Assistant Brand Manager

Wanna Play?

When you work at KidKraft, you're going to feel like a kid again at some point. After all, we are a toy company! We take our jobs seriously, but we aim to incorporate a little fun into our everyday. Brain breaks can consist of some you time in our free on-site gym to themed happy hours or field trips. We nosh on delicious ice cream and gourmet coffee offered in office, and we love to celebrate birthdays in a big way. Yep, we're pretty spoiled! We have good hearts too - Volunteering for organizations that focus on helping and encouraging children is a common thread that ties us back to what's important—making each kid's life a little more magical.
 

Position Summary:

The Assistant Brand Manager will provide support to the Brand Manager in developing and driving the innovation strategy and portfolio management for KidKraft’s global product categories.  S/he is responsible for building consumer brand marketing plans by understanding customer and consumer needs to drive relevance and loyalty, and then successfully plan execution against product development.  This role reports to the Brand Manager and will also support on the delivery of end to end commercialization of assigned product categories.

The Assistant Brand Manager will be expected to develop an in-depth understanding of your assigned product categories, analyze business results, and develop recommendations that will drive business growth. S/he will be required to develop an understanding of the target consumer and customer landscape, based on analytical skills, project management expertise, leadership, and crisp thinking. This individual will need to exhibit fundamental brand marketing skills while performing critical business functions.  S/he will contribute to the total effectiveness of the Brand Management department, communicating openly, solving problems proactively, offering creative ideas and working as a positive engaged team member.

Major Responsibilities:

• Support Brand Manager in leading development of strategic business plans, marketing objectives and driving product, packaging and distribution strategies
• Track and analyze business performance and report on results
• Evaluate data and market trends impacting the business and develop actionable insights
• Support Brand Manager in leading development of strategic business plans, and marketing objectives
• Manage the development and distribution of sell-in tools (milestone presentations, sell in decks, go to market tools, etc.) for key internal and external meetings.
• Contribute to actively managing, defining, and measuring core KPI’s and take appropriate actions to improve product and product line efficiencies & performance (revenue, margins, EBITDA)
• Develop a deep understanding of competitors, customers & industry and create tools to share learnings to feed business strategies and development processes.
• Provide creative and marketing support for global shows and events including sample support and coordination.
• Work closely with leadership to define, drive, and maintain category strategies that are aligned with corporate strategies
• Maintain positive communications and collaboration with all levels of employees
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree (such as Master’s degree or MBA) preferred
• 2 years in a product/brand management, business analysis or project management role
• Excellent project management skills, including strong attention to detail and ability to meet project deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience or willingness to present to upper-level management
• Self-motivated and proactive with the ability to “roll-up sleeves” and help across cross functional teams
• Ability to create processes in ambiguity
• Exceptional analytical skills
• Experience working in consumer products industry
• Experience in licensing a plus
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Quick learner who is eager to learn the company’s data platforms, i.e., NPD, NetSuite, Wrike, Salsify, Tableau
• Excellent organizational, prioritization and time management skills
• Flexible hours needed for communication with Asia and Europe offices

About KidKraft

KidKraft, Inc. is a global leader in the toy industry committed to inspiring children to develop their creativity and imagination through its portfolio of indoor toys, play sets and furniture, in addition to its Big Backyard and Cedar Summit outdoor play sets and play houses. For nearly fifty years since 1968, the brand has had an unwavering focus on the design and delivery of high quality products, serving all channels of distribution as a result of the company’s world-class supply chain. KidKraft believes every child has a limitless capacity to create and explore. The products and exceptional customer service allow KidKraft to offer new adventures in play to children throughout the world. For additional information, visit www.KidKraft.com.