Marketing Associate Brand Manager

About the Job

The Associate Brand Manager is responsible for driving the day-to-day management and growth of the brand(s). This role is accountable for driving the brand strategy execution, marketing plan development, and cross-functional coordination to deliver strong business performance and brand health. This is a critical role to set the course for the cross-functional team, leading with a collaborative, inspiring vision and making data-based decisions along the journey.

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

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

Integrated Marketing Execution:

• Support execution of marketing initiative online and in-store in partnership with internal eCommerce, Sales, and Creative teams.
• Partner with Creative and Media teams to develop brand-right messaging and assets.
• Ensure consistent brand voice, visuals, and claims across all consumer touchpoints.

Consumer & Market Insights:

• Leverage consumer research, analytics, and syndicated data to understand consumer needs and behaviors.
• Translate insights into actionable marketing strategies, messaging, and innovation input.
• Track brand performance and consumer response to inform strategic recommendations and business development.

Commercial & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with Sales to support retailer sell-in, customer presentations, and promotional planning.
• Collaborate with Finance on budget management, forecasting, and ROI analysis.
• Work cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Legal, Quality, and Customer Care as needed.

Business & Performance Management:

• Manage brand marketing budgets and track spend versus plan.
• Analyze sales performance, distribution, and velocity to identify opportunities and risks.
• Prepare clear, data-driven updates and recommendations for leadership.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:

Required Skills & Experience:

• 1-2+ years of marketing or brand management experience in CPG.
• Experience supporting or leading brand initiatives with national retail and eCommerce distribution.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Solid analytical skills and comfort working with data to inform decisions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in a matrixed organization.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in CPG, specifically petcare or food, categories.
• Experience with omnichannel marketing, including eCommerce and digital media.
• Familiarity with syndicated data sources (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, Circana).

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.