Associate Brand Manager, Foodservice
Kent Precision Foods Group is a subsidiary of Kent Corporation, a diversified, family-owned corporation with subsidiary companies developing science and nutrition-based finished food products, food and beverage ingredients, pharmaceutical and personal care applications, animal nutrition and companion animal products.
The primary purpose of the Associate Brand Manager (ABM) position is to help deliver strong business performance by accelerating our growth and share in the foodservice channel. The right individual will help us shape the business unit’s strategy, help make informed choices and accelerate our presence in the marketplace. The ABM works with the Brand Manager and cross functional teams to identify, plan and execute projects and priorities with excellence. The ABM is a leader and often serves as the business driver internally and as the primary point of contact with outside agencies and partners.
This position requires strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to synthesize data into action. The ABM will participate in and assist with primary research projects and will utilize syndicated POS and consumer research data to assess business performance and identify opportunities for growth. This role will also assist in the budgeting, planning and forecasting process.
As a leader of internal and external teams, the ABM must be an excellent communicator and collaborator of people with the ability to champion brand plans, priorities and strategies effectively.
The ABM will work specifically on our foodservice business with responsibility to help lead Product Innovation, Pricing, Promotion Planning, Advertising and Distribution initiatives. This position is based in Muscatine, Iowa and offers a complete benefits package.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Indirect supervision of projects and work related to Marketing Coordinator role.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
• Responsible for helping to deliver the annual budget and business plan.
• Accountable for shaping and executing the marketing plan.
• Assist in the development and launch of short and long term innovation projects and the development of our creative strategies.
• Primary lead for marketing analytics including competitive tracking and data analysis (Mintel and Technomic). Develop, track and report on KPI’s. Make fact-based decisions and recommendations. Assist in using this data to develop sales materials, training decks, etc. to support major initiatives.
• Coordinate the development and execution of broker, distributor and consumer promotions.
• Participate in and help lead brand, product and category research.
• Assist in the development of compelling advertising and promotional initiatives to profitably increase consumption and content, driving sales within budgeted parameters.
• Coordinates product management and/or cost reduction projects with internal and external resources to achieve results (product development, production planning, trade promotion, sales, market research, consultants and advertising agencies).
• Manage and coordinate the defined step gate process for product development and commercialization.
• Assist in developing distribution priorities and plans. Work with and interface with sales and other cross functional teams to extend the availability of our brands.
• Lead content testing and optimization with Kent Precision Foods Group research and development team and agency partners.
• Demonstrate a passion for food, foodservice and brand management.
Core Competencies:
Action Oriented, Business Acumen, Creativity, Directing Others, Drive for results, Project Management & Analytical
Education & Qualifications:
• BA/BS required, major or focus in marketing or related field a plus.
• Skilled in all Microsoft Office Products.
Experience:
• 3 plus years related work experience.
• Understanding of foodservice and/or product development process.
• 1-3 Years’ experience in a marketing, advertising or product management function.
Travel:
10-15% Travel