Brand Manager, QSR

• Coordinates to lead teams to manage cross-functional co-development innovations, including chain new product development (LTOs and core menu), product renovations or specification changes, packaging design, artwork approvals, SKU and materials management and financial feasibility exercises.
• Partner closely with Insights, Innovation and Go to Market Hub to identify and champion chain growth opportunities, translating market insights into strong go-to-market propositions. Partner on chain presentations and account specific programs.

• Act as portfolio lead on SCA initiatives that positively impact the P&L to achieve annual operating plan objectives, inclusive of SKU profitability and mix.

• Execute and optimize base business portfolio performance reporting and product lifecycle reviews to ensure an efficient and relevant portfolio that delivers to customer, category and commercial objectives.
• Consult on the AOC annual planning process, driving/influencing innovation, base business growth initiatives and supporting/enhancing brand positioning and commercial objectives, identifying budget needs.
• Champion the customer and consumer, understanding the entire value chain to deliver an integrated and synergistic execution of the strategy across functions.
• Lead, coach and develop direct and/or indirect reports creating an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing channel team
• Support monthly IBP operating rhythm; with Go to Market Hub to help drive to decisions and alignment that balance supply against demand—and drive positive mix and scale impact to financial performance of the business

• Proactively review tier two customer performance drivers, identifying key levers that positively impact the P&L and make recommendations to adjust as needed to achieve annual operating plan objectives, inclusive of SKU profitability and mix.

• Strategic leader who can drive category growth developing and executing where to play--how to win--what to do marketing strategies
• Bias for leading with customer and consumer insights, a demand-driven stance on the business, and an understanding of category & industry trends and intelligence — bringing teams along to win internally and in the marketplace

• A strong foundational understanding of marketing mix fundamentals

• Proven commercial acumen required to manage channel and project P&Ls to achieve financial goals (top and bottom-line), aligning and prioritizing work to deliver against KPIs and owning and executing strategic initiatives in line with goals (e.g., tier two co-development new product development)
• Solid understanding of the key drivers for the business / customer / category through financial knowledge of the SKUs under their portfolio and their contribution to the business.
• Proven analytical abilities, with ability to turn data into insights and action recommendations using internal and external data sources (Circana CREST, Datassential, Technomic, etc.)
• Acts as a category channel expert, understanding the industry, markets, channels, customers, consumers and competition

• Can toggle between high level strategic thinking and detail orientation
• The ability to deliver challenging goals, tenacious and accountable in driving results
• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through obstacles
• Proven project management skills to guarantee on time within scope delivery of projects
• Self-starter capable of navigating multiple projects, independent decision making and value creation
• Ability to influence through effective storytelling, can clearly summarize issues and communicate recommendations in a simple, compelling manner (verbally and written)

• Lead cross functional teams to ensure all team members are motivated, have clear goals and are vested in delivering the plans
• Strong ability to build rapport, with the aptitude to influence others towards a common goal
• Upskill and mentor the channel and project teams in knowledge of principles, concepts, strategies and techniques relating to project management, brand management and marketing

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field required; MBA strongly preferred
• Previous P&L and budget management experience
• Experience deriving insights from both primary consumer research and syndicated data
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Willingness to travel
• 5+ years of Marketing/Brand Management experience with P&L ownership of a large brand or portfolio of brands within the Consumer Packaged Goods industry in food.
• Working knowledge of principles, concepts, strategies and techniques relating to Foodservice marketing.
• Strong commercial acumen and financial know how in the food CPG space preferably in tier 1 or 2 matrixed organization
• Ability to understand entire value chain and where commercial can drive efficiencies and effectiveness
• Experience with customer facing engagements preferably with chain accounts.
• Strong ability to influence people and build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and customers.
• Experience working strategically and operationally, and adapt to fast paced, ambiguous environments while maintaining accountability.
• High degree of tenacity and persistence to get actions completed on schedule with a hands on approach when needed.
• Highly organized with premium analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and a track record of translating data into insights and action.
• Proven track record in delivering several complex projects at a time
• Adept with project management fundamentals with Stage-Gate process understanding to drive decision-making with gatekeepers

McCain Foods