Brand Manager

Brand Manager

Ruiz Foods—family owned since 1964 and one of the largest Hispanic-owned companies in the U.S.—is seeking a high-impact Brand Manager to lead growth for El Monterey, the #1 frozen Mexican food brand in the US. This role owns end-to-end strategy of a key business segment, blending strategic thinking with hands-on execution to drive market share and profitable growth.

As Brand Manager, you will translate long-term priorities and insights into winning strategies and annual brand plans. You'll partner cross-functionally to build compelling, data-driven go-to-market strategies that fuel customer growth while leading innovation and renovation product initiatives from concept to launch. This role requires a strong operator who can manage portfolio performance, deliver against financial targets, all while ensuring brand consistency and impact across touchpoints. Success in this role requires an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for great food, consumer curiosity and the ability to lead projects and people to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Are you looking for career development opportunities in an exciting company that cares about its team members and consumers alike? Come join our team and help us continue our industry-leading track record of growth, quality, and delicious food!

COMPENSATION: 130,000 - 155,000/year Depending on Experience, Bonus Eligible

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategy & Insights: analyze market trends, consumer research, and customer performance to guide both our short and long-term strategy; make recommendations to increase consumer preference and grow the business rooted in insights; assist with marketing research as needed
• Annual Brand Planning: translate long-term priorities into actionable brand initiatives; lead creation of the annual marketing / brand plan for your assigned segments of the business to accomplish company goals.
• Brand Management / Marketing: own the brand and drive marketing initiatives that contribute market share and profitable growth for your assigned segments; track performance and adjust plans to achieve results
• Product Innovation & Renovation: lead I&R product development from idea to launch and optimize the portfolio for assigned segments; contribute to the development of the long-term innovation pipeline and price pack architecture for the brand; build strong partnership with R&D, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain and Finance leads for best-in-class execution.
• Go to Market: Work in close collaboration with sales, category management, e-commerce, and other commercial partners to develop fact based / data-driven selling stories that position the brand, our products, and various key initiatives as growth propositions to our customers.
• Project Management: strong organizational skills and demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and outside agencies to commercialize new ideas; Smartsheets experience a plus.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: proven ability to use consumer research, syndicated / market data, and financial analysis to identify profitable growth opportunities; actively monitor category and competitive activity to inform business decisions and reporting for leadership.
• Budget Management: manage annual budget to ensure business units meet financial goals; P&L experience a plus.
• People Management: ability to coach and develop direct reports to get the best from them; contribute to building their marketing capabilities and leadership skills

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven 5+ years experience in marketing, preferably within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) of food / beverage industry.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field; MBA a plus.
• Highly curious and a strategic thinker with P&L understanding.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to translate data into actionable insights and brand performance narratives; IRI/Nielsen/Circana experience required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with other departments and outside agencies to accomplish objectives
• Must have strong organizational skills, ability to navigate ambiguity, and a bias for action