Brand Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The full-time Firestone Walker Brand Manager is responsible for managing, developing, and leading the brand strategies and product development lifecycle for Firestone Walker Brands, as well as the marketing plans that deliver volume growth and profitability. A master storyteller with a strong understanding of California and craft beer culture, the Brand Manager is also a proven ability to bring products to market and drive consumer engagement, and sales. The Brand Manager lives and breathes California and Craft Beer culture and exemplifies the brand lifestyle with an understanding of how to connect with multiple consumers across various demographics with a specific focus on the 21-35YO consumer.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specifically, the responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

• Serve as the brand champion ensuring authentic brand positioning at all touchpoints.
• Manage product lifecycle plans based on industry trends, consumer behaviors, and market whitespace to ensure long-term dynamic growth of Firestone Walker brands.
• Plan, implement, and execute successful consumer and trade marketing programs, including strategic brand planning, market positioning, pricing, promotion, and advertising).
• Set brand planning calendar, coordinate cross-functional activities and planning processes, manage timelines, and ensure timely completion of all deliverables.
• Establish and maintain brand and marketing budgets as well as support P&L management.
• Utilize consumer and industry insights, including Neilsen, IRI, and others, to illuminate product innovation opportunities and create marketing programs that drive growth.
• Collaborate with sales team for specific strategies with key partners.
• Work with brewing teams to drive product innovation, testing, and trial of Firestone Walker products.
• Work with FWBC creative groups to build world-class packaging and campaigns that position the brand authentically to target drinkers.
• Work with FWBC’s media agencies to develop and manage advertising campaigns and media plans to drive sales lift, consideration and awareness.
• Lead tracking and analysis of brand campaign performance, identifying risks & opportunities, and reporting back to company finding and future plans.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments within the marketing team across social, digital, merchandising, shopper marketing, and experiential marketing groups to drive portfolio priorities to successful activation.
• Work with merchandising and creative teams to create successful point-of-sales marketing efforts for trade activation.
• Oversee strategic partnerships, including merchandising, apparel, and product placements.
• Management of earned media strategies in concert with FWBC PR and influencer teams to drive awareness, third party validation, and brand fame.
• Work with experiential marketing teams to develop local, regional and grassroots marketing strategies that drive sampling, and cultural connectivity in priority markets.
• Represent brand at top events, cultural moments, market visits, distributor and retail meetings.
• Regular travel for & attendance of market visits, ad campaign, photo, and video shoots.
  
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required or five years’ experience in marketing, brand management, or digital marketing across consumer products or beverage/alcohol brands.
• Solid communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills – exceptional attention to detail.
• Cross-functional team leadership and participation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and keynote (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• An understanding of how to connect with multiple consumers across various demographics with a specific focus on the 21-35YO consumer.
• Expertise in creating and managing culturally iconic brands.
• Intimate knowledge of consumer insights and turn them into actionable plans.
• Experience in product innovation and positioning of brands that connect to consumer lifestyles.
• Track record of launching multi-channel brand campaigns.
• Analytical skills - ability to measure performance and effectiveness within the brand platforms.
• Exceptional communication skills and great team player that is motivated to drive the team goals.
• Polished organizational skills with the ability to manage time and multiple projects.
• Forward-thinker who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions.
• Master relationship builder focused on developing brand, athlete, celebrity and other partnerships that expand the cultural reach of Firestone Walker
• Self-starter and team-oriented player with an infectiously positive “whatever it takes” attitude.
• A thirst for knowledge and desire to learn.

WHAT FIRESTONE WALKER OFFERS:

• Competitive pay rate for an experienced individual with the right skills
• An excellent benefits package including:
  • 100% paid premiums for employee including medical, dental, vision, & life insurance
• Accrued PTO (rate of 13 days per year)
• Accrued Sick Leave (1 hour for every 30 hours worked)
• 401(k) retirement plan including company paid profit sharing & 4% matching
• 9 paid holidays per year

Please submit your work experience when applying. Firestone Walker is an Equal Opportunity Employer.