Senior Brand Manager

Ghirardelli Chocolate; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghirardelli Chocolate in San Leandro seeks a Senior Brand Manager to lead brand strategy, portfolio planning, and cross-functional execution. You will drive product innovation, pricing and packaging decisions, and work with sales to deliver customer-specific programs.

You will manage annual marketing plans, analyze data to optimize performance, and oversee budgets and go-to-market initiatives while mentoring a growing team.

Qualifications

• MBA degree preferred.
• 5–7 years Brand Management experience.
• Experience in a leading Consumer Packaged Goods company.
• Ability to develop and utilize all elements of the marketing mix to drive business.
• Strong analytical skills using data to inform decisions.
• Budget management experience and cross-functional leadership.
• Excellent written communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with co-packing or co-manufacturing partners.
• Experience in new product development and international environments.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio management to hit revenue and profit targets, including SKU rationalization.
• Develop product portfolio strategy and 3-year pipeline for format, packaging, and extensions.
• Lead cross-functional teams in new product development and go-to-market plans.
• Develop annual marketing plans aligned with senior leadership and execute programs.
• Manage product portfolio budget, deliver annual business reviews.
• Collaborate with customer marketing and sales on programs and tools.
• Lead creative development with internal teams and agencies and present results.

Skills

Brand management

Leadership

Budget management

Data analytics

Excel

PowerPoint

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Presentation skills

Education

MBA degree preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

WHO WE AREAt 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 SummaryWHO WE AREEstablished 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 DUTIESPortfolio ManagementResponsible 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.Marketing Strategy & ExecutionDevelop 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 executionPrepare 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 ManagerManagement & LeadershipProvide 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 EXPERIENCEMBA Degree preferred + 5-7 years Brand Management experienceExperience working in a leading Consumer Packaged Goods companyProven 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 resilienceStrong 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.Budget management experienceExcellent written communication skills and solid presentation skillsHighly proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPointExperience working with co-packing or co-manufacturing partners.Experience in new product developmentExperience working in an international corporate environment, a plusOther Job RequirementsRequired to regularly sitMust be able to work seated or standing for at least 8 hoursMust be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detailWorks in a normal office environmentRequired to travel up to 10% of the timeSalary: $147,668-$175,00/year