriptions) of how you've used data to uncover insights and drive recommendations. Focus on clarity and impact.

• Trend Analysis: Showcase an example of identifying a market trend or consumer shift, explaining its implications and potential product opportunities.

• Concept Development: If possible, present a simple product concept you developed, explaining the insight behind it and its target audience.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you approach analytical challenges and how you ensure your findings are actionable.

• Mission Alignment: Articulate your understanding of Tony's Chocolonely's mission and how your skills can contribute to it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Data Interpretation: Expect a challenge that requires you to interpret sales data, market trends, or consumer feedback. Practice creating clear takeaways and actionable recommendations.

• Insight Generation: Prepare to brainstorm potential product ideas or strategies based on given market scenarios or consumer insights.

• Communication: Practice presenting your findings and recommendations clearly and concisely, as if to a non-expert audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required, candidates should be prepared to showcase their analytical and strategic thinking through examples. The interview process will likely assess not only technical skills but also cultural fit and passion for the company's mission. The emphasis on translating data into "simple stories" is a key indicator of what interviewers will be looking for.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, manipulation, and reporting is essential.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating compelling reports and presentations.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with tools for data exploration and visualization (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Google Data Studio) would be advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Data Platforms: Experience working with or interpreting data from sales reporting systems (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, internal sales dashboards).

• Market Intelligence Platforms: Familiarity with resources that provide market trends, competitor activity, and consumer insights.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Basic understanding of CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) might be beneficial for understanding sales context, though not a primary tool for this role.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for supporting project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is strong data analysis and presentation skills using standard office software. While advanced BI tools are not explicitly mandatory, experience with them would be a strong plus, especially for interpreting dashboards and creating visualizations. The role is more about deriving insights from data than managing the data infrastructure itself.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A deep commitment to Tony's Chocolonely's mission to end exploitation in cocoa is paramount. This value shapes decision-making and innovation.

• Data-Driven: Decisions are based on evidence, analysis, and insights, ensuring strategies are robust and objective.

• Curiosity & Learning: A constant drive to ask "why," explore new trends, and continuously develop skills and knowledge.

• Collaboration & Proactivity: Working effectively with others, offering help, and taking initiative to drive projects forward.

• Transparency & Simplicity: Communicating insights and strategies in clear, understandable ways, mirroring the company's approach to supply chain transparency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working with diverse teams (Product, Brand, Markets, Creative, Delivery) to ensure aligned strategies and successful product launches.

• Knowledge Sharing: Acting as a central "knowledge hub" for market intelligence, encouraging open sharing of insights and learnings.

• Feedback Culture: Implicit in regular feedback cycles and team updates, fostering an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core mission is deeply integrated into its operational values. Candidates are expected to not only possess analytical skills but also to be driven by purpose and to collaborate effectively within a mission-oriented framework. The culture values proactive contribution and clear communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Market: The FMCG and chocolate markets are dynamic, requiring continuous monitoring and adaptation to new trends and consumer preferences.

• Translating Data Complexity: Simplifying complex data into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders can be challenging.

• Balancing Analysis and Creativity: Effectively bridging the gap between rigorous data analysis and early-stage creative concept generation.

• Scale-Up Environment Dynamics: Navigating the changes and potential ambiguity inherent in a fast-growing company.

• Mission vs. Commercial Balance: Ensuring that product strategies align with both commercial objectives and the company's overarching social mission.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to L&D budget for courses in market research, data analytics, consumer psychology, product development, and strategy.

• Mentorship: Guidance from the Product Strategy & Ideation Manager and Senior Specialists.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to learn from and contribute to various departments, broadening understanding of the business.

• Industry Events: Potential to attend conferences or workshops related to food trends, market intelligence, or product innovation.

• Hands-on Experience: Direct involvement in shaping product strategy and innovation for a well-known, mission-driven brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth. The role provides a solid foundation for developing critical skills in a fast-paced, impactful industry, with ample support for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach identifying emerging consumer trends in the chocolate market?" (Focus on methodology, data sources, and synthesis.)

• "Describe a time you used data to influence a strategic decision or product idea. What was the outcome?" (Prepare a concise STAR method example emphasizing data-driven impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Tony's Chocolonely's mission, and how do you see yourself contributing to it in this role?" (Show genuine passion and alignment with the company's purpose.)

• "How do you stay updated on food and chocolate trends?" (Highlight personal curiosity and proactive learning habits.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Conciseness is Key: For any examples you present, focus on the core insight, your analytical process, and the resulting recommendation or action.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers or metrics to demonstrate the significance of your findings or the potential impact of your ideas.

• Tell a Story: Structure your examples as mini case studies with a clear beginning (problem/insight), middle (analysis/process), and end (recommendation/outcome).

• Visual Clarity: If presenting slides, ensure they are clean, easy to read, and visually communicate your key points effectively. Avoid dense text.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating analytical thinking, strategic insight generation, effective communication, and genuine alignment with Tony's Chocolonely's mission. Be ready to discuss your process and how you translate data into actionable recommendations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your direct application through the Tony's Chocolonely careers portal. Agencies are not accepted.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 1-2 years of experience in Brand Marketing, Category Development, Insights, or Analytics, specifically mentioning any FMCG exposure. Use keywords from the job description such as "market intelligence," "product strategy," "trend analysis," "data analysis," and "consumer insights."

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your passion for Tony's Chocolonely's mission and explain why your skills in data analysis, trend spotting, and concept development make you a strong candidate.

• Prepare Your "Portfolio" Examples: Be ready to discuss specific projects where you analyzed data, identified trends, or developed product concepts during interviews. Think about how to present these concisely and effectively.

• Research Tony's Chocolonely: Understand their mission, their products, their market position, and their "5 Steps to সুখী Chocolate." This will be crucial for answering culture and motivation questions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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