CPG Brand & Marketing Strategist

Position Overview

Five Star Pickles and Sausage seeks an experienced CPG Brand & Marketing Strategist to lead a comprehensive brand assessment and strategic development initiative. As we evaluate expanding from our successful trade show model into e-commerce, we need a strategic partner who combines rigorous market research with deep understanding of current consumer trends and category dynamics.

We're looking for someone who stays current with emerging food trends, understands what's driving consumer behavior in specialty foods, and can identify market opportunities through both data analysis and trend forecasting. The ideal candidate will help us understand not just where the market is today, but where it's heading - from packaging innovations to flavor preferences to shopping behaviors.

This role requires a strategist who can balance consumer insights research with trend intelligence to guide our brand positioning. We want to understand our target customers deeply while also recognizing broader market shifts that could impact our growth strategy. The right candidate will help us make informed decisions by combining market data, competitive analysis, consumer research, and trend awareness to build a future-focused brand strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Brand Strategy & Positioning

• Conduct comprehensive brand audit and competitive analysis
• Develop brand positioning strategy that resonates with modern consumers
• Create brand guidelines, messaging framework, and visual identity system
• Refine company mission, vision, and core values
• Define target audience segmentation and buyer personas

Product Marketing & Packaging

• Design complete packaging system
• Develop product names, descriptions, and differentiation strategies
• Create compelling product offers and value propositions
• Ensure compliance with food labeling regulations
• Optimize packaging for both trade show and e-commerce channels

Digital Strategy & Implementation

• Provide strategic direction for website development (domain, imagery, functionality)
• Develop e-commerce marketplace strategy (Amazon, specialty sites, etc.)
• Create brand-consistent digital assets and guidelines
• Bridge existing trade show operations with new online presence

Operational Integration

• Advise on order fulfillment and packaging processes
• Ensure brand consistency across all customer touchpoints
• Support sales team compensation and incentive structure development
• Integrate new branding with existing infrastructure

Required Qualifications

• Experience in CPG brand strategy, preferably food & beverage
• Experience leading or supporting brand launches or refreshes
• Strong understanding of e-commerce and omnichannel marketing
• Analytical mindset with data-driven approach to decision making

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in artisanal/specialty food markets
• Knowledge of Amazon and online marketplace optimization
• Ability to translate trend insights into actionable strategy
• Knowledge of food industry regulations and distribution channels