Brand Development Manager

Role:
Brand Development Manager

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:30 – 17:00

Location:

Stonehouse, GL10 3EZ
– (Hybrid – 2-3 days in the office) At Gardiner Bros, we believe how we treat people matters. Starting as a small family run business in 1860, we've grown into a multi-million-pound partner to over 80 global brands, including Skechers, Crocs, Hush Puppies, Muck Boots along with our own brands Amblers Safety and Cotswold. We are also proud to distribute to some of the UK's Largest Online, Highstreet, and Outdoor retailers – Next, John Lewis, Screwfix, Mole Valley, Cotswold Outdoors, Freemans, JD Williams, Very, and Little woods to name a few.

We are looking for an experienced Brand Development Manager to take ownership of the strategic development and commercial performance of key brands across our portfolio. You'll sit within our Buying & Merchandising team, working closely with product, sales, marketing, ecommerce, warehouse and external brand partners to turn brand strategy into commercial growth. The role will also involve regular engagement with key customers, retailers and brand owners, including travel to appointments and trade shows when required.

What the Brand Development Manager role will involve? As Brand Development Manager, you'll be responsible for creating and delivering strategic brand plans that drive profitable and sustainable growth across key brands. You will work cross functionally to ensure everyone is aligned behind the brand strategy, while keeping a close eye on commercial performance, product development, stock, sales and market opportunities.

Develop and deliver long-term brand plans, working with internal and external stakeholders to achieve key commercial objectives across turnover, gross margin and profitability, while regularly reviewing performance and adapting plans where needed. Work closely with Product, Buying and Merchandising teams to shape commercially relevant ranges, identify new product and sourcing opportunities, attend supplier meetings and trade shows, and ensure products continue to meet market and customer needs.

Work alongside Sales teams across Wholesale, Direct Fulfilment and B2C to develop and execute sales strategies, maximising distribution and profitability. Support Area Sales Managers at customer meetings, range reviews and commercial presentations. Act as a key point of contact between Gardiners, brand owners and retailers to ensure opportunities are identified and executed effectively. Oversee the performance of Buyers and Merchandisers across your brand portfolio, using forecasting, stock, pricing and sell-through data to identify opportunities, manage stock effectively and improve overall brand performance.

Maintain a strong understanding of the market, competitors and each brand's positioning, identifying future opportunities and ensuring our brands remain relevant, competitive and commercially successful. Work closely with Marketing and external brand partners to agree and manage budgets and deliver seasonal launches, PR, social media, promotions and other activity that supports both short and long-term brand objectives. Lead collaboration across Buying, Merchandising, Product, Sales, Marketing, Ecommerce, Warehouse and Customer Service, ensuring everyone is aligned behind brand plans, while managing and developing your team and communicating performance and priorities through regular reporting and presentations.

What are we looking for? We're looking for someone with previous experience in brand management, buying, merchandising or a similar commercial product-led role, who understands how to take a brand from strategy through to product, sales and distribution. You'll be confident working across key brands and categories,…