Role Overview for Senior Brand Manager (Heritage Brands) – Cincinnati, OH
JRG Partners is seeking an exceptional and visionary Senior Brand Manager with a deep passion for preserving and evolving iconic heritage brands. This is a pivotal opportunity based in Cincinnati, OH, for a strategic leader to join a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of beloved consumer products.
As a Senior Brand Manager, you will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of driving the overall brand strategy, marketing initiatives, and financial performance for a portfolio of established and revered brands. This role demands a unique blend of reverence for tradition and a forward-thinking approach to innovation, ensuring these brands not only maintain their market leadership but also resonate with new generations of consumers.
Our ideal candidate possesses a proven track record in brand management within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector, particularly with brands that have a rich history and significant market presence. You will be a guardian of brand equity, a catalyst for growth, and a skilled navigator of complex market landscapes.
This position offers the chance to make a profound impact, working cross-functionally with R&D, Sales, Finance, Operations, and external agencies to bring your vision to life. If you are a strategic thinker, an influential leader, and possess an unwavering commitment to excellence, we invite you to explore this exciting career path with JRG Partners and our esteemed client.
Key Responsibilities of Senior Brand Manager (Heritage Brands) – Cincinnati, OH
Brand Strategy Development & Execution
Lead the creation and implementation of comprehensive long-term and annual brand strategies that align with overall business objectives. This includes defining target audiences, positioning, messaging, and identifying key growth drivers for heritage brands. Ensure strategies leverage existing brand equity while identifying opportunities for modernization and expansion.
P&L Management & Financial Performance
Take full ownership of the brand’s profit and loss (P&L) statement. Develop and manage budgets, forecast sales and expenditures, and analyze financial performance to identify opportunities for revenue growth, cost efficiencies, and margin improvement. Present regular financial performance reviews to senior leadership.
Integrated Marketing Campaign Leadership
Spearhead the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across various channels, including digital, social media, traditional advertising (TV, print, radio), in-store promotions, and public relations. Ensure all communications are consistent with brand guidelines and effectively reach target consumers.
Product Innovation & Renovation
Drive the innovation pipeline by identifying consumer needs, market trends, and competitive white spaces. Collaborate closely with R&D and cross-functional teams to develop, test, and launch new products or renovate existing ones, ensuring they meet consumer demands and uphold brand quality standards. This includes packaging innovation and sustainability initiatives.
Consumer Insights & Market Research
Utilize advanced market research techniques and consumer insights to deeply understand consumer behavior, preferences, and evolving market dynamics. Translate complex data into actionable strategies that inform brand positioning, product development, and marketing communications. Champion a data-driven approach to decision-making.
Cross-Functional Team Leadership & Collaboration
Act as the central hub for brand activities, effectively leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams including Sales, R&D, Supply Chain, Legal, and Finance. Foster a collaborative environment to ensure seamless execution of brand plans and initiatives. Influence stakeholders at all levels to gain alignment and drive results.
Digital & E-commerce Strategy
Develop and execute robust digital marketing strategies to enhance brand presence online, drive e-commerce sales, and engage consumers through digital channels. This includes SEO/SEM, content marketing, social media management, influencer partnerships, and performance marketing. Monitor digital analytics and optimize strategies for maximum impact.
Agency Management
Manage relationships with external advertising, media, PR, and research agencies. Provide clear briefs, constructive feedback, and ensure agency deliverables align with brand objectives, budget, and timelines. Optimize agency performance and foster strong, productive partnerships.
Competitive Analysis & Trend Monitoring
Continuously monitor the competitive landscape, market trends, and emerging consumer behaviors. Identify potential threats and opportunities, and proactively adjust brand strategies to maintain competitive advantage and relevance in the marketplace.
Team Development & Mentorship
Potentially mentor and develop junior brand team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning, high performance, and professional growth. Provide guidance and support to help team members achieve their career aspirations and contribute effectively to brand success.
Requirements for the Senior Brand Manager (Heritage Brands) – Cincinnati, OH
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field required. An MBA is highly preferred and will be a significant advantage.
Experience
A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive brand management experience within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry is essential. Specific experience managing heritage or established brands with significant market share is a strong plus.
P&L Ownership
Demonstrated success in managing a brand’s P&L, including budget development, forecasting, and achieving financial targets. Proven ability to analyze financial data and translate insights into strategic actions.
Strategic Thinking & Analytical Acumen
Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to develop long-term brand visions and translate them into actionable plans. Strong analytical skills to interpret complex market data, consumer insights, and financial reports.
Leadership & Influence
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders at all levels, and drive consensus towards common goals. Experience in managing external agencies and vendor relationships.
Marketing Expertise
Deep understanding of all aspects of the marketing mix, including product development, pricing, promotion, and distribution. Experience with digital marketing strategies, e-commerce, and traditional media planning.
Communication Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and deliver impactful presentations to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
Project Management
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Consumer Focus
A genuine passion for understanding consumer behavior and a track record of translating consumer insights into successful brand strategies and innovations.
Technical Proficiency
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). Familiarity with marketing analytics tools, CRM systems, and market research platforms is a plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
At JRG Partners, we believe in attracting and retaining top talent. Our client offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your professional growth, personal well-being, and financial security. This includes:
Highly Competitive Salary & Performance Bonus
A robust base salary complemented by an attractive annual performance-based bonus structure that rewards your contributions to brand success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits
Full medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their families, along with wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and flexible spending accounts.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) & Company Holidays
Ample vacation time, sick leave, and paid company holidays to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with Company Match
A strong 401(k) plan with a significant employer match to help you build financial security for your future.
Professional Development & Continuous Learning
Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, industry conferences, and tuition reimbursement to support your career advancement and skill enhancement.
Relocation Assistance
For qualified candidates, comprehensive relocation support is available to facilitate a smooth transition to Cincinnati, OH.
Vibrant & Collaborative Company Culture
Work in an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic environment where innovation is celebrated, and teamwork is valued.
Employee Recognition Programs
Regular recognition and rewards for outstanding performance and contributions.
Work-Life Integration Initiatives
Programs and policies designed to promote flexibility and support your personal and family needs.
Product Discounts
Enjoy discounts on our client’s portfolio of beloved heritage brands.
How to Apply
Are you ready to take on the challenge of nurturing and growing iconic heritage brands? If you are a results-oriented Senior Brand Manager with a passion for consumer goods and a drive for excellence, we encourage you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to join a leading organization through JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in connecting top talent with industry-leading companies.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. Highlight your experience with heritage brands and your achievements in driving brand strategy and P&L growth.
For more information on how JRG Partners helps shape the future of leading brands, visit our Marketing & Advertising Recruitment Practice Area. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how your expertise can contribute to the success of our client’s cherished brands.
JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
