Brand Manager

The Business / Brand Manager serves as the primary point of contact for suppliers and customers, overseeing brand performance, sales growth, inventory management, promotional activities, and day-to-day brand operations. This role works closely with the Sales Manager, Vice President, Customer Service, Accounts Receivable, and Warehouse teams to achieve sales targets and ensure efficient brand management. Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers and customers regarding all brand-related matters. Conduct regular territory visits (approximately 50% of the time) to understand market dynamics, customer needs, and growth opportunities. Respond promptly to supplier and customer inquiries regarding product availability, pricing, discounts, discontinued items, and other brand-related matters. Assist the Customer Service team with questions and issues related to brand products, SKUs, availability, and order management. 2. Sales Performance & Business Growth Take ownership of achieving monthly sales budgets and brand sales targets. Review brand performance monthly by comparing year-to-date (YTD) results against prior-year performance and supplier targets. Monitor sales performance and identify opportunities to drive growth and improve results. Provide monthly updates to the Sales Manager on orders needed to achieve sales targets, as well as upcoming promotions and sales activities. Review open-order sales reports to ensure monthly sales figures are accurate. Communicate necessary sales adjustments to the Sales Manager. Ensure alignment with supplier purchase targets and collaborate with the Sales Manager and Vice President to address any issues and determine appropriate next steps. 3. Inventory & Purchase Order Management Review monthly stock orders and ensure inventory is ordered according to demand and business needs. Monitor inventory levels and product rotation to minimize the risk of expiration and warehouse losses. Follow up on incoming purchase orders (POs) to ensure products arrive in time to fulfill customer orders. Track outstanding POs and products the warehouse is waiting to receive, including expected arrival dates, to maximize order completeness. Ensure inventory availability supports sales targets and customer demand. 4. Reporting & Administrative Responsibilities Complete all supplier-required reporting, including monthly sales reports, inventory reports, and other requested documentation. Maintain accurate and up-to-date cost files and order guides. Communicate relevant pricing, cost, and product updates to the appropriate team members and ensure necessary system updates are completed. Ensure invoices for direct orders are received in time for monthly financial closing. Coordinate with Accounts Receivable (A/R) to follow up on customers with past-due balances. 5. Marketing & Promotional Budget Management Review and approve marketing activities and promotional initiatives in accordance with company guidelines and approved budgets. Ensure suppliers reimburse or fund all approved promotional activities as agreed. Manage brand-specific promotional budgets and accruals to ensure expenses remain within approved limits. Monitor promotional effectiveness and ensure activities support sales and brand growth objectives. 6. Cross-Functional Coordination Collaborate with the Sales Manager, Vice President, Customer Service, Accounts Receivable, and Warehouse teams to support overall brand performance. Communicate operational issues, inventory concerns, purchasing needs, and sales opportunities to the appropriate stakeholders. Coordinate purchasing and inventory availability to support timely and complete customer order fulfillment. Key Performance Expectations Achievement of monthly sales budgets and supplier targets. Consistent brand growth compared with prior-year performance. Accurate and timely supplier reporting and monthly financial closing. Effective inventory management and product rotation. Timely receipt of inventory and improved order fulfillment. Proper management of promotional budgets and supplier-funded activities. Strong supplier and customer relationships. #J-18808-Ljbffr