Brand Business Manager

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to sub-Portfolio Brand Strategy definition. 
• Initiate annual Brand marketing review and plans for the Brand with detailed information on Brand marketing objectives in accordance with overall Brand strategy. 
• Define Brand Communication Strategy in accordance with Plan and Brand Position, selecting the most efficient media mix in alignment with the Portfolio Manager. 
• To prepare Agency briefs and subsequent evaluation and assessment of subsequent Agency creative proposals. 
• Creation and exploitation of brand sponsorship platform where applicable, to enhance selected brand health indicators. 
• Identification of and association with relevant external events/initiatives that will add value to brand equity. 
• Monitoring related platforms especially those in use by competition. 
• Lead the development of advertising materials/creative proposals in each stage before final approval by the Marketing Director. 
• Propose and test any changes in advertising strategy. 
• Work collaboratively with Trade Marketing Team to ensure effective Sales Driver deployment of the Brand in all categories of outlets, driving ultimately Equity. 
• Monitor competitive strategies, advertising, and positioning platforms with a view to constantly ensuring continued alignment to Brand positioning. 
• Report periodically, giving information on all activities undertaken by the Brand and competitive brands. 
• Keep the Brand’s profitability under constant review and draw early attention to any deviations from estimated profits as a result of sales variations or changes in costs. 
• Prepare an annual advertising budget for the Brands in the sub-Portfolio for the approval of the Marketing Director. 
• Monitor advertising budget ensuring adherence in line with approved plans. 
• Carry out regular budget-control monitoring exercises to avert over-expenditure. 
• Prepare a yearly Media Brief for the Agency giving guidance regarding advertising budget appropriation by media. 
• Ensure that all outdoor hoardings and posters for the Brand are in good condition and that hoardings are strategically located. 
• Monitor and analyze official and unofficial trade margins of competing brands, make appropriate proposals, and execute accordingly. 
• Ensure that all marketing considerations are considered in making volume projections for the Brand. 
• Propose and execute promotions plans and schemes, in alignment with Trade Marketing Team, after approval by the Marketing Director. 
• Monitor the effectiveness of all promotional activities, propose relevant modifications, and prepare post-promotion reports with appropriate proposals and recommendations. 

Requirements:

• Minimum academic qualification of BSc degree in marketing
• At least 5 years experience in Brand Marketing (FMCG preferred)
• Self-motivated and able to work to own initiative and be hands-on
• High level of personal organization and attention to detail
• Autonomy and ability to drive own agenda
• A positive 'can-do' attitude with creative flair
• Results driven with strong commercial awareness, including full budget management
• Capable of problem-solving in a fast-paced environment
• Good strategic thinker with a desire to make an impact
• Lots of passion for developing brands and ability to influence stakeholders with confidence
• Team leader with the ability to build strong relationships
• Strong analytical skills (IRI/Nielsen/IWSR)
• Strong experience in creative/production processes, design, and implementation, research, and development
• A good understanding of advertising agencies and the ability to plan, measure and execute marketing campaigns and strategies
• Strong understanding of product marketing and good experience in managing the marketing of a product and liaising within teams and external agencies ATL/BTL
• Strong decision-making ability, both in tactical and strategic situations
• Comfortable adapting to change
• Creative and innovative thinking. 
• Strong business acumen with an appreciation for commerciality
• Solid analytical and influencing skills. 
• Thorough and creative problem-solving abilities, and strong verbal and written presentation skills. 
• Must be able to manage multiple initiatives with strong execution orientation and proper project management abilities. 
• Previous brand marketing experience in an FMCG