Associate Brand Manager

** JOB OVERVIEW:
** The Associate Brand Manager supports the development and execution of brand and business strategies that drive sustainable growth. Working closely with the Brand Manager and cross-functional partners, this role manages assigned brand initiatives, analyzes business performance and consumer and marketplace trends, supports innovation and commercialization, and helps execute marketing and customer programs.
The Associate Brand Manager is expected to take ownership of defined projects and work streams, develop clear recommendations from data and insights, and build the business, marketing and leadership capabilities required to progress within Brand Management.
** RESPONSIBILITIES:
**** ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS**·      
* Supports development and execution of annual brand plans and marketing initiatives across product, packaging, advertising, media and promotion.
* Manages assigned projects and agency work streams, coordinating timelines, deliverables, approvals and execution.
* Manages administration and maintenance of brand digital properties and visual assets.
* Analyzes syndicated data, shipments, financial results, consumer research and competitive activity to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
* Develops clear recommendations, business reviews and presentations to support brand decisions.
* Supports innovation, renovation, packaging changes and line extensions from development through commercialization.
* Leads assigned work streams and coordinates cross-functional teams, stage-gate requirements and launch deliverables.
* Supports preparation of product information, samples, sales materials and other launch requirements.
* Partners with Sales to provide brand, consumer and analytical support for customer opportunities.
* Develops selling stories, presentations and supporting materials for customer sell-in.
* Coordinates delivery of product information, assets, samples and sales materials required to support customer selling.
* Supports P&L analysis, forecasting and marketing budget management.
* Tracks spending and identifies risks, variances and actions in partnership with Finance.
* Supports core brand operations including item setup, product and packaging specifications, pricing information, retailer systems, asset management, regulatory updates and related records.
* Coordinates with internal partners to maintain accurate information and timely execution.
* Builds effective relationships across Marketing, Sales, Finance, Insights, R&D, Operations, Procurement and agency partners.
* Manages multiple priorities, communicates issues and progress clearly, and takes increasing ownership of assigned work with appropriate guidance.
* Influences and gains cooperation from internal and external partners without direct authority.  
** MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
*** Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
* Minimum 3 year of relevant experience in brand management, marketing, consumer insights, sales, category management or a related consumer-products discipline.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate findings into clear recommendations.
* Strong project-management and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
* Strong written, verbal and presentation skills.
* Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functions and with external partners.
* Ability to take ownership of assigned work while seeking appropriate guidance and input.
* Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and other standard business applications.  
** PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES
*** Experience in consumer packaged…