Brand Manager, Canada

**OVERVIEW**:
Perfetti Van Melle - one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide - is seeking a passionate and enthusiastic **Brand Manager, Canada **to join our growing team.

**WHAT YOU WILL DO**:
The Brand Manager will lead the development and execution of strategies and plans for all brands in the Canadian market. They will partner with the US and global brand teams, cross functional business partners, and communications agencies to develop and execute the annual business plan, key initiatives and innovation, and customer marketing plans. They will also develop long term strategies needed for sustaining growth.

Specific responsibilities include:

- Lead development and execution of annual business and marketing strategy that is customer focused, aligned with long term business strategy, and drives the core brand positioning.
- Manage day to day decision making related to approved marketing strategies and plans.
- Effectively partner with multi-functional counterparts (customer marketing, R&D, manufacturing, finance, market research, etc) to develop and execute key initiatives including new products and customer marketing programs, ensuring a ‘fast follower’ approach to leverage efficiencies with the US.
- In conjunction with Group Media Planning team, effectively partner with external agencies and vendors to develop and execute packaging and consumer communication strategies and plans, including “test and learn” mind-set to adapt to continuously changing media landscape.
- Lead key business analyses to provide perspective and recommendations on key drivers, challenges, and new strategies.
- Manage APL budget including spending within budget and optimizing spending and best practices on-going.
- Effectively partner with relevant US and global partners as needed for support on innovation, communication, etc.
- Provide oversight and leadership to the Associate Brand Manager.
- Effectively communicate with both internal and external partners including the US and global PVM teams, Canadian teams, customer planning, supply chain, and external agencies/vendors.
- Analyze and monitor reporting for business performance (ie. Product P&Ls, mix analysis, APL reporting, competitive trends, and performance at retail) in order to develop recommendations for short and long term programs and initiatives.

**WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU**:

- Bachelor’s degree in related field required. MBA preferred.
- 5-7 years of experience in marketing with strong preference for experience with CPG brands and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods).
- Bilingual (English/French) preferred.
- Must have clear understanding of consumers trends to determine current and future needs and how best address them.
- Ability to define a strategy which enables sustainable and profitable top line growth, with a focus on current products, NPD’s and competition.
- Ability to generate powerful creative consumer messaging that brings brand positioning to life and builds strong brand equity.
- Ability to leverage consumer insights through experience & observation to build sustainable, profitable NPD’s. Manage the project management process to allocate resources appropriately and maximize success rates.
- Ability to define and execute communication plans by deploying branded content via diverse media platforms in the most efficient manner.
- Must understand and participate in cross-functional decision making involving macro business dynamics beyond the marketing function including but not limited to product sourcing and route to market choices.
- Must be proficient with Microsoft Office including Excel and Powerpoint.
- Ability to analyze syndicated, panel, shipment, and consumer research data required.
- Ability to oversee, and provide leadership, training, mentorship, and support to direct reports.
- Ability to work cross functional with internal and external partners at all levels of the organization.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written. Must be able to present data in a clear and concise way.
- Ability to manage projects from start to finish with leadership. Must be able to hold other teams accountable for project deliverables and deadlines.
- Role is primarily home-based with weekly in office day (Markham, ON).
- Ability to travel nationally and internationally.

**WHAT WE OFFER**:
At Perfetti Van Melle, we have a core value of **Care For Our People** and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team member’s goals and well-being.
- Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law._