Portfolio Brand Manager SSA Cluster (Bryanston)

Are you a dynamic Brand Manager ready to make an impact across South Africa and beyond? Our client, a leading global FMCG powerhouse, is seeking a passionate and results-driven professional to take ownership of brand strategy, innovation, and activation across the South Africa + Cluster. This is an exciting opportunity to work with iconic brands, drive growth, and shape consumer perceptions in a competitive market.

As Brand Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in defining brand equity, leading new product development, and executing impactful campaigns that resonate with consumers. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage supplier relationships, and ensure flawless execution of initiatives that strengthen brand positioning and deliver measurable results.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have a proven track record in FMCG brand management, and are ready to elevate your career with a global leader, we want to hear from you!

Brand Strategy Development

• Define and implement the Brand Equity and Activation Plan to achieve annual strategic goals (SOM, Volume, Equity, Profitability) for allocated brands across South Africa + Cluster.
• Support the Group Brand Manager in developing a deep understanding of the market portfolio, consumers, competition, and trends to identify growth opportunities.

New Product Development

• Manage allocation of NPD projects, new launches, and LEPs across markets within the portfolio.
• Prepare and compile all required documentation, including NPD project briefs, business approval memos, and business cases (where applicable).
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including Market NPD GBS support and Brand Group.
• Monitor new launches, analyze performance, and recommend improvements if global performance thresholds are not met.

Brand Initiatives, Campaigns & Custodianship

• Develop, execute, and follow up on BTL brand communication campaigns, transforming them into actionable brand initiatives and tools.
• Collaborate with creative agencies and stakeholders to ensure consistent brand communication aligned with HQ Global Flagship Behaviors.
• Act as the primary custodian of the brand, ensuring integrity and alignment across all touchpoints.
• Drive brand knowledge dissemination and training to equip internal and external stakeholders with tools and insights to represent and promote the brand effectively.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with global and local functions (HQBG, Senior Management, SI, Finance, Legal, Corporate Affairs, Trade Marketing, Sales, and Activation teams) to implement brand strategies and initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with brand guidelines, JTI marketing standards, and legislative frameworks when deploying initiatives.

Performance Monitoring & Insights

• Track monthly performance (Volume, SOM, Profitability) and brand health metrics (awareness, perception) against KPIs.
• Lead brand-specific research initiatives with the Strategic Insights Manager and translate consumer insights into actionable strategies that drive growth.

Supplier & Budget Management

• Manage agency and supplier relationships, timelines, and budgets for allocated projects.
• Oversee brief development, approvals, and annual performance assessments of agencies/suppliers.
• Monitor and review marketing spend versus initiative allocations and AP phasing monthly, reporting to the Group Brand Manager.

• Education: Tertiary qualification (Marketing-related diploma or degree).
• Experience: Minimum 3 years in brand management, marketing, or related roles within FMCG industry; commercial experience is valuable.
• Skills: Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), Nielsen, and Circana knowledge.

Negotiable depending on experience.