Senior Brand Manager

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in California is seeking a Senior Brand Manager to lead development and execution plans for the assigned brand as part of the long-term marketing strategy. You will collaborate cross-functionally to drive profitable, equity-building brand growth.

The role requires steering portfolio strategy, go-to-market for product innovations, and managing annual marketing plans and the brand budget.

Qualifications

• MBA degree preferred; 5–7 years brand management in CPG.
• Experience leading the marketing mix to drive business growth.
• Ability to lead multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with independence and resilience.
• Strong analytical skills using data to inform decisions on large datasets.
• Proven track record influencing internal and external partners, including senior stakeholders.
• Excel and PowerPoint proficiency.
• Experience with co-packing or co-manufacturing partners.
• Experience in new product development.
• Experience in an international corporate environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio to hit revenue and profit targets, including SKU rationalization and mix strategies.
• Develop product portfolio strategy and a 3-year innovation pipeline, exploring formats, packaging, and recipe extensions.
• Lead the cross-functional team in the new product development process.
• Lead the go-to-market process for product innovation, including marketing plans, selling tools, and forecasting volume and growth.

Skills

Brand Management

Marketing Strategy

Cross-functional Leadership

Data Analysis

P&L Management

Education

MBA preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

At Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee’s contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli’s growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.

Job Summary

WHO WE ARE

Established in San Francisco since 1852, Ghirardelli has spent generations perfecting the craft of premium chocolate. From responsible sourcing to time-honored roasting and processing techniques, we honor the tradition of our iconic brand as we innovate and grow the business. We are fueled by a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, and that same passion shapes our workplace, where people are genuinely welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow. If you’re excited to join our welcoming and vibrant team that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and delicious possibilities, you'll feel right at home with us.

The Senior Brand Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution plans for the assigned brand, as part of the long-term marketing strategy. The Brand Manager will collaborate cross-functionally to drive profitable, equity-building brand growth.

Responsibilities And Duties

• Responsible for managing an assigned portfolio to hit revenue and profit targets, to include SKU rationalization, mix strategies and profit optimization.
• Develop product portfolio strategy and 3 Year Innovation Pipeline, exploring areas such as format, packaging, and recipe extensions and adjacencies.
• Lead the cross functional team in the new product development process.
• Lead the go-to-market process for product innovation, including marketing plans, selling tools, and forecasting volume and growth expectations.
• Develop annual marketing plans for alignment with senior stakeholders. Present and defend plans to executive leadership.
• Develop, execute and evaluate marketing programs (advertising and consumer promotions) that are based on consumer, customer and competitive trends.
• Manage product portfolio budget, including preparing and tracking annual P&L.
• Lead delivery of clear and inspiring annual marketing plans to sales organization.
• Collaborate with customer marketing and sales to define and deliver customer specific programs.
• Manage the creative development process with internal teams and external agencies from briefing through critical feedback to execution
• Prepare and present annual business review for executive leadership.
• Attend sales calls and participate in selling at the customer level.
• Identify research needs to inform decision making and conduct research in collaboration with Insights Manager
• Provide business and team leadership in a fast-paced environment.
• Set individual and team objectives, plan project steps and resources needed, and manage execution.
• Train and develop direct reports for promotion and individual growth.
• Hire, develop and manage performance of team. Create an inclusive environment that embraces our values and purpose.

Minumum Education And Experience

• MBA Degree preferred + 5-7 years Brand Management experience
• Experience working in a leading Consumer Packaged Goods company
• Proven ability to develop and utilize all elements of the marketing mix to drive business in high growth environment.
• Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously within a fast-paced environment, with a high degree of independence and resilience
• Strong analytical skills in using data to make sound recommendations affecting business decisions and results; ability to analyze and manipulate large data sets (e.g., IRI) and draw actionable conclusions.
• Proven track record of leading and influencing internal and external partners, including senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written communication skills and solid presentation skills
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience working with co-packing or co-manufacturing partners.
• Experience in new product development
• Experience working in an international corporate environment, a plus

Other Job Requirements

• Required to regularly sit
• Must be able to work seated or standing for at least 8 hours
• Must be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detail
• Works in a normal office environment
• Required to travel up to 10% of the time