Senior Brand Manager

Storck; United Arab Emirates; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading confectionery manufacturer is seeking a Senior Brand Manager to drive category performance and manage marketing strategies for their diverse range of products in the Middle East. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in FMCG, particularly in confectionery, and a proven track record in strategic marketing and brand management. This role involves leading E-Commerce initiatives, managing trade marketing, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to enhance brand visibility and profitability.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8-10 years in a similar role within the FMCG industry.
• Intimate understanding of traditional and emerging marketing channels.
• Must have GCC/Middle East experience from a trade and retail understanding.

Responsibilities

• Drive category performance and manage portfolio positioning.
• Lead E-Commerce channel entry strategy for Storck MEA Candy portfolio.
• Manage execution of the Marketing Mix with excellence.

Skills

Fluent in English

Excellent communication skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Team player

Education

Degree in Marketing or related field

Job description

Storck is a globally recognized confectionery manufacturer known for its premium brands and commitment to quality and innovation. With a rich heritage spanning over a century, we are dedicated to delighting consumers worldwide with our diverse range of Confectionery products.

Key responsibilities:

Brand Management

• Drive the category performance and leverage business potential through projects and processes and deliver full plans implementation in all markets
• Being able to match our product portfolio to the target markets using adaptations of existing marketing concepts and strategies for regional markets including all ATL and BTL activations
• Working with internal stakeholders to manage portfolio positioning and pricing strategy
• Product management- pricing, SKU, monitoring performance, product lifecycle and product positioning
• Monitor the category portfolio sales and profitability and develop strategies to address deviations through the region
• Monitoring of markets, segments and products together with internal data sources as well as external insight Agencies on quantitative & qualitative projects
• Responsibility for the annual category plans including full brand P&L
• Development of media plans and monitoring the execution together with external media auditors
• Creation of standard and ad-hoc sales, marketing and media reports and analyses
• Development and implementation of sales and consumer promotions in cooperation with local agencies and the sales team
• Creation of in-store theatre implementations and associated trade plans (POSM, Planograms, Stands, Launch Promotions)
• Coordination and supervision of trademark registrations and legal aspects of packaging development in cooperation with our corporate legal department
• Marketing budget planning and controlling as well as project-based calculation and cost-controlling
• Close cooperation with the international departments in Berlin as well as external partners in the Middle East & Africa region

E-Commerce:

• Lead the setup of an E-Commerce channel entry strategy for Storck MEA Candy portfolio
• Continuous portfolio management and development/update of the basic content
• Develop an investment strategy to increase the visibility of Storck Candy brands on this channel
• Develop an activation plan to drive sales of Storck Candy products on this channel

Trade Marketing:

• Manage the execution of the Marketing Mix with excellence:
• Product: ensure product assortment is in line with the portfolio strategy and follows the set must stock list in specific channels and the set visibility following a clear planogram
• Price: continuous monitoring of portfolio pricing to ensure alignment with set guidelines and competitive benchmarking
• Promotion: develop and coordinate the implementation of yearly promotional plan on brand & country level
• Place: closely monitor brand/ SKUs distribution per country and channels, in line with set targets
• Develop a deep understanding of value creation at key accounts, in order to recommend initiatives that aim at building the full category for Storck's customers
• Develop a deep understanding of the shopper, and develop actionable strategies and plans to target them effectively and cost efficiently

Qualifications:

• Fluent in English, Arabic is a plus
• Education: Degree in Marketing, or a related field preferred
• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years in a similar role within the FMCG industry, preferably in confectionery or food products.
• Intimate understanding of traditional and emerging marketing channels
• Excellent communication skills
• Strategic thinker with ability to think creatively and innovatively
• Budget-management skills and proficiency
• Analytical skills to forecast and identify trends and challenges
• Team player with strong leadership & collaboration skills
• Must have GCC/ Middle East experience from a trade and retail understanding
• Experience with multimedia planning