Brand Manager

**Introduction**:
About the Company

At Hutchinsons we are passionate about bringing New Zealanders a World of Food. Established in 1914, we have a long track record in sourcing international and local food brands for New Zealanders to enjoy with friends and family.

We provide the opportunity to support our brand partners and customers’ business growth in the dynamic, fast moving consumer goods market.

We have experience, local knowledge and an exceptional business model - from purchasing, logistics, warehousing, ordering, account management, field sales and merchandising support and marketing.

The team at Hutchinsons is highly professional, reliable and responsive, with a never give up attitude.

**Description**:
About the Role

We have an excellent opportunity for a Brand Manager to join a close-knit team and be responsible for a portfolio which includes both company owned and well known global partner brands.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing brand plans and executing across all facets of the marketing mix, both consumer and trade, including product, packaging, promotion & price, to support Hutchinsons business objectives.

**Responsibilities will include**:
Take ownership of the Brand Strategy for Hutchinsons owned brands.
Develop and execute the Annual Brand Plans (owned brands) and Annual Tactical Plans (Partner Brands), including consumer, shopper and trade elements.
End to end management of product lifecycle (from NPD to rationalisation) to optimise product mix and brand P&L
Identify market trends and analyse performance to find opportunities
Manage marketing budgets effectively.
Collaborate cross functionally to ensure brand agenda is understood and executed.
Align with Brand Partners on tactical plans and investment.
Collaborate with Brand Partners to leverage research and insights, launch NPD and identify growth opportunities.
Main point of contact with Brand Partner including regular monthly meetings, reporting and well as hosting in market visits as required.
Maintain or improve Brand Partner satisfaction through strong relationship management and in market execution.
Collaborate with Key Account Team to deliver strong brand and business outcomes from customer Category Reviews.
Collaborate with the Key Account and Field Management Team on both forward planning and “go to market” execution, providing clear and timely direction on brand objectives and activity to ensure executional excellence.
Support the sales team to ensure they have the tools necessary to succeed in meeting brand and business objectives.

Skills and Experience

Proven experience in strategic and executional elements of brand management
Exceptional ability to understand various stakeholders needs and is creative in delivering solutions
Organised & planned with the ability manage multiple projects at one time.
Strong communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written
Creative thinker with the ability to challenge the status quo and be open to new ideas and ways of doing things
Analytical ability to provide insight for own brands and brand partners, ensuring they are highly informed of progress.
Attention to detail, always delivering accurate communication and materials
Interact with honesty, take ownership and accountability for own behaviour
You can influence effectively across cross-functional teams and work collaboratively to deliver results and “win together”.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence and negotiate with a diversity of internal and external stakeholders at all levels
Demonstrated record supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a complex operating environment.
Ability to adapt positively to changing conditions or unexpected obstacles.

The Benefits

A superb company culture
Supportive management
Competitive remuneration
Ongoing training and professional development
Brand new offices
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)