Brand Manager

Employment Solutions; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Employment Solutions is seeking a dynamic Brand Manager to own brand strategy and marketing execution across the Southern Africa region. You will be hands-on, strategic and close to the consumer.

The role covers NPD, market research, salon activations, promotions and brand development, with responsibility for delivering growth through the marketing mix and cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Finance, Packaging and Agencies.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years’ Brand Management experience in FMCG/consumer brands.
• Marketing qualification.
• Experience in Ethnic Hair Care, Oral Care or Skin Care would be highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of brand strategy, marketing and consumer behaviour.
• Proven experience in NPD and product launches.
• Experience in market research, analysis and reporting.
• Exposure to activations, promotions and agency management.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills with budget awareness.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement brand and marketing strategies aligned to overall category and business objectives.
• Conduct market analysis and market research to identify consumer trends, competitor activity and new growth opportunities.
• Manage New Product Development (NPD) from concept through to launch, ensuring products meet market and consumer needs.
• Plan and execute impactful salon activations and consumer-facing initiatives to build brand awareness, engagement and product trial.
• Develop and execute the marketing mix, including communication, advertising, consumer promotions, trade promotions and artwork.
• Monitor brand and campaign performance and provide regular reporting, analysis and recommendations to management.
• Manage and optimise the marketing/advertising budget, ensuring effective utilisation and return on investment.
• Work closely with Sales, Finance, Packaging, Operations/QC and Corporate Marketing to ensure successful execution of brand initiatives.
• Manage relationships with advertising and media agencies and other external partners.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen brand performance and drive sustainable growth across Southern Africa.
• Support the achievement of agreed top-line and bottom-line business targets.

Skills

Brand management

Market analysis

NPD

Salon activations

Marketing mix

Budget management

Cross-functional collaboration

Agency management

Education

Marketing qualification

Job description

Our client is looking for a dynamic Brand Manager to take ownership of brand strategy, market development and marketing execution across the Southern Africa region.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being hands-on, strategic and close to the consumer, with exposure across NPD, market research, salon activations, promotions and brand development.

You will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies that support both brand growth and commercial objectives, while ensuring the effective execution of the marketing mix across the portfolio.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement brand and marketing strategies aligned to overall category and business objectives.

• Conduct market analysis and market research to identify consumer trends, competitor activity and new growth opportunities.

• Manage New Product Development (NPD) from concept through to launch, ensuring products meet market and consumer needs.

• Plan and execute impactful salon activations and consumer-facing initiatives to build brand awareness, engagement and product trial.

• Develop and execute the marketing mix, including communication, advertising, consumer promotions, trade promotions and artwork.

• Monitor brand and campaign performance and provide regular reporting, analysis and recommendations to management.

• Manage and optimise the marketing/advertising budget, ensuring effective utilisation and return on investment.

• Work closely with Sales, Finance, Packaging, Operations/QC and Corporate Marketing to ensure successful execution of brand initiatives.

• Manage relationships with advertising and media agencies and other external partners.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen brand performance and drive sustainable growth across Southern Africa.

• Support the achievement of agreed top-line and bottom-line business targets.

You will ideally have:

• 3–4 years’ Brand Management experience within FMCG/consumer brands.

• Marketing qualification

• Experience in Ethnic Hair Care, Oral Care or Skin Care would be highly advantageous.

• A strong understanding of brand strategy, marketing and consumer behaviour.

• Proven experience in NPD and product launches.

• Experience in market research, analysis and reporting.

• Exposure to activations, promotions and agency management.

• Strong commercial and analytical skills, with an understanding of budgets and business performance.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• The ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects from concept to execution.

If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks, we regret that you have been unsuccessful.