Brand Manager

We are recruiting for an energetic, passionate and skilled Brand Manager with previous experience in a brand management role to join our small and dynamic Marketing Team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing, building, and raising awareness of our award-winning and market leading cheese brands, in particular Applewood and our Licensed brands. Note that these listed brands may be added or varied to respond to the demands of the business.Duties:Brand Plans and Strategy: Develop and execute the brand plans and strategies for defined brands across the UK and international markets, ensuring (monitoring and measuring) that they drive the key metrics agreed for the brands – eg penetration, GM%, awareness etc.Campaign Development: Develop the strategy, creation and management of marketing campaigns.Content Creation: Collaborate with a range of agencies to develop compelling and on-brand messaging and content for marketing campaigns to engage the target audience e.g., social media and influencer content, graphics, media, advertisements, PR, photography, and videography.Design & Artwork Management: Manage all UK and international artwork for the selected brands; from briefing projects into the design agency through to sending artwork to print.Product Management: Lead the management of the product portfolio, including pricing, SKU management, and co-developing NPD with Product Development that aligns with brand image and meets consumer needs.Innovation commerciality: Own business case, innovation opportunity, launch strategy and post launch reviews for branded innovationDigital Strategy: Take ownership of the digital strategy and work closely with the social media agency to execute an engaging social media plan that reflects brand plans.Website Development: Keep websites up to date and improve SEO using WordPress CMSMarket Research: Conduct market research to gather insights and data on brand awareness, brand performance and positioning, consumer perceptions and preferences, trends, and competitor activities within the cheese industry. Help identify new innovative opportunities.Reporting: Create monthly and quarterly performance reports.Data Analysis: Analyse marketing campaign performance and ROI, consumer feedback, sales, and market data to identify areas for improvement and optimisation.Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with various departments, particularly the sales, NPD, production, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless execution of marketing plans and product availability.Present: Support the Sales Team by creating engaging sell-in and brand plan presentations which excite the retailerPromotion Planning: Help the SBM and Sales Team to develop winning online and in-store promotion plans.Budget Management: Assist in budget planning and tracking, ensuring that marketing initiatives stay within allocated budgets.Brand Compliance: Function as a custodian for the brands. Ensure that all marketing materials and activities are up to date and adhere to brand guidelines.Consumer Engagement: Engage with consumers, respond to enquiries, comments, and reviews to enhance brand loyalty.Functional skills:Brand Strategy and Positioning:Understanding Brand Values: Familiarize with the company's brand values, mission, and vision.Brand Consistency: Ensure consistency in brand messaging across different marketing channels.Competitor Analysis: Assist in analyzing competitor branding strategies to identify opportunities for differentiation.Brand Message Alignment: Align marketing efforts with the brand's positioning and messaging guidelines.Marketing Strategy and Campaign Management:Campaign Support: Assist in the execution of marketing campaigns across various channels.Content Calendar Management: Help in maintaining the content calendar for marketing initiatives and campaigns.Campaign Performance Tracking: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) for marketing campaigns and report findings.Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and execution of marketing strategies.Marketing and Brand Communication:Content Creation: Create engaging content for social media posts, blog articles, and email newsletters.Social Media Management: Manage social media platforms and engage with followers to build brand equity.Copywriting: Write compelling copy for advertisements, website content, and promotional materials.Graphic Design: Assist in designing visual assets such as graphics, banners, and infographics.Market Analysis and Consumer Insights:Market Research Support: Assist in conducting market research activities such as surveys, focus groups, and competitor analysis.Data Collection: Collect and analyse data on consumer demographics, preferences, and behaviour.Trend Monitoring: Monitor industry trends and consumer behaviour patterns to identify emerging opportunities and threats.Consumer Feedback Handling: Handle consumer feedback and inquiries, providing insights to relevant teams for action.Background and profile:A passionate foodie - especially cheese!Previous experience in a fast-paced FMCG Brand Management roleProven track record in brand and campaign managementInterpersonal skills and qualifications:Marketing or related degree holderProactive, self-motivated, dedicated, and positive approachComfortable managing and singing off UK and international artwork whilst following internal processesGreat project management skillsGood presenting skillsStrategic, creative, and innovative thinkerWell versed in digital marketing, particularly using WordPress CMS, SEO, various social media platforms, social media ads and analytics, Sprout Social or Hootsuite, and Google AdsConfident working independently, using own initiative and making decisions, as well as being able to work cross-functionally and as part of a teamStrong attention to detail with an eye for designExcellent verbal and written communication skillsExceptional organisation, planning and time management skills with the ability to multitask and work under pressure in a fast-paced roleData analysis and interpretationBudget managementGood IT skills with an in-depth knowledge of MS Office Suite, particularly PowerPointFull UK driving licenseAlways raise queries and concerns upwards with line management in a professional mannerListen first, prior to responding – and respect others may have a different perspective or opinionHelp colleagues to succeed by helping them understand what drives performance or the business better.Demonstrate self-confidence, by challenging poor behaviour and practices in the appropriate mannerOwn your responsibilities and do what’s rightAdmit own mistakes and learn by them