Brand Manager

Key Responsibilities

Our Brand Manager will support the development and execution of short- and long-term marketing initiatives in the filled pasta category, including new item development, planning and execution, retail channel management, innovation, and brand activation. This role operates in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial environment, where success is driven by strong execution, cross-functional partnership, and the ability to influence stakeholders within a centralized decision-making structure.

Create R&D briefs including product design, pricing and packaging

Create volume forecast for all new item projects

Coordinate & facilitate bi-weekly new item meeting for Retail

Work with cross functional team to bring new items to market

• Support new item development of new US & Canada pasta line extensions
• Support the expansion into new pasta categories/formats and brands

Build customer sell in decks for new item projects

Ensure all projects are launched on time

Uncover insights to aid in new item development

Work with Design on creative briefs

Work with Innovations and Procurement to develop new packaging structures as needed

Assist Sales with new item sell-in

Attend key customer new item sales presentations as the product expert

Manage marketing budgets for Pasta Category & New Brands

Work with customers and agencies to build shopper marketing plans and execute on those plans throughout the year

Instore activities

• Lead shelftalk planning & creation across all customers
• Lead box talker planning & creation across key customers (i.e. Walmart, Target)
• Manage creation & delivery of instore trays, coolers, shelf strips, & shelf dividers across all customers.
• Identify & support the development of new tools, agencies, and capabilities for standing out instore and digitally

• Lead digital coupon planning & creation for Pasta Category
• Lead iBotta offer planning & creation for Walmart for Pasta Category
• Lead direct mailer planning with Kroger for Pasta Category
• Develop new tools, agencies, and capabilities for being more relevant at home

• Lead search ad planning & creation for Pasta Category
• Lead banner display ad planning & creation for Pasta Category
• Ensure that online content is accurate at all retailers

• When approved, lead the planning and execution of all social/digital activities (i.e. lasagna or Take Home)
• Measure and track performance of all marketing activities in the Pasta Category

• Manage product mix to ensure profitability and strong category velocities
• Provide category mix insights and recommendations to sales team

• Constantly look for cost savings that will not impact product quality
• Investigate ways to improve pricing and lower customer margin requirements
• Provide demand planning, packaging procurement, and ingredient procurement with accurate forecast and help reduce waste cost

• Keep a pulse on competitor’s actions in store through IRI, 84.51, and other data sources
• Make leadership aware of new competitive products, pricing, or packaging changes
• Be proactive in proposing actions for velocity or distribution improvement
• Continuously uncover areas for product quality and communications improvements
• Develop new business processes to improve company efficiency and accuracy

• Build annual volume budgets for the Pasta Category and new brands
• Monitor and deliver volume goals

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or closely related field is required, MBA Preferred
• 3+ years’ experience in ABM/Brand Management required
• Experience with Consumer-Packaged Goods industry required
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and bring structure to complex, fast-paced environments
• Strong work ethic with a consistent drive to deliver results and meet commitments
• Capable of balancing collaboration and assertiveness—able to influence stakeholders while confidently sharing perspectives
• Thrives in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment with a willingness to roll up sleeves…