VW Brand Manager at Volkswagen Group South Africa

Job Description and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advertising strategies that place the Volkswagen brand in a competitive position in the market in line with business imperatives and strategic marketing objectives.
• Work collaboratively, cross-divisionally and cross-departmentally to ensure an outstanding marketing effort based on sound strategic planning and the achievement of business imperatives.
• Develop written and verbal (presented) briefs to creative, media and PR agencies to implement the lead strategy per campaign.
• Work closely with the Head of Marketing and media agency to set in place a robust media strategy for Volkswagen South Africa, manage and approve all media planning to ensure maximum cost efficiencies in reaching the defined global targets.
• Collaboration and information sharing on global marketing initiatives with VWAG marketing departments and attendance of various meetings.
• Analysis and collation of market information for requested VWAG reports.
• Supervise production suppliers and other service providers in the production and implementation of marketing activities.
• Analyse market research studies to ensure that all communication achieves the desired brand positioning objectives.
• Develop and distribute advertising bulletins to ensure up-to-date information on relevant market developments are communicated to Dealers.
• Develop, implement and manage a digital marketing strategy for all models, which build customer loyalty to achieve retail sales objectives.
• Initiate, develop and implement promotions and experiential marketing initiatives that positively influence Volkswagen’s brand image and build awareness.
• Management of brand coordinators and their responsibilities (leadership).
• Effective and accurate management of brand budgets on a monthly basis together with Financial Controlling.
• Manage strong collaboration with specific areas of the NSO, including Product Marketing and Sales.

Education and Experience

• A recognised 3-year National diploma in Marketing / Commerce / Communications.
• Ideally at least 5 years’ experience in the field of Marketing Communications, i.e. within one or more of the following:
• Public Relations, Brand Promotions and Launches, Brand Advertising, Media Strategy and/or Digital Marketing.

Skills, Attributes & Other requirements

ESSENTIAL:

• Advertising agency experience would be advantageous.
• Thorough understanding of strategic marketing and brand strategy.
• Sound knowledge of media strategy including media buying and placement.
• Ability to build and sustain multiple supplier business relationships.
• Expertise in the digital and social media environment.
• Ability to interact internally with senior Volkswagen management and board of directors.
• Excellent communication ability, both written and oral, with an excellent command of the English Language.
• Project management skills.
• Strong people orientation and a team player.
• Customer focus – internal and external customers.
• Results driven & process orientated.
• Leadership skills to manage a high performance team.
• Ability to manage brand budgets and an understanding of financial principles – high attention to detail.
• A high level of energy, enthusiasm and work commitment.
• Advanced computer literacy, i.e.MS PowerPoint, MS Word, MS Excel.