Brand Manager

At Snackworks, we are the people behind some of South Africa's most beloved brands. Willards chips, Big Korn Bites, Cheese Curls, the Bakers range — the kind of names that don't need an introduction, because they've been around longer than most of us. As part of National Brands Limited, with sites in Rosslyn, Isando, and Westmead, we're a business with real scale, real history, and a genuine appetite for what comes next

A rewarding opportunity awaits a skilled Brand Manager at Snackworks in Bryanston, Johannesburg. This role will be handling the snacks portfolio. We are looking for an innovative, detail orientated Brand Manager with a high level of financial acumen to take on the challenge of research and commercialization in of the portfolio.            

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Marketing Manager

Key Areas of Impact:

Deliver performance targets for portfolio across all target brands     

• Ongoing market and industry analysis to provide recommendations for brand development
• Ongoing competitor intelligence
• Ongoing review of portfolio activity effectiveness to update or change plans as required
• Budgeting & forecasting

Deliver local portfolio and brand strategy      

• Insights from pulling together existing research, market trends (global & local), competitors and internal data
• SWOT analysis
• Conduct consumer and market research in order to keep up to date with consumer trends, as well as trying to predict future trends
• Portfolio positioning – Identify how our brand is positioned in the market
• Develop brand plans/brand strategy for profitable company growth
• Development of 3-year portfolio strategy

Deliver consumer communication strategy    

• Define and manage brand positioning and communication strategy using a variety of media
• Prepare/Review all promotional, advertising, media, research and R&D briefs
• Participate in media strategy process, agreement & delivery of plans
• Develop and execute marketing campaigns aimed at communicating our brand message
• Maintain relationships (both internal and external partners)
• Monitor communication/promotional spend

Management of all New Product Development projects

• Development of commercial rational and justification
• Project management of all new product development projects
• Work with Research and Development (R&D) team and technical team to convert innovative business ideas into saleable products
• Product / packaging development
• Implement launch and launch support plan
• Participate in monthly marketing & NPD meetings

What It Takes to Succeed:

Experience that set you up for success:                       

• A minimum of two (2) years' experience as a Brand Manager gained in an FMCG environment is essential
• Knowledge of IRI / Nielsen data experience required

Qualifications & Certifications that will contribute to your success:

• A completed commercial degree majoring in Marketing, Business Management, Finance or similar is essential

Additional Requirements that will enhance your impact for success:

• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and MS PowerPoint
• SAP knowledge is advantageous
• Strong focus on analytical skills (turning data into actionable insights)
• Knowledge of consumer, trader, customer, and shopper insights
• Project management expertise
• Knowledge of the NPD process
• Advertising experience from briefing to execution
• High levels of numeracy
• Ability to travel essential