Brand Manager

Brand Manager                                                  

A designated individual who will manage specifically assigned Adams Beverages suppliers and will be responsible for promoting and bringing the suppliers’ visions and strategies to life throughout the organization.

The Brand Manager is an exempt position that serves as the liaison for our supplier partners supporting their competitive needs through day-to-day operating supervision and control (implementing / developing) over program activation and field marketing execution for specific brands and products.  This includes but is not limited to inventory management, channel programming, account activation, sampling activity, incentives, advertising, marketing, merchandising and brand promotion.  

The Brand Manager reports to the Director of Business Development and works in conjunction with the Sales Directors and National Accounts Teams.

Primary Objectives & Job Responsibilities:

The role will be responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating off-premise and/or on-premise execution strategies through the line.  In conjunction, program management and account activation management will be a key function of the role.  The Brand Manager needs to establish a strong business relationship with each supplier partner (and their local team) to ensure brand strategies are effectively communicated and understood across the sales organization.

1. Drive supplier volume and profit performance across the organization to meet/exceed annual business targets by supporting each sales director with tactical plans, cascading critical information and supplying sales materials needed.
2. Identify and prioritize supplier opportunities based on market potential by class of trade, volume group, and demographic make-up. 
3. Establish tactical plans to close gaps and capitalize on any opportunities which exist for any selected supplier.
4. Track goals and execution in tandem with assigned supplier for respective supplier products in concert with our mutual brand/package objectives.
   1. Lead monthly supplier meetings to track goals and close gaps.
   2. Cascade critical communications to sales leaders and teams.
   3. Organize supplier sales meetings to present brand and program plans.
   4. Coordinate incentive approval and launch between supplier, VP and sales leaders.
   5. Assist with inventory management on all SKU’s to be carried for each supplier.
5. Programming and retail execution
   1. Visit retail accounts with suppliers and Adams Beverages employees to measure execution and identify selling opportunities.
   2. Develop execution plans to drive incremental business through key retail accounts through display activity, distribution, shelf sets and P.O.S. penetration.
   3. Oversee supplier POS management.
6. Conduct market analysis to maximize sales strategies and brand management effectiveness.  Create action plans to assist sales team in achieving pertinent brand goals and objectives.
7. Communication
   1. Coordinate reports, meetings and sales calls for each of the Adams Beverages locations.  
   2. Develop internal communication processes to make appropriate members of the sales staff aware of pertinent information regarding specific supplier plans and programs to account level.  
   3. Role requires strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively relay the Supplier strategies.

 Development of the Brand Manager Position

1. The role will require continuous education and product knowledge.  As Adams Beverages adjusts, changes or acquires new brands, this position will need to understand these brands, their origin, flavor profile and product placement needs.
2. Remain versed on all aspects of route accounting system, warehouse management and mobile applications (Encompass)

Brand Manager Requirements

1. Understand distributor and retailer financials as it relates to pricing of products.
2. Enthusiastic, team player interested in positive company growth.
3. Effective sales presentation skills.
4. Strong organizational skills.
5. Must possess strong math, analytical and time management skills.
6. Excellent oral and written communications skills (Interacts well with Internal & External Customers).
7. Excellent computer skills in working with email and communications (Microsoft Outlook), Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Encompass or similar data source tool.
8. Ability to travel 3 – 4 nights a month to visit and work other Adams Beverages locations.
9. Knowledge of SLA Rules & Regulations.
10. A clear understanding of company policies and the ability to adhere to them.
11. The ability to meet all Adams Beverages standard employment requirements.
12. Must be at least 21 years of age.

Education and Experience

1. A minimum of 3 -5 years’ experience (Wholesaler or Supplier) with working knowledge and experience in CPG (Beverage or Food) sales including marketing and promotional aspects.
2. College degree preferred, but relevant experience will be taken into consideration.

 Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

1. The candidate must be able to obtain an ABC Permit where needed and maintain proper requirements thereof. 

Physical Demands

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee will be required to handle products that require heavy lifting frequently and motions with these products require twisting, reaching, crouching, bending and balance.   Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment

This is an office-based job with expectations to work daily in the assigned office, except when traveling or at another Adams Beverages location.  While performing the responsibilities of the job, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment they will encounter. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of this job in the office environment, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. While performing duties of this job in the field environment, the employee will be exposed on a regular basis to moving mechanical parts, motor vehicles and traffic.  In addition, exposure while in customer locations cannot be projected.  These conditions may vary, and the employee will receive adequate training to recognize and avoid hazards that cannot be described as expected.  Noise levels will range from quiet to loud.