Senior Brand Manager at Danone

About The Job

To be responsible for growing the brand equity and Danone’s presence in the market. An ultimate measure of success will be to successfully launch new products profitably into the market and maintain presence and sustainability.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Planning and Strategy

• Has complete ownership of the project planning and implementation required to achieve the targets and intentions of the brand strategy
• Support the Marketing Manager by providing input on the overall strategies of
• Communication (ATL and BTL)
• Innovation, extension (growing the brand) and renovation (changes made to the brand)

Performance

• Take accountability for brands within a portfolio
• Monitor sales performance (volume, value, profitability) of brand
• Identify opportunities for growth within brand, and give clear recommendations, and motivations for decisions taken

Product Management

• Support the Marketing Manager in product and concept development, that is tailor made for specific target markets
• Monitor product profitability
• Manage projects where required, including ensuring the profitability of the project and product launches

Brand Management

• Take ownership of a brand portfolio and project manage the implementation of brand plans relating to a specific portfolio
• Give input into media planning and spend
• Together with the Marketing Manager, manage the creative development process for all “Above the line” communication with the advertising agency
• Project manage all the “Below the line” activity, including sampling and activations, Point of Sale, and launches, where required

Integration

• Manage cross functional relationships to deliver marketing objectives including R&D, Commercial, Finance, Production, Supply Chain and sales
• Provide input into the trade marketing team to ensure the successful implementation of brand plans, relaunches, packaging changes, and other marketing initiatives
• Understand the Industrial processes related to the Brand Portfolio to assist in providing accurate information to R&D, and in the successful implementation of marketing initiatives

Research

• Support the S&I Team in all their research requirements including U&A, qualitative and quantitative research, and taste tests
• Consolidate information to provide input into future brand strategies and plan

Marketing Expense

• Take overall accountability for the budget of the brand portfolio
• Oversee the day-to-day management the budget by relevant team member
• Attend the monthly meeting to give feedback on the budget tracker
• Give input, where applicable, into the budget setting process

Management and Leadership

• Manage and motivate direct reports in the delivery of team objectives, if applicable
• Conduct internal performance management and IDP processes fairly and consistently, resulting in transparent succession planning and specific development areas
• Mentor and coach team members, as required

Academic And Trade Qualifications

• 3-year Marketing or Business-related degree
• Honors or post-graduate qualification in marketing is an advantage

Work Experience And Skills

• Minimum of 5 years in Brand Management and FMCG
• 1-2 years of managing individuals or a marketing team is an advantage
• Exposure to, and understanding of P&L and ROI management is critical
• Previous experience in working within a cross-functional team is required
• Advanced communication skills (written, oral and listening)
• Good presentation skills
• Project management
• Computer skills (MS Office, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Analytical skills
• Proven commercial acumen
• Proven track record of networking abilities

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to express views, in a constructive manner
• Self-confidence
• Self-motivated
• Ownership and accountability
• Goal-orientated
• Attention to detail
• Enthusiastic and action orientated
• Creative
• Flexible and adaptable with ideas when changes occur within the plans and/or work environment
• Interpersonal
• Ambitious and driven to succeed
• Passionate about the product / product portfolio
• Able to stay focused and clear minded under pressure
• Proven ability to influence others positively
• Resilient