Brand Development Manager

Gardiner Bros & Co (Leathers) Ltd; Eastington; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 Days annual leave entitlement

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Generous staff discounts on all brands

Job summary

Gardiner Bros & Co Ltd is seeking an experienced Brand Development Manager to own strategic brand plans and drive commercial growth across key brands. You’ll align product, sales, marketing, ecommerce and external partners to deliver profitable results.

You will travel to appointments and tradeshows as required, while leading a team within the Buying & Merchandising group to optimise stock, pricing and performance.

Qualifications

• Experience in brand management, buying, merchandising or a similar commercial product-led role.
• Ability to manage multiple brands and priorities.
• Strong relationships and ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communicator and presenter, comfortable with all levels.
• Organised, analytical, and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver long-term brand plans with key commercial objectives.
• Collaborate with Product, Buying and Merchandising to shape ranges and opportunities.
• Work with Sales teams across Wholesale, Direct Fulfilment and B2C on strategies and profitability.
• Act as a key liaison between Gardiners, brand owners and retailers.
• Oversee Buyers and Merchandisers and use data to improve brand performance.
• Maintain market and brand knowledge to identify opportunities and stay competitive.
• Work with Marketing to manage budgets and deliver launches, PR, social media and promotions.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration and report on performance and priorities.

Skills

Brand management

Commercial analysis

Stakeholder management

Communication

Data analytics

Team leadership

Footwear/apparel experience

Wholesale/Direct Fulfilment/B2C

Job description

Role: Brand Development Manager Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 – 17:00 Location: Stonehouse, GL10 3EZ – (Hybrid – 2-3 days in the office)

At Gardiner Bros, we believe how we treat people matters. Starting as a small family run business in 1860, we’ve grown into a multi-million-pound partner to over 80 global brands, including Skechers, Crocs, Hush Puppies, Muck Boots along with our own brands Amblers Safety and Cotswold. We are also proud to distribute to some of the UK's Largest Online, Highstreet, and Outdoor retailers – Next, John Lewis, Screwfix, Mole Valley, Cotswold Outdoors, Freemans, JD Williams, Very, and Littlewoods to name a few.

We are looking for an experienced Brand Development Manager to take ownership of the strategic development and commercial performance of key brands across our portfolio. You’ll sit within our Buying & Merchandising team, working closely with product, sales, marketing, ecommerce, warehouse and external brand partners to turn brand strategy into commercial growth. The role will also involve regular engagement with key customers, retailers and brand owners, including travel to appointments and tradeshows when required.

What the Brand Development Manager role will involve?

As Brand Development Manager, you’ll be responsible for creating and delivering strategic brand plans that drive profitable and sustainable growth across key brands. You will work cross functionally to ensure everyone is aligned behind the brand strategy, while keeping a close eye on commercial performance, product development, stock, sales and market opportunities.

• Develop and deliver long-term brand plans, working with internal and external stakeholders to achieve key commercial objectives across turnover, gross margin and profitability, while regularly reviewing performance and adapting plans where needed.
• Work closely with Product, Buying and Merchandising teams to shape commercially relevant ranges, identify new product and sourcing opportunities, attend supplier meetings and trade shows, and ensure products continue to meet market and customer needs.
• Work alongside Sales teams across Wholesale, Direct Fulfilment and B2C to develop and execute sales strategies, maximising distribution and profitability. Support Area Sales Managers at customer meetings, range reviews and commercial presentations.
• Act as a key point of contact between Gardiners, brand owners and retailers to ensure opportunities are identified and executed effectively.
• Oversee the performance of Buyers and Merchandisers across your brand portfolio, using forecasting, stock, pricing and sell-through data to identify opportunities, manage stock effectively and improve overall brand performance.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the market, competitors and each brand’s positioning, identifying future opportunities and ensuring our brands remain relevant, competitive and commercially successful.
• Work closely with Marketing and external brand partners to agree and manage budgets and deliver seasonal launches, PR, social media, promotions and other activity that supports both short and long-term brand objectives.
• Lead collaboration across Buying, Merchandising, Product, Sales, Marketing, Ecommerce, Warehouse and Customer Service, ensuring everyone is aligned behind brand plans, while managing and developing your team and communicating performance and priorities through regular reporting and presentations.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone with previous experience in brand management, buying, merchandising or a similar commercial product-led role, who understands how to take a brand from strategy through to product, sales and distribution. You’ll be confident working across key brands and categories, managing budgets, influencing stakeholders and making commercially informed decisions.

• Commercially driven, with a strong understanding of brand and category performance
• Confident managing multiple brands, projects and priorities
• Experienced in building strong relationships and influencing internal and external stakeholders
• A strong communicator and presenter, comfortable working with people at all levels
• Organised, analytical and confident using data to inform decisions
• Able to identify and convert commercial opportunities into profitable growth
• Comfortable managing and developing a team
• Ideally experienced within footwear, apparel or another product-led industry
• Familiar with Wholesale, Direct Fulfilment and B2C channels

Why Join us?

• 25 Days annual leave entitlement
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Generous staff discounts on all brands we supply
• Life Assurance & Company Pension
• Local Gym Membership Discount

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know—we are happy to help!

Gardiner Bros & Co Ltd, Unit 4, Indurent Park, Haresfield, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 3EZ