Brand Manager

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is seeking an experienced Brand Marketing Leader to drive the development and execution of national brand initiatives across multiple regions.

You will lead cross-functional teams, align messaging across channels, and oversee agency partners to ensure consistent brand stories that resonate with customers. Responsibilities include guiding brand strategy, launching new products, and optimizing portfolio performance through deep consumer insights.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in marketing or related field; 8+ years in brand marketing or related roles.
• Experience with new product launches and commercialization processes.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead brand strategy development to support objectives across national brands or portfolios.
• Oversee consumer and shopper communications, including PR, digital, and in-store messaging.
• Manage external agencies to execute advertising, packaging, and digital initiatives.
• Develop plans to maximize portfolio performance, sales, and profit objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to craft compelling positioning and go-to-market plans.
• Direct day-to-day project execution with internal and external partners.
• Work with sales to support market- and account-level programs and ROI tracking.
• Leverage syndicated data and insights to inform pricing, merchandising, and competitive response.
• Lead new product processes from opportunity to commercialization.

Skills

Brand marketing

Strategic thinking

Presentation skills

Data analysis

Go-to-market planning

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Education

Undergraduate degree in marketing

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