Luxury Brand Manager (Cape Town)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Introduction

A distributor of premium alcohol brands is looking for a Brand Manager for a Champagne brand based in Cape Town. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all brand, trade-marketing and commercial strategies to drive brand equity and commercial success in Southern Africa.

Duties & Responsibilities

Brand Strategies

• Gain a deep understanding of the South African market, brand strategies outlined by principals, and the core essence of the brands.
• Develop innovative, practical, and actionable marketing strategies tailored to the market.
• Establish clear, measurable, and impactful brand objectives aligned with the overall brand plans.
• Convert strategies into actionable plans and tactics designed to meet brand objectives.
• Analyze competitor strategies and consumer behavior to formulate precise targeting strategies.
• Define each brand's identity clearly and uniquely to ensure competitive differentiation.
• Continuously identify market opportunities to enhance brand awareness, loyalty, and advocacy.

Management of Brand Project Plans

• Create detailed project plans for brands, including resources, timelines, budgets, and critical paths.
• Oversee and manage brand budgets effectively.
• Implement each project phase efficiently and communicate plans clearly to stakeholders.
• Brief agencies with well-defined guidelines to ensure their contributions align with the brand’s goals and positioning.
• Establish realistic financial and budget frameworks for projects and ensure strict adherence.
• Monitor and control financial aspects and budgets to maintain alignment with objectives.
• Evaluate agency performance regularly to ensure services align with the brand’s DNA and meet the expectations of brand principals.
• Ensure consistent monitoring of the brand's performance and health within the South African market.

Brand Principal Relationship Management

• Build and sustain strong, effective relationships with brand principals.
• Proactively identify and address brand principals’ expectations.
• Keep brand principals engaged and informed on strategies through continuous feedback and collaborative management practices.

Marketing Budget and Financial Profile of the Brand

• Evaluate market growth potential for each brand.
• Develop comprehensive business plans with financial forecasts for each brand.
• Present and justify financial and budgetary needs to brand principals.
• Track financial progress, including volume forecasts and stock management, to maintain alignment with objectives.
• Manage variable budgets within agreed parameters.
• Optimize pricing strategies to maximize profitability and competitiveness.

Alignment with Sales Managers

• Ensure Sales Managers fully comprehend the brand marketing strategies and associated project plans.
• Communicate updates and changes to strategies and plans promptly to Sales Managers.
• Collaborate with Sales Managers on the procurement and distribution of POS materials.
• Collect and assess Sales Team feedback on promotions and POS materials, ensuring concerns are addressed effectively.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Marketing or a related field, or equivalent qualification.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in FMCG, agency, or the liquor industry.(specifically managing a luxury brand portfolio)
• Familiarity with the category and its dynamics is essential.
• Extensive experience with ERP systems, including Data Orbis, Qlik View, and Qlik Sense.

Core Competencies

• Strong brand awareness and a comprehensive understanding of the marketing mix.
• Exceptional analytical skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Proven experience in planning and executing events effectively.
• In-depth understanding of market trends with the ability to adapt strategies accordingly.
• High levels of creativity and the ability to generate innovative, original ideas.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent relationship management skills for building and maintaining stakeholder connections.
• Proficiency in managing and allocating budgets effectively.
• Strong time management and project coordination skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strategic thinking skills to conceptualize impactful campaigns.
• Focused on achieving results with a high degree of accountability.

Attributes

• Business-savvy with a high degree of commercial awareness.
• A proactive "starter/finisher" mindset to ensure projects are seen through to completion.

Package & Remuneration

700-960k p/a