Senior Brand Manager – Food & Beverage – Chicago, IL

Are you a strategic brand leader with a passion for the Food & Beverage industry? We are seeking a Senior Brand Manager to join a dynamic team in Chicago, IL. This is an exciting opportunity to lead brand strategy, drive product innovation, and elevate market presence in the competitive Food & Beverage sector. If you have a strong background in brand management and a proven track record of delivering growth, this role is for you.

Lead a Growing Food & Beverage Brand in Chicago

A leading Food & Beverage company in Chicago, IL is searching for a Senior Brand Manager to spearhead brand development and product marketing initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior to strengthen the company’s brand positioning. This role offers a chance to work with innovative products, shape marketing strategies, and drive business growth in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Brand Manager – Food & Beverage

As a Senior Brand Manager in the Food & Beverage industry, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity, driving product innovation, executing impactful marketing campaigns, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure long-term success. This role requires a combination of strategic thinking, creativity, and data-driven decision-making to build brand equity and drive revenue growth. Below is a detailed breakdown of your key responsibilities:

🔹 Brand Strategy & Development:

Develop & Execute Brand Strategies: Define and implement long-term and short-term brand strategies that align with the company’s vision, mission, and business objectives.
Brand Positioning: Strengthen the brand’s position in the Food & Beverage market by ensuring clear differentiation from competitors. Identify unique selling points (USPs) and communicate them effectively to target audiences.
Brand Identity & Messaging: Establish and maintain a consistent brand voice, visual identity, and messaging across all consumer touchpoints, including packaging, advertising, and digital channels.

🔹 Product Innovation & Launch:

New Product Development (NPD): Lead end-to-end product innovation by working closely with Research & Development (R&D), product design, and sales teams to create innovative, consumer-driven Food & Beverage products.
Market Opportunity Analysis: Identify gaps in the market by analyzing consumer trends, competitor offerings, and demand patterns. Ensure product innovation aligns with evolving customer preferences.
Product Testing & Validation: Conduct product testing, focus groups, and sensory evaluations to refine new product concepts before market launch. Gather consumer feedback to make data-driven refinements.

🔹 Marketing Campaigns & Promotions:

Integrated Marketing Campaigns: Design and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness, engagement, and sales. Utilize digital marketing, traditional media, influencer partnerships, and retail promotions.
Social Media & Digital Marketing: Leverage social media platforms, SEO, PPC advertising, and email marketing to build a strong online presence and engage with the brand’s audience.
Retail & In-Store Promotions: Work closely with retailers and distributors to implement effective point-of-sale (POS) promotions, in-store activations, and sampling programs that enhance product visibility.

🔹 Market Research & Consumer Insights:

Consumer Behavior Analysis: Conduct deep-dive market research to understand consumer buying behaviors, preferences, and emerging Food & Beverage trends.
Competitive Benchmarking: Monitor competitors’ strategies, pricing, packaging, and marketing tactics to identify opportunities for differentiation and competitive advantage.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize data analytics tools, surveys, and customer feedback to refine brand strategies and enhance product offerings.

🔹 Sales & Revenue Growth:

Revenue Growth Strategy: Develop and execute brand strategies that drive revenue growth, increase market share, and improve overall business performance.
Pricing & Promotion Strategy: Collaborate with sales teams to determine optimal pricing strategies and promotional campaigns that balance profitability with consumer appeal.
Retail & E-Commerce Expansion: Identify opportunities for expanding distribution channels, including grocery stores, specialty retailers, direct-to-consumer (DTC) platforms, and e-commerce marketplaces.

🔹 Cross-Functional Leadership:

Collaboration with R&D & Product Teams: Work closely with research and development teams to ensure brand strategies align with product development efforts and consumer expectations.
Finance & Budgeting Coordination: Partner with finance teams to ensure that brand initiatives align with budget constraints while achieving maximum return on investment (ROI).
Operations & Supply Chain Collaboration: Coordinate with operations, logistics, and supply chain teams to ensure smooth product rollouts, availability, and fulfillment.

🔹 Budget Management:

Marketing Budget Oversight: Manage and allocate brand marketing budgets efficiently to maximize impact and optimize spend across various channels.
ROI Tracking: Continuously monitor and assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, ensuring a strong return on investment and making data-driven adjustments as needed.
Financial Forecasting: Work closely with finance and executive teams to forecast marketing expenses and align budget plans with long-term brand strategies.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Senior Brand Manager – Food & Beverage – Chicago, IL, the client is searching for a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven leader who can elevate brand presence, engage consumers, and drive business performance. This role demands a balance of strategic vision and hands-on execution, requiring an individual who can craft compelling brand strategies while also rolling up their sleeves to execute initiatives that impact the bottom line.

Proven Brand Management Expertise

The ideal candidate has a strong track record in the Food & Beverage industry, with experience in leading successful brand-building initiatives. You should be well-versed in brand positioning, product marketing, and consumer engagement strategies that foster brand loyalty and increase market share. The client values individuals who have successfully:

Developed and executed multi-channel marketing campaigns that enhance brand equity.
Managed end-to-end product lifecycles, from ideation to launch, ensuring product-market fit.
Implemented brand refreshes, packaging updates, and digital transformations to stay relevant in an evolving industry.

