SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Introduction
A distributor of premium alcohol brands is looking for a Brand Manager for a Champagne brand based in Cape Town. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all brand, trade-marketing and commercial strategies to drive brand equity and commercial success in Southern Africa.
Duties & Responsibilities
Brand Strategies
- Gain a deep understanding of the South African market, brand strategies outlined by principals, and the core essence of the brands.
- Develop innovative, practical, and actionable marketing strategies tailored to the market.
- Establish clear, measurable, and impactful brand objectives aligned with the overall brand plans.
- Convert strategies into actionable plans and tactics designed to meet brand objectives.
- Analyze competitor strategies and consumer behavior to formulate precise targeting strategies.
- Define each brand's identity clearly and uniquely to ensure competitive differentiation.
- Continuously identify market opportunities to enhance brand awareness, loyalty, and advocacy.
Management of Brand Project Plans
- Create detailed project plans for brands, including resources, timelines, budgets, and critical paths.
- Oversee and manage brand budgets effectively.
- Implement each project phase efficiently and communicate plans clearly to stakeholders.
- Brief agencies with well-defined guidelines to ensure their contributions align with the brand’s goals and positioning.
- Establish realistic financial and budget frameworks for projects and ensure strict adherence.
- Monitor and control financial aspects and budgets to maintain alignment with objectives.
- Evaluate agency performance regularly to ensure services align with the brand’s DNA and meet the expectations of brand principals.
- Ensure consistent monitoring of the brand's performance and health within the South African market.
Brand Principal Relationship Management
- Build and sustain strong, effective relationships with brand principals.
- Proactively identify and address brand principals’ expectations.
- Keep brand principals engaged and informed on strategies through continuous feedback and collaborative management practices.
Marketing Budget and Financial Profile of the Brand
- Evaluate market growth potential for each brand.
- Develop comprehensive business plans with financial forecasts for each brand.
- Present and justify financial and budgetary needs to brand principals.
- Track financial progress, including volume forecasts and stock management, to maintain alignment with objectives.
- Manage variable budgets within agreed parameters.
- Optimize pricing strategies to maximize profitability and competitiveness.
Alignment with Sales Managers
- Ensure Sales Managers fully comprehend the brand marketing strategies and associated project plans.
- Communicate updates and changes to strategies and plans promptly to Sales Managers.
- Collaborate with Sales Managers on the procurement and distribution of POS materials.
- Collect and assess Sales Team feedback on promotions and POS materials, ensuring concerns are addressed effectively.
Desired Experience & Qualification
Qualifications and Experience
- Degree in Marketing or a related field, or equivalent qualification.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in FMCG, agency, or the liquor industry.(specifically managing a luxury brand portfolio)
- Familiarity with the category and its dynamics is essential.
- Extensive experience with ERP systems, including Data Orbis, Qlik View, and Qlik Sense.
Core Competencies
- Strong brand awareness and a comprehensive understanding of the marketing mix.
- Exceptional analytical skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Proven experience in planning and executing events effectively.
- In-depth understanding of market trends with the ability to adapt strategies accordingly.
- High levels of creativity and the ability to generate innovative, original ideas.
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent relationship management skills for building and maintaining stakeholder connections.
- Proficiency in managing and allocating budgets effectively.
- Strong time management and project coordination skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strategic thinking skills to conceptualize impactful campaigns.
- Focused on achieving results with a high degree of accountability.
Attributes
- Business-savvy with a high degree of commercial awareness.
- A proactive "starter/finisher" mindset to ensure projects are seen through to completion.
Package & Remuneration
700-960k p/a
