Title:  BRAND MANAGER SEA

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Brand Manager South Africa + Cluster

What this position is about - Purpose:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Brand Manager to join our team to help us build and stretch our brands beyond what is expected to solidify our JTI portfolio across multiple markets. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to enhance and protect our brand’s presence, reputation, and growth within a highly regulated and competitive market. This role requires a combination of strategic thinking, creativity, and strong market insights, along with a deep understanding of the marketing mix. In addition, a person with experience and resilience to work in a fast-evolving environment, yet bringing a correct understanding of business challenges and the ability to propose and ensure new opportunities.

The incumbent, working very closely with the Group Brand Manager and in addition supported by the Brand Associate, will be responsible to execute Brand Plans of our key brands according to the Annual Strategic Plans for the South Africa + Cluster, through innovation to meet company and brand objectives through cross-functional processes, while ensuring legal compliance. The role will require an individual with an exceptional brand management background, an entrepreneurial attitude, a team player, an analytical mindset, strong communication and be ability to interact with people at all levels (both written and oral), excellent time management, planning skills and the ability to work under time pressure. Ability to mentor a junior team member and guide them through complex projects.

What will you do - Responsibilities:

• Brand Strategy Development:
• Responsible for defining the Brand Equity and Activation Plan to achieve the annual strategic goals (SOM, Volume, Equity, Profitability) for the allocated brands across the South Africa + Cluster
• Support the Group Brand Manger when required in developing an understanding of the South Africa + markets portfolio, its consumers, competition and trends, identifying growth potential.
• New Product & Development:
• Responsible for allocating New Product Development projects, New Launches, LEPs, etc., within the various markets across the portfolio:
• •Complete the compilation of required documents, i.e. NPD project briefs; supporting documents for Business approval process/MEMO and NPD specific business cases (if required), etc
• Coordination with internal and external stakeholders, with Market NPD GBS support and Brand Group when required
• Manage and monitor new launches, analyzing and making recommendations to improve if global performance thresholds are not being met
• Brand Initiatives, Campaigns & Custodianship:
• Responsible for the development, execution and follow-up of the BTL brand communication campaigns into tangible brand initiatives and tools, collaborating with various stakeholders, including Creative Agencies, ensuring all brand communication is consistent, to strengthen brand equity and ensure alignment to brand positioning as defined by HQ Global Flagship Behaviors
• Serve as the primary custodian of the brand, ensuring its integrity and alignment across internal and external stakeholders, fostering enthusiasm and loyalty among stakeholders.
• Develop and disseminate brand knowledge to enhance understanding and engagement across the organization and implement brand training to equip team members and stakeholders (internal and external) with the necessary tools and insights to effectively represent and promote the brand
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Effectively collaborate with global & local functions (HQBG, Senior Management, SI, Finance, Legal, Corporate Affairs, GIP, Trade Marketing, Sales and Customer & Consumer Trade Activation teams) to support on the implementation of brand strategies and supporting initiatives across the South Africa + Cluster; ensuring that brand guidelines, JTI marketing guidelines and legislative frameworks are adhered to when deploying assigned brand initiatives
• Monitor and Review Performance:
• Monitor performance monthly (Vol., SOM, Profitability) and brand health evaluation metrics (brand awareness, perceptions etc.) against agreed KPI's to identify key insights and opportunities within relevant markets
• • Play a pivotal role in driving brand-specific research initiatives in collaboration with the Strategic Insights Manager and translate consumer insights into actionable marketing strategies that enhance brand perception and drive growth
• Supplier Management:
• Manage agency/supplier relationships on allocated projects, timelines and related budgets. Responsible for brief compilations, reverts and internal approvals. Drive the consolidation of annual performance assessments of agencies/suppliers.
• Budget Management:
• Monitor & review with the support of the Brand Associate allocated marketing spend vs. initiative allocations and AP phasing monthly, and report back to the respective Group Brand Manager. 

Who are we looking for – Requirements:

• Tertiary Qualification (marketing-related diploma or degree)
• Minimum 3 years in brand management, marketing, or related roles in the FMCG industry.
• Tobacco-related brand management experience is an advantage, and commercial experience is valuable
• MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint and Word), Nielsen and Circana knowledge

What are the next steps in the Recruitment process?

Thank you very much for your interest in the role. You are welcome to apply.

Are you ready to join us? Build your success story at JTI. Apply now!

Next Steps:

After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with Talent Advisor > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.

At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support, alternative formats, or have other access requirements, please let us know.