Brand Manager

Work Location: Chicago


Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.


Want to make an impact?


In this hybrid Base and Innovation role, the Brand Manager translates brand(s) strategies and initiatives into the brand Portfolio Strategy. This individual will also be responsible for developing a 5-year innovation pipeline and launching new innovations in the 1-2 year horizon. They are actively engaged in several important business processes to support portfolio growth objectives across Velocity, Distribution, and Innovation - such as Brand Plan development, Innovation Pipeline development, Brand P&L management, Innovation Product Launches, Portfolio Forecasting, Channel Strategies / Plans, Presentation Development. Effective and on point Senior Leadership and Cross-functional communication is a very critical component of the role.

Finally, the Brand Manager should be a key contributor within our Ferrara One Community - and would help support our culture - living and driving our Core Values of Respect, Collaboration, Imagination, Excellence, and Responsibility.

Ways you will make a difference

• Portfolio Strategy: Support the translation of brand(s) strategies and initiatives into an actionable Portfolio Strategy to enable efficient growth of the portfolio.
• Portfolio Management: Support the collaboration within cross functional business units, as well across internal key stakeholders (Brand Marketing, Growth / Innovation, Marketing Services, and Finance) to deploy direction that achieves business plan objectives to support the whole portfolio.
• Commercialization Oversight: Build ideas based on a foundation of product and packaging commercialization viability that will deliver strong financial performance - this will require strong business model savvy, a general management aptitude, and strong partnerships with cross functional resources to deliver results
• Financial Management: Own Profit and Loss and Forecasting responsibility for portfolio.
• Innovation Pipeline Development: Lead development of 5-year Innovation pipeline to drive incremental growth for our portfolio, deliver against business strategies, and meet target consumer needs. This includes differentiated product and packaging ideas in current and future potential categories.
• Innovation: Oversee cross-functional commercialization team to deliver new innovation and ongoing pack extensions and renovations - including quality improvements- packaging updates and recipe changes.
• Consumer: Collaborate with Insights and Category Leadership teams via primary and secondary data to unlock portfolio and product opportunities for the brand.
• Communications: Develop best-in-class 360 Communications campaigns inclusive of Shopper to deliver on brand positioning by leveraging brand distinctive assets.
• Provide strong leadership to create direction and inspire greatness with cross functional teams. A "can do" attitude with a strong drive for results will be necessary to overcome obstacles and motivate the team through project ebbs and flows.

Skills that will make you successful

• Results driven: Clear understanding of business objectives and driving towards them
• Collaborative: Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Planning and Organizing: Strong attention to detail
• Time management: Able to manage and prioritize multiple projects at one time
• Financial acumen: Comfortable managing P&L and uncovering drivers/drags within
• Marketing Communications acumen: Experience managing 360 Marketing campaigns inclusive of Shopper.
• Customer focused: Ability to work with account specific teams, key vendors and customers
• Critical thinker: Able to problem solve
• Strong communication skills: oral, written, and active listening
• Bias for action: Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's degree required, MBA preferred
• Minimum 4-6 years’ Marketing and/or Product Development experience
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite
• Proficiency with Primary and Secondary Qualitative and Quantitative data
• IRI experience a plus

What We Offer


At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at


Compensation


The salary range for this role is $114,450 - $160,230 annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago