Brands Manager

Manage all aspects of the business associated with the assigned categories; to develop and implement the marketing plan to achieve the business objectives, as well as being the primary liaison between the company and the supplier.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain current market information for key categories and brands (competitor pricing/activity, sales by channel/key account, costing spreadsheet, advertising/in store costs, etc.).
• Identify opportunities for new business growth and increased business efficiency.
• Assist in development of an annual business plan and quarterly reviews.
• Develop contingency strategy/rapid response plan where necessary.
• Become familiar with ordering guidelines of principal so that a consistent supply of goods is achieved for the relevant SKUs.
• Liaise with warehouse personnel to control/manage the rotation of inventories; respond immediately, to reports any damages, incorrect, or slow-moving stock.
• Submit updated sales and promotional reports weekly.
• Execute marketing activity as per annual business plans with new product launches, media and consumer promotions.
• Monitor spending to ensure optimization and within approved budget.
• Verify and submit expenses with supporting documentation on a monthly basis for reimbursement.
• Monitor competition for new products/strategies and potential threats.
• Submit quarterly retail pricing comparisons and market shares.
• Develop and implement in store strategy.
• Be fully aware of the current sales dynamics and trends as it relates to the various sales channels
• Spend at least 1-2 days per week on the trade developing relationships with customers and sales force while also monitoring merchandising performance.
• Monitoring of the brand’s Fixed & Outdoor Advertising placements
• Management of the brands’ social media brand image and marketing communication
• Weekly analysis of the brands’ product mix reports to identify opportunities and challenges for
• product categories, time of day sales, pricing, promotions etc

JOB COMPETENCIES:

• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Analytical skills and attention to detail.
• An understanding of trends and an ability to respond to customers' wishes.
• Creativity and an ability to produce innovative and original ideas.
• Team working skills.
• The ability to manage and allocate budgets.
• Written and verbal communication skills

 TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Marketing Analytics
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft Suite)

QUALIFICATIONS/ EXPERIENCE:

• Tertiary level training in Marketing or a related Social Science.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in a Marketing Environment.
• Must own a reliable working vehicle.

 PHYSICAL/MENTAL ENVIRONMENT:

• Physical Demands: Office activity, sitting, standing, computer usage, lifting of light items.
• Environment/Hazard Demands: N/A
• Travel Demands: Moderate requirement, ability to travel for activities or promotions and training.