Brand Strategy Manager

Tony's Pizza Events Center; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Generous time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s in Minneapolis, MN is seeking a Brand Strategy Manager to lead portfolio growth across the Asian Business Unit. You’ll shape brand strategy, activation, and partnerships, working with global and local marketing teams, sales, and external partners to turn insights into compelling brand experiences.

The role emphasizes cross-functional leadership, strategic thinking, and collaboration to drive growth and strengthen brand equity through innovative launches and events, with a competitive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (MBA preferred) and 6+ years of experience in brand marketing, strategy, partnerships or business development in CPG.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives from strategy through execution.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Shape portfolio growth by identifying brand roles, whitespace opportunities, and strategic investment priorities across the Asian Business Unit.
• Help shape and strengthen brand strategies, positioning, and activation across a growing portfolio of Asian brands.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure new products and innovations have the right brand fit, positioning, and go-to-market strategy.
• Lead high-impact events, activations, and experiences that increase brand awareness, engagement, and cultural relevance.
• Identify and develop partnerships with retailers, organizations, influencers, cultural groups, and other external partners that create meaningful business and brand opportunities.
• Contribute to annual and long-range brand planning, using consumer insights, market trends, and competitive intelligence to identify opportunities for growth.
• Serve as a brand champion and strategic partner to cross-functional teams and senior leaders.

Skills

Brand strategy

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA preferred

Job description

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors, and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of food to bring people together.

Are you a strategic brand marketer who thrives at the intersection of brand building, innovation, partnerships, and culture. We’re looking for a Brand Strategy Manager to help shape the future of our growing Asian Business Unit portfolio.

In this highly collaborative role, you’ll help strengthen brand equity, innovation launches, and develop partnerships and experiences that deepen consumer connections and drive business growth. You’ll work closely with global and local Marketing teams, sales, and external partners to turn big ideas into meaningful brand experiences.

What You Will Do:

• Portfolio Strategy: Shape portfolio growth by identifying brand roles, whitespace opportunities, and strategic investment priorities across the Asian Business Unit.
• Build Brand Equity: Help shape and strengthen brand strategies, positioning, and activation across a growing portfolio of Asian brands.
• Bring Innovation to Life: Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure new products and innovations have the right brand fit, positioning, and go-to-market strategy.
• Create Meaningful Experiences: Lead high-impact events, activations, and experiences that increase brand awareness, engagement, and cultural relevance.
• Build Strategic Partnerships: Identify and develop partnerships with retailers, organizations, influencers, cultural groups, and other external partners that create meaningful business and brand opportunities.
• Shape the Future: Contribute to annual and long-range brand planning, using consumer insights, market trends, and competitive intelligence to identify opportunities for growth.
• Influence Across the Organization: Serve as a brand champion and strategic partner to cross-functional teams and senior leaders.

What We Look For:

• Bachelor’s Degree (MBA preferred) and 6+ years of experience in brand marketing, strategy, partnerships or business development in CPG
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives from strategy through execution.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
• Experience with brand activations, events, partnerships, sponsorships, or innovation launches.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $93,000 to $154,000 annually, with eligibility for a 20% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].