Brand Manager

Description:

Brand Manager

About The Role

The role will act as a key execution business partner with sales, innovation, marketing operations and other key cross functional groups within the organization to meet portfolio business objectives, including but not limited to amplifying customer growth, acting as the portfolio lead on portfolio optimization initiatives and business reporting. The ideal candidate is a skilled marketer: solutions-oriented, forward thinking, with solid analytical and financial acumen, solid technical marketing skills, experience in leading new product development teams from ideation to launch, experience managing product portfolios and building reporting. Fueled by a passion for the operator, the consumer and the category, this position will deliver profitable sales with the goal of growing and transforming the category with our chain partners.

What you’ll be doing.

Coordinates to lead teams to manage cross-functional co-development innovations, including chain new product development (LTOs and core menu), product renovations or specification changes, packaging design, artwork approvals, SKU and materials management and financial feasibility exercises. 
Partner closely with Insights, Innovation and Go to Market Hub to identify and champion chain growth opportunities, translating market insights into strong go-to-market propositions. Partner on chain presentations and account specific programs. 
Act as portfolio lead on SCA initiatives that positively impact the P&L to achieve annual operating plan objectives, inclusive of SKU profitability and mix.
Execute and optimize base business portfolio performance reporting and product lifecycle reviews to ensure an efficient and relevant portfolio that delivers to customer, category and commercial objectives.
Consult on the AOC annual planning process, driving/influencing innovation, base business growth initiatives and supporting/enhancing brand positioning and commercial objectives, identifying budget needs. 
Champion the customer and consumer, understanding the entire value chain to deliver an integrated and synergistic execution of the strategy across functions.
Lead, coach and develop direct and/or indirect reports creating an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing channel team
Support monthly IBP operating rhythm; with Go to Market Hub to help drive to decisions and alignment that balance supply against demand—and drive positive mix and scale impact to financial performance of the business
Proactively review tier two customer performance drivers, identifying key levers that positively impact the P&L and make recommendations to adjust as needed to achieve annual operating plan objectives, inclusive of SKU profitability and mix. 

Marketing Strategy and Fundamentals

Strategic leader who can drive category growth developing and executing where to play--how to win--what to do marketing strategies
Bias for leading with customer and consumer insights, a demand-driven stance on the business, and an understanding of category & industry trends and intelligence — bringing teams along to win internally and in the marketplace
A strong foundational understanding of marketing mix fundamentals

Commercial and business management acumen

Proven commercial acumen required to manage channel and project P&Ls to achieve financial goals (top and bottom-line), aligning and prioritizing work to deliver against KPIs and owning and executing strategic initiatives in line with goals (e.g., tier two co-development new product development)
Solid understanding of the key drivers for the business / customer / category through financial knowledge of the SKUs under their portfolio and their contribution to the business.
Proven analytical abilities, with ability to turn data into insights and action recommendations using internal and external data sources (Circana CREST, Datassential, Technomic, etc.)
Acts as a category channel expert, understanding the industry, markets, channels, customers, consumers and competition

Executional Excellence

Can toggle between high level strategic thinking and detail orientation
The ability to deliver challenging goals, tenacious and accountable in driving results
Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through obstacles
Proven project management skills to guarantee on time within scope delivery of projects
Self-starter capable of navigating multiple projects, independent decision making and value creation
Ability to influence through effective storytelling, can clearly summarize issues and communicate recommendations in a simple, compelling manner (verbally and written)

People & Culture

Lead cross functional teams to ensure all team members are motivated, have clear goals and are vested in delivering the plans
Strong ability to build rapport, with the aptitude to influence others towards a common goal 
Upskill and mentor the channel and project teams in knowledge of principles, concepts, strategies and techniques relating to project management, brand management and marketing

What you’ll need to be successful

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field required; MBA strongly preferred
Previous P&L and budget management experience 
Experience deriving insights from both primary consumer research and syndicated data
Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
Excellent organizational and communication skills 
Willingness to travel 
5+ years of Marketing/Brand Management experience with P&L ownership of a large brand or portfolio of brands within the Consumer Packaged Goods industry in food. 
Working knowledge of principles, concepts, strategies and techniques relating to Foodservice marketing. 
Strong commercial acumen and financial know how in the food CPG space preferably in tier 1 or 2 matrixed organization
Ability to understand entire value chain and where commercial can drive efficiencies and effectiveness 
Experience with customer facing engagements preferably with chain accounts.
Strong ability to influence people and build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and customers.
Experience working strategically and operationally, and adapt to fast paced, ambiguous environments while maintaining accountability.
High degree of tenacity and persistence to get actions completed on schedule with a hands on approach when needed.
Highly organized with premium analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and a track record of translating data into insights and action.
Proven track record in delivering several complex projects at a time
Adept with project management fundamentals with Stage-Gate process understanding to drive decision-making with gatekeepers