What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Associate Brand Manager position at West Madison Foods?
WEST MADISON FOODS Associate Brand Manager / Sr. Associate Brand Manager
Position Overview:
West Madison Foods was formed in July 2023 following the Private Equity Firm, Brynwood Partners’, purchase of the Ventura Food’s Dips and Dressing Portfolio. West Madison Foods is a private equity “start-up” business with iconic brands, a strong retail presence, and outstanding manufacturing capabilities. We are seeking a Sr. Associate Brand Manager with CPG and project management experience and the desire to operate in an fast-paced environment. The Sr. Associate Brand Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day marketing activities that enable the growth plan. The role will assist in executing all marketing activities, procedures, and reporting. The Sr. Associate Brand Manager will report directly to the Senior Director of Marketing.
Core Responsibilities
• Overall Business Management: The Sr. ABM will be responsible for assisting in driving the growth plan for the brand. The role includes supporting the development of brand strategy, project managing the commercialization pipeline, tracking the marketing budget, partnering with sales, and collaborating cross-functionally.
• Brand Strategy: Support the execution of the overall brand strategy. Assist in maintaining brand identity in-market and throughout consumer touchpoints. Help coordinate the execution of in-bound and out-bound licensing and/or Private Label initiatives.
• Innovation & Renovation: Assist in executing the commercialization pipeline for the marketing team. Work with relevant cross-functional teams (Product and Packaging R&D, Engineering, and Insights) to project manage consumer-driven plans. Coordinate packaging design updates, ensuring technical accuracy, and assist in the development of launch-related tactics such as sales materials and marketing communication plans.
• Marketing Communications & Digital Shelf: Support commercial/brand idea validation and day-to-day coordination with agency partners to execute tactics by platform. Manage product data and digital retail assets (utilizing platforms such as Salsify and Syndigo) to optimize the digital shelf and ensure best-in-class online execution.
• Sales Partnership: Partner with Sales and Category Management teams to support the alignment of Dean’s brand strategy with customer goals.
• Financial & Business Analytics: Support the financial delivery of the total Brand P&L. Track and manage the marketing budget throughout execution. Execute robust business analysis (using syndicated data) in the context of the competitive environment, identifying root causes and recommending actions to address issues or capitalize on opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as a key project manager, driving the execution of cross-functional activities to achieve deliverables on time and within budget. Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
The Successful Candidate
Required Experience & Skills:
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; MBA preferred.
• 2–4 years of CPG brand marketing experience with a foundational understanding of how to drive growth through traditional and non-traditional strategies.
• Experience assisting in the creation and execution of marketing, sales, and communication plans.
• Project management experience supporting successful in-market product/program launches based on consumer insights.
• Experience collaborating with creative agencies to execute advertising and communication tactics.
• Familiarity with Shopper Marketing, Digital Marketing, and Social Media execution.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Solid financial and business acumen with a high capability for analytic and creative thinking.
Personal Characteristics:
• Strong professional presence, communication skills, and the ability to influence peers.
• Great attitude and drive: Highly motivated with the ability to roll up your sleeves and get things done.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in and handle ambiguity within a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for food, marketing, and continuous learning.
Other Details:
• Location: Chicago Based – 500 West Madison Street, 36th Floor. 5 days a week in office requirement.
• Travel Requirement: As needed for customer visits, research, and meetings with the R&D and technical team at the Thornton, IL Plant.