Southern Africa Brand Manager: Strategy, Growth & NPD

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

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.