Associate Brand Manager – Brand Expansion

Position Overview:

In collaboration with the Sr. Vice President and the Sr. Brand Manager of Brand Expansion, this position is expected to be a key business contributor for the company by taking ownership of the executional day-to-day product marketing needs for select brand(s) and work with sales, product management, creative services and other teams to achieve successful results.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Core Role
  
  • Manage executional, day-to-day product, marketing and business functions for team’s assigned product lines 
• Product Management
  
  • With direction from Sr. Director of Brand Marketing, manage Line Plans and execute elements of the product commercialization process for assigned brands / product lines, including collaboration with PD team; creating/ managing Product Start Forms, assisting in driving development to the product launch milestones; costing targets, margin requirements while delivering market-relevant product solutions with a strong price/value proposition.
  • Manage the flow of information and communications with PD team and HKG office for assigned brands / product lines.
  • Research market and industry trends, compile and provide updated trend and competitive information to aid product line and brand strategy
• Brand & Sales Management
  
  • Assist with maintaining the established visual personality and brand identity for all assigned brands/product lines.
  • In collaboration with Sr. Director of Brand Marketing, assist in driving packaging and graphic design direction with the Creative Services team.
  • Manage submission process for product approvals with licensors in a timely and precise manner for assigned brands / product lines.
  • Play a key role in managing brand information to Sales team including presentation materials, Brand Decks, etc.
  • Oversee the flow of Product samples required for sales presentations, trade shows, commercial shoots and PR activities for assigned Product Lines.
  • Track category trends and retail environments; use intel to help direct priorities and advise Sr. Director of Marketing accordingly.
  • Within the first 90 days, learn the fundamentals of tracking and analyzing wholesale forecasts and retail POS with a keen eye on patterns, shifts and “the so-what” to help advise actionable plans for the business
• Marketing Communication
  
  • Play a key role in executing each brand’s go-to-market strategy with the opportunity to lead various tactics (select PR, social media, promotions, events, digital projects, etc.).
  • Assist in the development of outbound communications, including Web copy and layout execution, trade show messaging, online advertising, print advertising, social media and sales collateral materials for assigned brands / product lines.
• Other duties may be assigned

Skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, preferably in Marketing
• Must have 1-2 years of relevant marketing, brand or product management experience
• Passionate individual who is a self-starter and can promote best practices for brand planning and management
• Experience in leading multiple strategic projects involving internal and external resources/partners
• Knowledge of the product development and manufacturing functions as it relates to the product commercialization process
• Must be able to demonstrate interest in toys and/or children’s entertainment products through professional or personal means
• Strong presentation, written and verbal communication skills; experience with Microsoft suite is required
• Highly organized and efficient. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and time-sensitive environment. Easily adapt to shifts in priorities; ability to manage several projects concurrently
• Ability to work effectively across different teams, departments, and third parties
• Experience selling /presenting to retail buyers, Toy category experience preferred
• Experience in trade shows, product & lifestyle photography shoots, consumer insights
• Ability to travel, as needed.