Brand Manager - Pet Division

The W.F. Young team is seeking a Brand Manager-Pet who will build brand strategy, collaborate on new product development, execute omni-channel brand plans & promotions, and be the product expert for assigned brands to drive sales. This role is based in the East Longmeadow office.

The ideal candidate must have substantial brand management experience in CPG or animal health environment, managing a large brand portfolio, have a customer-first focus, be curious and always open to learning, be a team-player, have strong organizational skills, the ability to figure things out, positive energy, and a good sense of humor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Helps guide the strategy for assigned brands and is responsible for creating brand plans, media and content calendars, and promotional programs in support of company goals
• Owns P&L management of assigned brands to achieve sales and profitability goals and works with the team to adjust strategic approaches and plans to address market challenges and capitalize on opportunities as they arise
• Analyzes sales and brand performance reports and distills information into insights and recommended actions to drive growth for the brands and products
• Responsible for the execution of brand plans through collaboration with team members and agency partners for marketing communications, advertising, social media, content creation, PR, promotions, and related functions including the development of creative briefs, scheduling, production, distribution, and expense management necessary to execute plans
• Runs day-to-day relationship with agency partners for assigned brands to execute tactics outlined in annual brand plans, manages internal approvals, tracks budgets, and ensures all consumer facing communications are regulatory compliant
• Analyzes performance of marketing campaigns and uses data and insights to optimize creative and adjust tactics to achieve campaign goals
• Help build annual marketing budgets, sales forecasts, and promotional budgets
• Acts as the expert for the product lines within assigned brands and is the go-to person for knowledge on product features and benefits, usage, competitors, market size, consumer and trade sentiment, and trends that may affect the product or brand, and serves as the advocate for maintaining the highest standards of product quality and consumer experience
• Provides omni-channel support for sales through product training, creation and distribution of point of purchase materials, content creation, account-based marketing support, and tradeshow support
• Ensures timely communications across the organization regarding new product launches, advertising campaigns, promotions, and consumer feedback
• Participates in the Innovation Team to seek out and evaluate new products and product improvements and supports product development as the brand expert and voice of the consumer throughout the development process
• Research and prepares strategic market assessments and competitive profiles for existing business, new market opportunities, and new products
• Attends key meetings and events to enhance partnerships, provide support for marketing initiatives, evaluate effectiveness of promotional programs, support sales growth, support new product development, and to gain competitive and market insights
• Fields consumer and trade questions (calls, emails, social media, etc.) for products and provides support and training to the Customer Service team in support of best-in-class service with assigned brands
• Travels to and participate in consumer shows and trade shows to drive awareness, education, and sales of brands and products

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business – Marketing degree preferred
• 5+ years of marketing experience in brand management - consumer packaged goods (CPG) environment and animal health care experience highly preferred
• Experience managing a brand portfolio of $10+ million in revenue
• Passion for animals and comfort working around them
• Financial acumen, including ability to analyze P&L’s and sales reports
• Analytical skills and the ability to turn information in actionable insights
• Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Project leadership skills and the ability to prioritize high impact initiatives
• Highly developed problem-solving abilities
• Ability to hold yourself and others accountable for deadlines and deliverables
• Must be a team player and enjoy working in a highly collaborative environment
• Ability to act as an expert and advocate to champion projects and initiatives
• Knowledge of PC; Microsoft Office; including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel

• Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with Reimbursement Programs
• Educational Assistance Program & Professional Development Assistance Program
• Bonus Program
• Pet Discount Program & Pet Insurance
• Company Paid STD/LTD
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long Term Care Insurance
• 401(k) – with company match
• Paid Time Off Programs