Brand Manager

dfa; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

dfa is seeking a senior brand leader to drive development and execution of key marketing initiatives for national brands and portfolios. You will lead cross-functional teams across marketing, product development and sales to ensure a consistent, resonant brand message across channels.

The role emphasizes strategic brand management, new product launches, and ROI-focused planning with agency partners and internal stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in marketing or related curriculum or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years in brand marketing, marketing, sales, or related field.
• Experience with new product launch and commercialization processes.
• Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of brand strategy to meet business objectives.
• Oversee consumer and shopper communications including brand messaging across channels.
• Manage outside agencies for advertising, PR, digital, and packaging.
• Plan and optimize portfolio marketing to hit short- and long-term goals.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop positioning and go-to-market plans.
• Guide day-to-day project execution with internal and external partners.
• Support sales and customer development with market-level programs.
• Analyze data to inform pricing, merchandising, and competitive response.
• Drive new product process from opportunity to commercialization.
• Develop and manage brand marketing budget and ROI reporting.

Skills

Brand marketing

Strategic thinking

Presentation skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s in marketing or related field

8+ years in brand marketing / sales

New product launch experience

Certification/license may be required

Tools

CRM/Marketing analytics tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

General Purpose

Lead the development and execution of key marketing initiatives for national brands and/or brand portfolios for multiple regions or groups. Develop and implement effective brand strategies to drive the growth and success of our key brands. Lead cross-functional teams, including marketing, product development, and sales, to ensure our brand message is consistent across all channels and resonates with our target audience.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive brand strategy development to support business objectives
• Lead consumer and shopper communication development and execution including brand positioning and messaging; advertising, packaging, consumer promotions, and public relations (PR); digital, web, and social media; and account specific shopper marketing
• Lead the day-to-day management of outside agency partners (advertising, packaging, PR, digital)
• Develop plans to maximize the product portfolio and marketing initiatives to achieve short-term and long-term sales, shares, and profit objectives
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop compelling positioning and messaging. Create differentiation strategies and identify unique selling propositions to stand out in the market
• Lead a cross-functional team of internal and external partners to effectively manage and drive day-to-day project execution
• Work closely with the sales and customer development team to develop strong market level and account level support programs
• Utilize syndicated data, as well as consumer and shopper insights, to deeply understand the business and deliver strategic recommendations around pricing, merchandising, and competitive response
• Drive new product process from opportunity identification to commercialization
• Participate in developing and managing the brand marketing budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources. Monitor expenses, track return on investment (ROI), and provide regular reports to senior management
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in marketing or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 8 or more years of brand marketing, marketing (category management, trade, general), sales, or related experience
• New product launch/commercialization experience, including a strong understanding of the new product development process
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of brand marketing/marketing principles and practices
• Strong knowledge of new product introduction and commercialization process
• Able to think creatively and strategically
• Able to develop and deliver compelling presentations to bring ideas to life and build support internally as well as externally with business partners or accounts
• Able to analyze and interpret business and brand data through primary and secondary research (e.g., syndicated data, consumer and shopper insights, and business financials)
• Able to translate consumer, shopper, and customer insights into ‘go to market’ strategies and plans (including new products, sales/trade communication, selling strategy and materials)
• Able to lead multiple projects and participate in cross-functional environment
• Able to problem solve, multi-task, prioritize work activities, and meet deadlines
• Able to organize time, energy, and resources effectively to achieve goals (i.e., organizational skills)
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel

5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans