Brand Manager

Reporting to: Category and Innovation Manager

Location: Montague Gardens, Western Cape

Purpose of the role:

An exciting opportunity exists for a hands-on, commercially driven Brand Manager to join our dynamic team. In this execution-focused role, you’ll be responsible for managing day-to-day brand operations and ensuring the seamless rollout of brand management initiatives across a portfolio of globally recognised food brands.

You’ll work closely with internal departments, agency partners, and retail and foodservice customers to support flawless brand execution, product launches, manage trade and promotional activity, and oversee brand visibility across both physical and digital channels.

1. Brand Strategy Development & Execution

• Drive positioning and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies for international brands.
• Define and apply consistent brand guidelines, messaging, and visual identity across touchpoints.
• Develop and implement comprehensive brand strategies to position the company's products or services effectively in our markets.

2. Marketing Campaigns & Product Launches

• Lead brand management campaigns in collaboration with internal teams and external agencies.
• Manage new product launches and adapt global strategies for the South African market.
• Oversee all digital media, social engagement, e-commerce presence, and in-store activation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute brand advertising campaigns, product launches, and promotions tailored to international markets.
• Lead creative development, including advertising, packaging, and content creation, ensuring cultural relevance and appeal.

3. Category & Channel Management

• Use data tools like DataOrbis, Nielsen or Cercana (IRI) to drive actionable insights.
• Lead joint business planning (JBP) with major retailers and channel-specific activation for foodservice.

4. Budget Management

• Manage brand budgets, forecasts, and expenses effectively.

• Manage claims, accruals, and financial controls aligned with commercial goals.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, agency partners, and key customers.
• Collaborate closely with sales, technical, operations, finance, demand planning and other cross functional teams to deliver business results.

6. Insights & Trend Monitoring

• Monitor category trends, competitor activity, and consumer behavior to inform decision-making.
• Champion consumer-led innovation and brand relevance.
• Stay updated on industry trends, competitor activities, and best practices in international branding and marketing.
• Use insights to inform and adjust brand strategies as needed.

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in brand management, with a strong focus on executional delivery within FSR Sectors.
• Proven ability to manage day-to-day brand management activities, including promotional rollouts, in-store activations, digital content coordination, and campaign execution.
• Solid understanding of retail and food service environments, including shopper behaviour, channel-specific execution.
• Competence in handling trade and promotional spend, claims tracking, basic budget reconciliation, and marketing financial admin.
• Hands-on exposure to using data platforms such as DataOrbis, Nielsen, Cercana (IRI) or equivalent tools to support category and channel insights.
• Familiarity with coordinating external agencies (creative, digital, and media) to ensure timely and accurate delivery of assets.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel proficiency, including lookups, pivot tables, and basic data analysis for reporting and planning purposes.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, including the creation of professional, engaging, and visually impactful presentations.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills, with the confidence to deliver presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

• Champion for Good
• Team Collaboration
• Attention to Detail
• Numerical & Analytical Ability
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving Capability
• Proactive Mindset
• Independence & Resilience Under Pressure