Marketing Brand Manager, Core

Job Description

Job Description

The Brand Manager is responsible for driving the day-to-day management and growth of the brand(s). This role is accountable for executing brand strategies, leading annual marketing plan development, and driving cross-functional initiatives to deliver strong business performance and brand health. Working closely with the Director, the Brand Manager translates strategic priorities into actionable plans, identifies growth opportunities through consumer and business insights, and leads execution across key consumer, customer and organizational touchpoints.

This is a critical role that helps set the course for the cross-functional team, leading with a collaborative, inspiring vision and making data-driven decisions to support brand growth and business objectives.

Based out of our Neptune City, NJ facility, this position is onsite five days per week.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:
Integrated Marketing Execution:

• Lead the development and execution of integrated marketing initiatives across retail, eCommerce, digital, social, and shopper marketing channels in partnership with internal eCommerce, Sales, and Creative teams.
• Ensure consistent brand voice, visual identity, and product claims across all consumer touchpoints.
• Support product launch initiatives through cross-functional planning and execution.
• Evaluate campaign performance and recommend optimizations to improve effectiveness and return on investment.

Consumer & Market Insights:

• Leverage consumer research, analytics, syndicated data, and marketplace trends to understand consumer needs, behaviors, and category dynamics.
• Translate insights into actionable marketing recommendations, messaging strategies, innovation opportunities, and business-building initiatives.
• Monitor brand performance, competitive activity, and consumer response to identify opportunities and risks.
• Develop data-driven recommendations that support brand growth, customer development, and long-term business objectives.

Commercial & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with Sales to support retailer sell-in efforts, customer presentations, annual planning processes, and promotional strategy development.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure successful execution of key initiatives.
• Serve as a key point of coordination across functions to align teams and drive projects from concept through execution.

Business & Performance Management:

• Manage brand marketing budgets and track spending against plan while ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Analyze sales performance, distribution, velocity, promotional effectiveness, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and business risks.
• Prepare clear, concise, data-driven business updates and recommendations for leadership.
• Contribute to annual business planning, brand reviews and performance assessments.
• Track key business and brand health metrics to ensure progress against objectives.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:
Required Skills & Experience:

• 3-5+ years of progressive marketing or brand management experience within CPG or a related consumer products industry.
• Experience leading cross-functional marketing initiatives and managing projects from strategy through execution.
• Experience working with national retail customers and eCommerce distribution channels.
• Strong analytical capabilities with experience leveraging consumer, sales, and syndicated data to drive decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization.
• Excellent project management, communication, and presentation skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in CPG, particularly within the pet care, food or adjacent consumer categories.
• Experience with omnichannel marketing, including eCommerce, digital media and retail activation.
• MBA or advanced degree.
• Familiarity with syndicated data sources (e.g., Circana, Nielsen, or IRI).

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Free Life and Disability Insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401 (k) with a 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to thousands of free online courses.
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications).
• Referral Program with a cash bonus.
• Access to on-demand pay.
• Paid parental leave.

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands, including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin®, and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.