Brand Manager (Smith Rob)

The Brand Manager is responsible for the development and performance of all marketing activities for brands under his/her portfolio, with the aim of achieving sales targets, generating increased brand awareness, market penetration, and consumer usage.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES    

 Brand Management:

• Creates, maintains and develops the brand portfolio as assigned.
• Develops and manages the marketing budget for the Business Unit.
• Develops, acquires approval for, and executes advertising and promotional plans for key accounts and traditional trade.
• Works in conjunction with advertising agencies, production houses and other suppliers to ensure optimum marketing efforts.
• Ensures that all brands under his/her portfolio are well represented in terms of nation-wide distribution, pricing, shelf-share and visibility.
• Reviews marketing, advertising and promotional plans against Company and/or market changes and adjusts as required.
• Reviews relevant reports, including but not limited to Stock and Sales reports, as required to develop and make recommendations for promotional activities based on expiry dates, high stock levels or discontinuations.
• Participates in all pricing related activities in an active manner.
• Participates in Sales meetings as required, to gather and disseminate critical information, including but not limited to, information on promotional activities, product launches and discontinuations.
• Monitors competitor activities closely and consistently, and revises strategies to remain competitive.
• Conducts regular meetings with Key Accounts to introduce new lines, products, promotions etc.
• Gathers and analyses market intelligence to identify market potential and brand extendibility opportunities.
• Provides periodic product updates to the relevant internal and external persons as required.
• Ensures adherence to brand guidelines and regulations.
• Follows up and visits the trade with the Merchandising Coordinator and all Merchandisers.
• Assists in the development and procurement of product displays for the purpose of enhancing sales.
• Works closely with key members in the supply chain to ensure timely placement and clearance of orders, and to minimize stock outs and product registration lead times, by reviewing sales, planned activities and launches, and signing off on orders on a timely basis with Procurement.

 Additional:

• Management of Brand Coordinator(s)
• Management of Promoting Team
• Management of Merchandising Operations
• Management of Principal and Trade Relationships

 ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Marketing or a related field of study.

 EXPERIENCE:

• At least five (5) years’ experience in a similar working environment.
• At least three (3) years’ experience in a Managerial role.

 KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• In-depth knowledge in Brand Marketing Strategies.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, train, motivate, develop and support team members towards the achievement of overall sales targets.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Results-oriented.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Tools (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).