Strategic and Consumer-Centric Mindset

To succeed in this role, you must possess a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive dynamics. The ability to translate data-driven insights into compelling marketing strategies is crucial. The client seeks a Senior Brand Manager who can:

Conduct in-depth consumer research and identify emerging food and beverage trends to proactively adjust marketing strategies.
Leverage data analytics, social listening, and customer segmentation to create highly targeted campaigns that resonate with key demographics.
Understand digital and social media marketing trends and apply them effectively to engage modern consumers.

Strong Analytical and Financial Acumen

Beyond creative branding, this role requires sharp analytical skills to track performance metrics and drive revenue growth. You should be comfortable with:

Managing brand budgets efficiently and ensuring optimal resource allocation.
Forecasting sales performance based on marketing investments and consumer demand patterns.
Measuring the ROI of marketing campaigns and adjusting strategies for maximum impact.

Creative Storyteller and Innovator

A strong sense of creativity is essential for this role. The client is looking for a visionary brand builder who can develop compelling storytelling and breakthrough marketing campaigns that differentiate the brand. You will need to:

Craft engaging brand narratives that connect emotionally with consumers.
Lead packaging innovations and design transformations to enhance shelf appeal and consumer attraction.
Partner with creative agencies to develop high-impact advertising, video content, and digital assets.

Leadership and Collaboration Skills

Success in this role requires exceptional leadership abilities, with a focus on team motivation, cross-functional collaboration, and external partnerships. You will be expected to:

Inspire and mentor junior brand managers and marketing professionals.
Work closely with R&D, sales, operations, and finance teams to ensure brand alignment across all business functions.
Build strong relationships with external partners, including advertising agencies, retail partners, and media platforms.

Exceptional Communication and Influencing Skills

As a brand ambassador, you must be able to articulate ideas clearly and persuade stakeholders at all levels. This includes:

Presenting marketing strategies, campaign insights, and performance metrics to executive leadership.
Working closely with agency partners to ensure brand consistency and effectiveness across all touchpoints.
Engaging with retail and distribution partners to secure optimal product placement and promotional support.

Passion for Food & Beverage and Innovation

A genuine enthusiasm for the Food & Beverage industry is non-negotiable. The client seeks someone who is:

Passionate about culinary trends, ingredient innovations, and evolving consumer preferences.
Familiar with sustainability initiatives, including eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing.
Able to identify and act on growth opportunities in plant-based, organic, and functional food categories.

FAQs About the Senior Brand Manager – Food & Beverage Role

1. What are the main responsibilities of a Senior Brand Manager in the Food & Beverage industry?

A Senior Brand Manager is responsible for developing brand strategies, overseeing product innovation, leading marketing campaigns, and collaborating with sales teams to drive revenue growth. The role also involves market research, budget management, and cross-functional team leadership.

2. What qualifications are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have at least 5+ years of experience in brand management within the Food & Beverage or CPG industry. Strong strategic thinking, marketing expertise, and leadership skills are essential. A degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field is preferred.

3. What is the salary range for a Senior Brand Manager in Chicago, IL?

The annual salary typically ranges from $100,000 to $140,000. This may vary based on experience, company size, and brand portfolio. Performance bonuses and benefits are also part of the compensation package.

4. What challenges might I face in this role?

Key challenges include keeping up with rapidly changing consumer trends, managing multiple product launches simultaneously, and ensuring consistent brand messaging across diverse marketing channels. Strong adaptability and problem-solving skills are crucial.

5. How does this role contribute to the company’s success?

The Senior Brand Manager directly impacts brand growth, customer loyalty, and revenue generation. Your strategic decisions will shape product innovation, market positioning, and promotional success—driving the company’s competitive edge in the Food & Beverage market.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

The Senior Brand Manager – Food & Beverage position offers a competitive compensation package, including:

1. Base Salary:

$100,000 – $140,000 annually, depending on experience.

2. Performance Bonuses:

Incentives based on brand performance, sales growth, and marketing impact.

3. Health & Wellness:

Comprehensive health insurance, dental and vision plans, and wellness programs.

4. Retirement Plans:

401(k) with company matching.

5. Professional Development:

Training programs, leadership workshops, and opportunities for career advancement.

6. Flexible Work Environment:

Hybrid work options available.

How to Apply

If you are a results-driven and innovative brand leader with extensive experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, we invite you to apply for the Senior Brand Manager – Food & Beverage role in Chicago, IL. This is an exciting opportunity to drive brand strategy, enhance market presence, and develop impactful marketing campaigns for a leading food and beverage company.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your expertise in brand management, marketing strategy, product innovation, consumer insights, and revenue growth initiatives. Emphasize your ability to drive brand equity, optimize go-to-market strategies, and collaborate cross-functionally to execute high-impact campaigns in a dynamic and competitive marketplace.

This role offers a unique chance to shape brand identity, influence consumer perception, and contribute to the long-term success of a growing company in the food and beverage sector. Apply today to take the next step in your brand leadership career as a Senior Brand Manager – Food & Beverage in Chicago, IL!

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our CPG Marketing & Brand Leadership Jobs Page.

Job Category: Food & Beverage

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Chicago

Senior Brand Manager – Food & Beverage – Chicago, IL