Brand Manager (Hybrid-Mt. Prospect, IL)

Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, food service, specialty-Asian, and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and implements ideas for improvement from all its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward, and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

SUMMARY--Reporting to the Brand Director – Flavor Enhancers, the Brand Manager will provide strategic leadership for the flavor enhancers portfolio. This role is responsible for developing and executing brand strategies that drive consistent growth and profit objectives while enhancing brand equity for Angostura bitters and Nakano. Additionally, this role will be responsible for portfolio-level projects as needed. Someone experienced in building brand equity with a commercial and general management mindset will be most successful in this role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as an owner to develop and lead execution of a comprehensive brand plan that supports growth and profit objectives for the Flavor Enhancers portfolio.
• Develop holistic view of business, category, and macro environment to uncover key opportunities for growth in partnership with Consumer Insights & Analytics team.
• Continuously monitor business and competitive trends and pivot accordingly.
• Lead brief development, agency briefing, marketing plan execution, and measurement of KPIs with Integrated Marketing Team (IMT)
• Lead day-to-day management of agencies of outside agency partners.
• Partner with Connected Commerce team to develop and execute omni-channel marketing plans, inclusive of retailer media, e-commerce, and in-store.
• Lead development on innovation and renovation pipeline, in partnership with Consumer Insights and Sales.
• Lead new item, renovation, and issue resolution projects from concept through commercialization.
• Identify and execute SKU discontinuations, including write-offs.
• Develop channel strategy to increase physical availability in across channels in partnership with Sales.
• Partner with Sales Planning to support trade development and execution.
• Define pricing and promotional strategy in collaboration with Sales Planning and Finance teams.
• Monitor sales, costs and profitability to ensure brands meet financial targets.
• Own & manage Advertising & Promotions budget.
• Support S&OP process with adhoc and regular reporting.
• Lead business analytics (Consumption, Gross Sales, Marketing Budget), providing insights and actions to address problems to solve. Manage syndicated data and prepare relevant reports and analyses.
  
  

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS required in Marketing, Business, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 5 years of marketing experience; consumer packaged goods experience within the food and/or beverage alcohol industry is highly preferred.
• Strong business and financial acumen, strategic thinking, and analytical skills
• Prior P&L responsibility, A&P budget oversight
• Business owner mentality fuels drive for results
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to deal with ambiguity and problem solve; highly organized with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in leading cross functional team and managing agency partners
• High proficiency in syndicated data (IRI, Circana)
• Ability to define root cause factors from data, experience, and judgement
• Strong sense of urgency and a self-starter
• Resourceful and enjoys rolling up sleeves
• Comfortable challenging the status quo
• Passion for innovation
• Some travel required
  
  

COMMENTS: This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.