Brand Manager

Our client, in the FMCG sector seeks to recruit a Brand Manager who will manage the development and implementation of the consumer brands through developing communication and promotion strategies followed by effective operational execution plans of these strategies.

He/She will be responsible for protecting, growing and building the brands by managing the demand for the brands so as to achieve budgeted volume, market share and profit objectives.

The jobholder will also be responsible for developing and effectively implementing marketing activities for the brands and driving the harmonization of brand position in East Africa.

Key Responsibilities

·      Manage the development, tracking/measuring and completion of brand plans - strategic and operational plans, annual performance review, budget plan, research plans, activity cycle plans and activity plans.

·      Initiate brand innovations to improve brand image attributes amongst customers.

·      Engagement with key Distributors, wholesalers and direct customers to ensure delivery on brand initiatives and drive the creative processes for our brands together with Trade Marketing department.

·      Develop and manage initiatives to improve processes, practices and methods to reduce complexity and enhance speed to market as well as consumer benefits.

·      Monitoring brand availability and sales, and being proactive on factors affecting the brand sales and market share performance.

·      Provide  relevant  information  in  a  timely  manner  to  support  effective  and  efficient decision making.

·      Management of A&P Budgets to ensure spend in line with strategic direction to enable brand growth.

·      Managing and monitoring the Marketing activity calendar.

·      Advertising agency and other supplier liaison and management.

·      Planning and implementing brand media strategy.

·      Recommending, planning and coordinating brand PR activities likely to enhance the brands sales and image in the short and long term.

·      Liaising with Sales Department on brand performance delivery.

·      Liaising with Manufacturing and Sales on S&OP management.

·      Analyzing  market  research  data,  including  secondary  research  and  taking  corrective action for enhancement of brand strategies.

·      Interacting with the Regional Brand liaisons and giving updates on implementation of brand strategic plans.

·      Monitoring competitor activities affecting the brand and taking appropriate corrective action.

·      Monitoring, evaluating and recommending brand packaging, updating including pack and range  extensions,  and  following  through  to  implementation  by  liaising  with  the Marketing Manager.

·      Continuously monitoring brand costs and profitability and recommending areas of improvement.

·      Preparing   monthly   brand   expenditure   and   variance   reports   to   control   budgeted expenditure.

·      Carrying out market intelligence through regular trade visits and utilizing this to enhance brand activities.

·      Liaising  with  Procurement  to  source  promotional  and  packaging  material  for  brand promotion activations.

EXPERIENCE & BACKGROUND

·      Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field

·      A minimum of 5-6 years marketing experience preferable in an FMCG multinational or large Company including experience working in cross-functional sales, trade and brand marketing teams.

·      Thorough knowledge and application experience in brand strategy development, brand planning, program development, product development and customer engagement.

·      Marketing management experience.

·      Experience in the development and execution of advertising strategies.

·      Digital and social media marketing experience would be an added advantage.

·      Member of the Kenya Institute of Marketing or CIM will be an added advantage.