Senior Brand Manager

• An established company based in Muizenberg, Cape Town, is seeking a Senior Brand Manager to manage two product categories, drive brand growth and profitability, identify new product opportunities and oversee product development and launches.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Take full ownership of the overall strategy, performance and profitability of two assigned product categories.
• Develop and implement category strategies to drive sales growth, profitability, market share and brand positioning.
• Manage the full product lifecycle, from market research and product development through to commercialisation and product launch.
• Identify new product opportunities and drive innovation based on market trends, competitor activity and consumer insights.
• Analyse sales performance, market trends and consumer data to identify opportunities and support strategic decision-making.
• Develop and manage pricing, promotional and product positioning strategies to maximise category performance.
• Monitor category performance against commercial targets and proactively implement strategies to address gaps and drive growth.
• Work closely with the Sales team to provide category insights, product training and marketing support.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop and execute integrated marketing campaigns, trade shows and digital initiatives to strengthen brand awareness and drive sales.
• Lead and manage cross-functional projects, working closely with Operations, Production, Sales, Purchasing, Finance and Graphics.
• Manage project budgets, timelines and supplier relationships, ensuring successful delivery within agreed parameters.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders to support category development and business objectives.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Marketing, Business Management, Project Management or a related field.
• 3–5 years' experience in Brand Management, Category Management or Marketing.
• Proven experience managing product categories from concept through to commercialisation.
• Experience managing multiple product categories, with responsibility for category performance, growth and profitability.
• Strong commercial acumen and an understanding of market trends, consumer behaviour and product positioning.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with the ability to analyse sales data and interpret commercial performance.
• Experience working with suppliers, manufacturers and cross-functional teams.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel for trade shows, customer visits and store visits when required.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute category strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of sales, profitability, pricing and market dynamics.
• Project Management: Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and competing deadlines.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Proactively identifies opportunities, drives innovation and takes ownership of outcomes.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Confident in leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to interpret data, evaluate performance and make informed commercial decisions.
• Initiative & Drive: Proactive, self-motivated and able to work with a strong sense of urgency.
• Problem-Solving: Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to navigate challenges and find practical solutions.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains high standards of accuracy and quality.
• Consumer-Focused: Understands consumer needs and translates insights into effective category strategies.
• Results-Driven: Goal-oriented, with a strong focus on achieving measurable commercial outcomes.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with suppliers, colleagues and senior stakeholders.