Brand Manager

Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that’s passionate about innovation and growth. Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Hunts, Aylmer, Marie Callender's®, Healthy Choice®, Slim Jim®, VH Sauces, Pogo and Vlasic®, and emerging brands, including Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®.

Conagra Brands est une des principales entreprises d’aliments de marque en Amérique du Nord. Son histoire est jalonnée de grands succès alimentaires qui sont le fruit du travail d’une équipe passionnée par l’innovation et la croissance. Conagra offre des choix pour toute occasion grâce à des marques réputées comme Hunt’s®, Aylmer®, Marie Callender's®, Healthy Choice®, Slim Jim®, les sauces VH®, Pogo®, Vlasic® et des marques émergentes, dont Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein® et Frontera®.

**Position summary**:
The Brand Manager will focus on delivery of annual financial/marketplace targets through leading and assisting in the development and setting the direction for the Annual Operating Plan (“AOP”). Sets and tracks brand(s) budgets based on AOP and owns decision for any out of plan activity (excluding innovation) that impacts the budget. Analyzes all elements of the P&L, sets direction, and makes decisions to achieve financial/marketplace outcomes. Focused on brand equity and translates strategic consumer insights into meaningful marketing activation plans. Responsible for developing brand vision as a result of the strategic planning process and leads the branded strategic planning process.

This role also will support the development of the short-term pipeline platforms. Assist with the innovation planning process by translating strategic consumer insights into meaningful innovation plans. Support the creation of a strategic innovation framework that is focused on driving growth on leading brands in the Canadian Market. Execute against bringing the short-term launches through the Gate process.

Key characteristics: Leadership, influencing, agility, broadmindedness, bias for action, tenacious, out of the box thinking, great interpersonal and communication skills.

**Responsibilities**:
**60% **Planning and P&L Management**:

- Lead Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for brand and strategic planning process.
- Oversee the development and execution of marketing plan including pricing, media/activation plans, sales material (sales decks, sell sheets), packaging, merchandising (display units and mix), product assortment/distribution.
- Delivery of annual financial targets for assigned brands/portfolio(s) according to plan. Manage and deliver on all lines of the P&L (volume, COGS, A&P). Proactively recommend corrective action if necessary.
- Identify opportunities for cost reductions working in partnership with RQI and plant personnel.
- Drive revenue growth management activities via integrated Margin Management and Pricing recommendations
- Anticipate future business needs and proactively gain alignment with cross functional partners.
- Drive demand centered insights and jobs theory for brand(s).
- Develop, align, and lead growth strategy initiatives.
- Develop and manage Brand equity (language, vision, strategy).
- Solid understanding and use of consumer insights and competitive analysis.
- Align business processes, drive priorities, and initiatives across assigned brand teaM/Function to create seamless integration (deliver share, penetration and/or buy rate objectives)
- Ensure Brand initiatives are consistent with agreed upon goals, priorities, strategies, and brand equities.
- Create and execute comprehensive marketing activation plans.
- Collaborate with and ensure effectiveness of working relationship with Commercial Strategy partners to ensure that go-to-market strategy and trade spend effectiveness is being followed and executed.
- Work with Commercial Strategy team on the commercialization of innovations and ensure Sales have all the tools required (sell sheets, etc.) for innovations and for branded news.
- Support Shopper Marketing team in the execution of the customer programs.

**20% Innovation Management**
- Support innovation through gate process (innovation referenced includes renovation, new products, and pack size opportunities) from identifying the idea to commercializing and executing in market, all rooted in consumer insights, brand equity understanding, category/brand/geographic dynamics and competitive analysis.
- Support the development and execution of strategic innovation plans, with a focus on short term opportunities, to drive sales and revenue objectives of organization.
- Leverage U.S. led innovation for Canadian brand expansion & mega brand development.
- Identify, evaluate & validate Canadian opportunities for line extensions, pack size opportunities and renovations on bran