Senior Brand Manager

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Who are we

Yamamotoyama U.S.A., a certified Great Place to Work, stands as a testament to the art of traditional Japanese green tea and nori seaweed products, upholding a commitment to unparalleled quality since 1690. Our culture is enriched by diverse backgrounds, all striving to find their unique voice in a harmonious blend. This spirit of unity in diversity extends to our portfolio, which includes the globally recognized Stash Tea Company, offering an expansive array of premium teas. In addition, we proudly present Ujido, a brand deeply rooted in the art and tradition of Japanese Matcha. Our dedication to excellence is not just in our products, but in the mosaic of voices that shape our legacy.

Purpose of the role:

We're looking for a dynamic Senior Brand Manager to lead brand strategy and elevate business performance across our diverse Stash Tea product portfolio . This role will support key initiatives to expand distribution, accelerate sales velocity, and grow market share by collaborating with cross-functional teams across the organization. Requires a strong understanding of CPG business and marketing fundamentals, along with analytical insights, to drive consumer awareness, trial, and long-term loyalty.

We Encourage You to Apply: If you're a strategic, results-driven marketer with a passion for building brands, we'd love to hear from you! We understand that not everyone fits perfectly into a list of qualifications. If you are passionate about this role, our product, and our history, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the listed requirements. We value diverse experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Brand Strategy - Develop long-term brand strategies, including value propositions and integrated marketing plans. Develop holistic view of macro trends, category & competitive landscape, and an understanding of consumer motivations to identify key opportunities to drive brand growth. Partner with sales, finance and operations to develop annual and long-term business plans, including revenue and profitability targets. Serve as a thought leader within the organization, providing strategic recommendations and influencing key business decisions.
• Portfolio Management: Be a subject matter expert across the Stash Tea product portfolio. Lead portfolio optimization efforts, evaluating product mix, pricing and positioning to ensure a strong, competitive lineup. Assess product performance and profitability; direct improvements and/or SKU rationalizations to maximize efficiency, profitability, and growth. Proactively look for opportunities to improve margins.
• Business Performance - Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the business. Partner with Trade Analyst to keep track of brand performance, including sales, market share, and competitive dynamics to identify key opportunities/challenges and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Innovation Pipeline: Develop 3 year innovation pipeline (line extensions, renovation, new pack/format). Collaborate with Innovation Brand Manager and other cross-functional teams to recommend and develop new products and/or improve upon existing products based on consumer needs, market trends and brand goals.
• Budget Management: Manage the overall marketing budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize ROI.
• Integrated Marketing Planning: Develop and execute the integrated marketing communications plan to engage with consumers through each marketing touchpoint. based on strategic objectives provided by VP of Marketing.
• Retail & Channel Strategy : Work closely with the Sales Team to develop shopper marketing strategies that drive velocity and enhance shelf presence. Collaborate with Integrated Marketing Brand Manager to deliver exceptional excellence.
• Cross-functional collaboration : Partner with internal teams, including R&D, supply chain, sales, and finance, to develop strategies and accomplish strategic goals.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of CPG brand management experience, preferably in food & beverage.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.
• Experience in portfolio optimization, SKU rationalization, and product lifecycle management.
• Proven track record of successfully leading product launches and business growth initiatives.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills, with a collaborative nature and experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, cross-functional environment
• Passion for health and wellness and consumer-driven brand building is a plus.

The annual pay range for this full-time position is $140,000 - $160,000 . Our pay ranges are guided by the discipline, level, and experience required. Within the range, individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including your specific location, desired skills/ technical competency, relevant experience, and advanced education/ training. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, LTD, EAP, Wellness Stipend, Vacation Accrual, and 401(k) with Safe Harbor Contribution. In addition, we offer our employees discounts on our product, tuition reimbursement, continuing education support, and more!

Yamamotoyama is an equal opportunity employer. At Yamamotoyama, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that cultivates creativity and innovation. Although rich in history, innovation is woven into our DNA, and this demands diversity of thought. Our commitment to serving our community wholeheartedly compels us to embrace a broad spectrum of perspectives, backgrounds, regions, and experiences.