Brand Manager

Brand ManagerOur Brand Manager will support the development and execution of short- and long-term marketing initiatives in the filled pasta category, including new item development, planning and execution, retail channel management, innovation, and brand activation. This role operates in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial environment, where success is driven by strong execution, cross-functional partnership, and the ability to influence stakeholders within a centralized decision-making structure.Key ResponsibilitiesNew Item Development Create R&D briefs including product design, pricing and packagingCreate volume forecast for all new item projectsCoordinate & facilitate bi-weekly new item meeting for RetailWork with cross functional team to bring new items to market Support new item development of new US & Canada pasta line extensionsSupport the expansion into new pasta categories/formats and brandsBuild customer sell in decks for new item projectsEnsure all projects are launched on timeUncover insights to aid in new item developmentArtwork & Physical Packaging Development Work with Design on creative briefsWork with Innovations and Procurement to develop new packaging structures as neededAssist Sales with new item sell-in Attend key customer new item sales presentations as the product expertConsumer & Shopper Marketing Planning & Execution Manage marketing budgets for Pasta Category & New BrandsWork with customers and agencies to build shopper marketing plans and execute on those plans throughout the yearInstore activities Lead shelftalk planning & creation across all customersLead box talker planning & creation across key customers (i.e. Walmart, Target)Manage creation & delivery of instore trays, coolers, shelf strips, & shelf dividers across all customers.Lead instore demos & display planning & executionIdentify & support the development of new tools, agencies, and capabilities for standing out instore and digitallyAt home activities Lead digital coupon planning & creation for Pasta CategoryLead iBotta offer planning & creation for Walmart for Pasta CategoryLead direct mailer planning with Kroger for Pasta CategoryDevelop new tools, agencies, and capabilities for being more relevant at homeOnline activities Lead search ad planning & creation for Pasta CategoryLead banner display ad planning & creation for Pasta CategoryEnsure that online content is accurate at all retailersSocial/Digital Content Marketing When approved, lead the planning and execution of all social/digital activities (i.e. lasagna or TakeHome)Measure and track performance of all marketing activities in the Pasta CategoryRetail Channel Management Assortment Mix Manage product mix to ensure profitability and strong category velocitiesProvide category mix insights and recommendations to sales teamManage discontinuationsMargin Management Constantly look for cost savings that will not impact product qualityInvestigate ways to improve pricing and lower customer margin requirementsProvide demand planning, packaging procurement, and ingredient procurement with accurate forecast and help reduce waste costCompetitive Analysis Keep a pulse on competitor's actions in store through IRI, 84.51, and other data sourcesMake leadership aware of new competitive products, pricing, or packaging changesBe proactive in proposing actions for velocity or distribution improvementContinuous Improvement Continuously uncover areas for product quality and communications improvementsDevelop new business processes to improve company efficiency and accuracyVolume planning and achievement Build annual volume budgets for the Pasta Category and new brandsMonitor and deliver volume goalsKey Skills & ExperienceBachelor's degree in marketing or closely related field is required, MBA Preferred3+ years' experience in ABM/Brand Management requiredExperience with Consumer-Packaged Goods industry requiredStrong analytical, intrapersonal, & communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and bring structure to complex, fast-paced environmentsStrong work ethic with a consistent drive to deliver results and meet commitmentsCapable of balancing collaboration and assertiveness—able to influence stakeholders while confidently sharing perspectivesThrives in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment with a willingness to roll up sleeves and execute at all levelsAppreciation for and ability to thrive within a family-owned business cultureAbility to work with a wide variety of individuals inside & outside the organization and maintain regular contact with all stakeholdersCompensation: Starting at $120,000 AnnuallyAbout Us : Rana is an international Company present in over 60 countries, with a turnover close to $1.5 billion. Founded by Giovanni Rana in 1962, the Company has been led for over 35 years by Gian Luca Rana, CEO and pioneer of the internationalization project that has led the Group to become a leader worldwide in the production and marketing of fresh food products (filled and unfilled pasta, gnocchi, sauces and ready meals). Rana focuses its investments in the following areas: the creation of jobs (our workforce doubled in the last five years), the research and development, with the aim of offering Consumers delicious products made of the highest quality ingredients. The Rana Group has always made innovation its strength, both in the technological field (with the registration of dozens of product and process patents) and in communication.As a family-owned Company, we are united by strong Values and the aspiration of building a better future for the next generations. Ethics and sustainability are the cornerstones of our sixty-two years of history, which have made our business healthy and constantly growing. Today, Rana has 8 factories (6 in Europe and 2 in the US) and is a large family of 3,500 People. The engines of our continued success will keep being innovation, internationalization, passion and constant search for excellence in everything we do.Rana is committed to providing a workplace of diversity and inclusion. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Decisions related to hiring, compensation, training, evaluating performance, or termination are made fairly. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates and selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.NOTICE TO STAFFING FIRMS, AGENCIES AND EMPLOYMENT VENDORS:Rana Meal Solutions and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters without a signed Fee Agreement in place AND before the resume is inputted into our applicant tracking system. Vendor solicitation should be directed to the Human Resource Department directly; as such, firms that circumvent the required compliant process will be barred from submitting candidates. In the absence of a signed fee agreement AND proper resume submission, RMS does not recognize any claim on a candidate by a third party, will consider unsolicited resumes the property of the company and reserves