Brand Lead - Poetry

Cape Union Mart International (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company based in Cape Town seeks an experienced Brand Lead to manage marketing campaigns and enhance brand strategy. The role requires strong project management skills and a minimum of 5 years' experience in marketing or brand management, preferably in retail. You will coordinate with various teams to ensure timely execution of campaigns while maintaining brand alignment. The ideal candidate is proactive, solutions-driven, and has a deep understanding of the brand and customer mindset.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in marketing, brand, or campaign operations, preferably in retail/fashion.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of campaign workflows from briefing to execution.

Responsibilities

• Own the integrated marketing calendar and campaign timelines.
• Lead weekly status meetings and ensure team alignment across projects.
• Act as the key operations contact between internal teams.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Coordination

Brand management

Problem-solving

Education

Tertiary qualification in Marketing, Brand Management, or Project Management

Tools

Monday.com

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a structured, collaborative, and brand-aligned Brand Lead to join the Poetry marketing team. This role bridges strategic vision and operational execution—ideal for someone who brings structure to creativity and purpose to planning.

You’ll be responsible for ensuring the smooth rollout of campaigns and marketing initiatives by driving internal coordination, project timelines, and cross-functional alignment. Working together with the Digital, Creative, PR, Ecommerce, Visual Merchandising, and Merchandise teams, you’ll ensure all deliverables are briefed, tracked, and executed on time and in line with the Poetry brand identity.

Alongside strong operational leadership, you’ll also contribute to the strategic direction of the brand—shaping seasonal narratives, supporting annual planning, and keeping both brand values and commercial goals top of mind in all team forums and decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Campaign & Project Management — Own the integrated marketing calendar and campaign timelines across the year.
• Lead weekly status meetings, action tracking, and team alignment across all projects.
• Maintain campaign documents and workback schedules, ensuring full visibility across functions.
• Keep all brand touchpoints (store, digital, social, PR) aligned and on schedule.
• Cross-Functional Coordination — Act as the key operations contact between creative, design, digital, ecommerce, PR, and merchandising teams.
• Manage handovers and feedback loops to ensure clear communication throughout project lifecycles.
• Flag and resolve blockers, reprioritise when needed, and support workflow optimization.
• Process & Operational Excellence — Drive continuous improvement in briefing systems, templates, and campaign processes.
• Ensure team tools, calendars, and documentation are accessible and up to date.
• Introduce new systems (where needed) to improve speed and clarity of execution.
• Strategic Brand Stewardship — Partner with the Head of Marketing and functional leads on the annual brand plan and key campaigns.
• Shape seasonal concepts and briefs in collaboration with internal teams.
• Ensure every campaign, partnership, and content piece reflects the Poetry brand purpose, tone, and aesthetic.
• Keep brand and retail objectives top-of-mind in all team forums and decision-making processes.
• Brand Partnerships & Collaborations — Act as the key liaison for all brand partnerships and collaborations, ensuring smooth coordination across internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage timelines, briefing, and deliverables to align partnership activities with campaign and brand objectives.
• Ensure brand consistency and a positive experience for all involved collaborators.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the Marketing Assistant, with a focus on growth, guidance, and upskilling.
• Ensure the assistant supports key marketing functions across the team, including campaign coordination, PR events, production logistics, calendar updates, and invoice processing.
• Conduct regular check-ins and performance appraisals, providing clear feedback and development opportunities.
• Budget & Partner Oversight — Track brand marketing budgets and assist with campaign spend reconciliation.
• Support supplier onboarding and ensure timelines and budgets are respected across external partners.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Tertiary qualification in Marketing, Brand Management, Project Management, or related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in marketing, brand, or campaign operations (retail/fashion preferred)
• Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders
• Strong understanding of campaign workflows, from briefing to execution (within retail context is advantageous)
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g.Monday.com)
• Brand-sensitive with a strategic, commercial mindset
• Strong ability to create structure and distil complex projects into manageable workflows & timelines.
• Balanced approach to creative and operational problem-solving
• Proactive, process-oriented, and solutions-driven
• Flexible and adaptable – must enjoy working in a fast-paced and at times challenging environment
• Able to lead calmly and effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Deeply connected to the Poetry brand and customer mindset
• Passionate about collaboration and alignment
• Commercially aware and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes