Own Brand Lead

Apex Systems; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employee stock purchase program

401(k) with company match

Employee assistance program

Job summary

A leading IT services company is seeking an Own Brand Lead in Grand Rapids, MI. This role involves managing product development from ideation to launch, collaborating with various teams, and influencing business strategies. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Business, over 4 years of relevant experience, and strong interpersonal skills. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and a 401(k) with company match.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in brand management or product development.
• Self-starter with a proactive mindset and strong work ethic.
• Understanding of P&L terminology and fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Manage product development project execution for brand initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure success.
• Monitor market trends to make profitable recommendations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Creativity

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Own Brand Lead at Apex Systems

Overview

Drive business growth as a project manager and ambassador of private label brand equity. You will manage product development project execution for line extensions, new line launches, label redesigns, product reformulations, and sourcing initiatives from concept ideation through product launch.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage product development project execution for line extensions, new line launches, label redesigns, product reformulations, and sourcing initiatives—from concept ideation through product launch.
• Collaborate with and lead cross‑functional teams (Label/Packaging Design, Sourcing, Compliance, Regulatory, Analytics, Legal, and Consumer Insights) during product development and commercialization.
• Support category review processes for private label by developing fact‑based market, trade, and trend data, shopper insights, and best practices.
• Influence overall merchandising objectives by supporting execution of private label business strategies and plans.
• Work closely with merchants to onboard new vendors and ensure timely execution of vendor setup, item setup, and ongoing item and price maintenance.
• Collaborate with Marketing to support brand and product launches and consumer activation.
• Monitor business performance and market trends to provide profitable recommendations for new items, line extensions, and promotions.
• Serve as key contact for vendors during commercialization. Understand supplier options and capabilities through reviews, trade shows, and facility visits.
• Provide weekly business reporting to Merchants and Directors, including post‑launch analysis, sales performance insights, and price/promotion opportunities. While final P&L accountability resides with the Merchant business owner, the Own Brand Lead shares responsibility for the business they support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field, or equivalent retail experience preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in brand management, marketing, merchandising, private label, product development, sourcing/supply chain, project management, or similar.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Self‑starter with a proactive mindset and strong work ethic.
• Ability to blend creativity and analytics to solve business challenges.
• Understanding of P&L terminology and fundamentals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Business leadership and calculated risk‑taking ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

EEO Statement

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [e-mail] or 844‑463‑6178.

About Apex Systems

Apex Systems is a world‑class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Benefits Overview

We offer a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans; an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401(k) program with company match; a Health Savings Account; SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program with up to 8 free counseling sessions; and corporate discount savings programs. We also host on‑demand training, provide access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses, and maintain a dedicated customer service team, certified Career Coach, and Employee Assistance Program.