Brand Manager

Position Purpose

The individual in this position is responsible for building consistent, high quality brands for enduring profitable growth, while satisfying the consumer wants better than the competition.  This entails providing consumer based solutions relative to products, promotion, pricing and packaging.  Key Accountabilities

Marketing Strategy

· Responsible for defining the strategy for assigned brands within the Lindt portfolio. Along with product design and development, this individual will make recommendations for pricing, placement and promotions.

· Responsible for providing the strategic vision for assigned brands and business sectors based on the consumer and their needs.

· Provides creative and profitable business solutions which enable Lindt (USA) to grow and prosper.

· Responsible for managing an assigned portfolio to include SKU rationalization, mix strategies and profit optimization.

· Monitor SWOT elements and respond to internal and competitive developments to ensure market success.

· Collaboratively develop and execute consumer-focused promotional support and brand communication programs that support the brand equity in all classes of trade.

· Implement and execute marketing plans and strategies within approved marketing budgets. Ensure that marketing programs are profitable and competitive.

-  Determine return on investment for merchandising and marketing programs to make recommendations for future marketing strategies.

-  Directly responsible for all aspects of marketing for a portfolio of items and programs to develop successful and profitable sales for Lindt (USA). 

-  Partner and actively work with sales to track demand, participate in the monthly forecasting process, track performance, monitor pricing and ensure marketing plans are executed.

New Product Development

· Evaluate product portfolio and the marketplace and make recommendations for new product launches and product improvements to ensure Lindt & Sprüngli’s growth and brand equity in the marketplace.

-  Analyze market potentials on an ongoing basis for existing and new products and develop competitive concepts to ensure the long-term, profitable growth of Lindt (USA).

-  Analyze viability and profit/sales potential for new segments, markets, and consumers.

-  Develop and implement strategies and plans to maximize the profitability of assigned products / product categories while maintaining the high quality standard.

-  Drive the New Item Introduction process (NII) for assigned brand(s); Secure and engage cross functional support to meet required deliverables in a timely manner.

 

 

 

 

 

Brand LeadershipDevelop and implement recommendations for all brands at retail with a primary focus on new incremental business opportunities.Responsible for designing and implementing consumer-centric plans; actively partner with sales to ensure viability and full sales support.Determine and execute consumer research platforms that help Lindt to understand business opportunities in the long-term.

 

Business DevelopmentMake and create consumer based recommendation on products and platforms which generate incremental volume for the organization.Responsible for the development and implementation of the marketing plan which focuses on product, price, promotions and placement and will entail collaboration with others in other functions.

 

CommunicationMaintain a proactive approach to strategy execution and consistently communicate vertically and cross functionally to ensure alignment of internal priorities and those necessary resources are allocated appropriately to achieve desired results.Responsible for securing departmental as well as cross-functional understanding of strategic objectives; secure commitment to drive the business results through optimal execution of seasonal and everyday offerings.

 

Staff DevelopmentDevelop own capabilities and skills.Mentor others to develop and thrive.Responsible for supporting the development and full utilization of other’s capabilities to improve business processes and help the organization to accomplish its objectives; may be assigned direct supervisory responsibility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Position Requirements



Skills & Knowledge

· Proven leadership, thinking and problem solving skills required.

· Proven written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to prioritize and effectively manage results in an entrepreneurial work environment.

· Ability to think in terms of creating value for consumers

· Demonstrates strong initiative and follow through; results driven

· Creative thinking and design; innovative thinking

· Business analysis skills required

Experience

· Minimum of five (5) years experience in a Marketing position, FMCPG preferred.

· Prior direct sales, advertising, media and/or promotional experience, a plus 

· Experience developing fully integrated consumer promotional programs

· Demonstrated research experience- consumer panels & qualitative / quantitative research methods

Education

· BS, Marketing or related business degree required

· MBA required