ABM - Bonne Maman New Categories

Job Title:  Associate Brand Manager – Bonne Maman New Categories

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt    Status:  Salaried

Department:   Marketing    Reports To: Brand Manager – Bonne Maman New Categories

Company and Position Background: 

The Andros Group, a multi-billion French, family-owned and run company, is known as a global leader in fruit processing and premium dairy. It manufactures and sells globally the brand Bonne Maman®, as well as a wide range of premium food brands, private label and co-packed products. Andros is present in 30 countries worldwide.

In the USA Bonne Maman, marketed by Andros Foods USA, is the #2 preserves in the food category, and the fastest growing major brand in that space. The brand is currently expanding into new categories, replicating a model that has had tremendous success in key European markets including France and the United Kingdom.

Andros Group entities in the U.S. also include World Finer Foods, an importer and distributor of premium food and beverage based in NJ, and Bowman Andros Products, based in VA. More information is available at http://www.androsna.com

Driven by ambitious plans to expand, Andros Foods is looking to recruit an Associate Brand Manager, New Categories for the Bonne Maman® business. Growing Bonne Maman into new categories in the US market is a key pillar of the company’s and the brand’s 2030 Strategic Plan. This is a full-time, staff position.

Job Summary:   The Associate Brand Manager – Bonne Maman New Categories (ABM) will support the expansion of Bonne Maman and its aggressive growth into new categories. The role includes managing new product development and launch through all innovation gates, starting at concept development through in-market launch activations while partnering with internal cross-functional teams including brand, R&D, Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, Compliance, and outside agencies. The position will be balancing the need for creativity and an entrepreneurial approach with strategy, data and financial discipline. The ABM reports to the Brand Manager, Bonne Maman, New Categories and is part of Andros Foods Brand Retail Sales and Marketing Business Unit.

This position is currently Hybrid (2 days in the office), based out of the Bloomfield, New Jersey office.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

•    Supports innovation pipeline via assessing new idea / product opportunities, with a keen focus on uncovering white space, understanding competitive landscape, assessing risk with financial gain and profitability.

•    Develop and maintain category and opportunity analysis leveraging IRI analyses, primary and secondary research, trend reports, in-store and competitive research to paint detailed pictures of target categories.

•    Deliver Consumer Insights That Drive Innovation Action. Leverage research to support innovation recommendations. Ensure our innovation concepts truly address consumer barriers and deliver unique brand propositions.

•    Support assessment of profitability and creation of business case for proposed innovation using comprehensive pricing and P&L models and scenario analysis.

•    Assists in new product launch forecasting and ROI evaluations.

•    Manage innovation projects and track initiatives against Stage Gate Model to ensure on-time launch.

•    Organize consumer and/or in-market tests, analyze test market results and leverage feedback to inform the development cycle.

•    Support the development of customer targets, commercial and marketing strategies for the launch of approved innovations.

•    Create new category activation plans, including social/digital media, influencer marketing and other forms of advertising, consumer promotion & shopper marketing programs, PR, sponsorships, sampling and other forms of brand activation, including frequent management of/contact with outside agencies.

•    Develops compelling sales presentations and selling materials, grounded in insights and supported with data.

•    Is completely accountable for on-time and successful business execution.

•    Manages and tracks Innovation budget.

•    Understands all facets of the consumer journey and ensure all pieces synergize to deliver on KPIs.

Other

•    Represent brand at trade functions and consumer events as needed.

•    Develop Power Point presentations for sales, management, and agency audiences.

•    Recap test and marketing activities, store visits and conduct ad hoc market research.

•    Attend offsite consumer research 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•    A bachelor's degree in a related field such as Business or Marketing or demonstrated sales related experience is required; an MBA is preferred.

•    3 years of relevant CPG brand or innovation experience preferably in the food or beverage sectors. 

•    An Entrepreneurial mindset, with an enthusiasm for innovation, creativity, collaboration.

•    Strong analytical skills with robust analytic experience with proficiency in IRI and/or Nielsen databases.

•    A Strong interest in Food trends, Premium/Natural Foods and relevant industries.

•    Sparks digital curiosity. Has a passion for social media, its newest functions and how they can fuel Bonne Maman new product brand awareness.

•    Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively interface with all levels both inside and outside of the organization, with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships.

•    Self-motivated with a bias for action, taking initiative.

•    Curious, engaged and possessing a positive attitude focused on delivering strong results.

•    Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and comfortable turning ambiguity into action.

•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation skills.

•    Proficiency with MS Office, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook.

•    French Language skills are a plus, but not a requirement.