Brand Development Manager - FMCG Innovation

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus

Remote work

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Brand Development Manager for a remote FMCG role. You will lead new brand initiatives, identify trends, and drive product innovation from home, collaborating with R&D, marketing, and sales to shape the portfolio.

The ideal candidate has an MBA or related degree and 6–8 years in brand management or product development, with a proven record of launching brands in competitive markets.

Qualifications

• MBA or related degree required.
• 6–8 years of progressive experience in brand management or product development.
• Proven track record of launching brands and products in FMCG.
• Strong understanding of consumer insights, market research, and innovation processes.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and storytelling abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects remotely.
• Experience in cross-functional team leadership and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities and consumer trends within the FMCG sector.
• Lead the development of new product concepts from ideation through to market launch.
• Develop compelling brand strategies, positioning, and messaging for new and existing products.
• Conduct thorough market research, competitive analysis, and consumer testing to validate concepts.
• Collaborate with R&D and product development teams to ensure product meets market needs and brand vision.
• Work closely with marketing teams to develop integrated go-to-market plans.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for new brand development initiatives.
• Present new brand and product strategies to senior leadership for approval and feedback.
• Stay abreast of industry developments, emerging technologies, and competitor activities.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Skills

Brand management

Product development

Market research

Strategic thinking

Communication

Project management

Education

MBA

Marketing-related degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an innovative and strategic Brand Development Manager to spearhead new brand initiatives and product innovation in a fully remote capacity. This role is central to our growth strategy, focusing on identifying emerging market trends, conceptualizing new product offerings, and developing compelling brand propositions. We are looking for a visionary individual with a deep passion for consumer insights, brand building, and market expansion within the FMCG landscape. This remote-first position offers the unparalleled opportunity to drive significant change and shape the future of our product portfolio from your home office. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, and sales, to bring disruptive ideas to life. Exceptional communication, strategic foresight, and a proven ability to navigate ambiguity are key to success. Join our client and redefine the future of FMCG innovation from wherever you are.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities and consumer trends within the FMCG sector.
• Lead the development of new product concepts from ideation through to market launch.
• Develop compelling brand strategies, positioning, and messaging for new and existing products.
• Conduct thorough market research, competitive analysis, and consumer testing to validate concepts.
• Collaborate with R&D and product development teams to ensure product meets market needs and brand vision.
• Work closely with marketing teams to develop integrated go-to-market plans.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for new brand development initiatives.
• Present new brand and product strategies to senior leadership for approval and feedback.
• Stay abreast of industry developments, emerging technologies, and competitor activities.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in brand management or product development, preferably within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new brands and products in competitive markets.
• Strong understanding of consumer insights, market research, and innovation processes.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and storytelling abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Experience in cross-functional team leadership and collaboration.
• Proficiency in project management tools and techniques.
• Demonstrated creativity and a passion for brand building.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement plans.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.
• Remote work flexibility, enabling excellent work-life integration.
• Significant opportunities for career growth and leadership development.
• Direct impact on new product development and brand innovation.
• Access to cutting-edge market intelligence and research tools.
• Collaborative and forward-thinking work culture.