Brand Communication Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This position is responsible for applying classical marketing knowledge, strategic concepts and leadership to drive profitability and enhance brand equity for the portfolio of spirits brands. Key responsibilities include conducting thorough brand/market data pulling/analysis, developing accurate volume forecasts to inform comprehensive brand plans, fostering creative execution, collaborating closely with Sales to achieve volume goals, and managing the brand P&L to ensure profitability. The ideal candidate will embrace the opportunity to be a brand “business owner” and exemplify the Terlato family philosophy, passion, and company culture.

In addition, the Brand Manager is responsible for maintaining a superior level of supplier satisfaction as a result of their day-to-day contact with our producers, developing and gaining approval for a strong brand positioning, assuring that all brand communication is timely and consistent with that positioning.

Position Responsibilities

Development and execution of annual brand plans both qualitative and financial

• Conduct a situation analysis that synthesizes current brand performance, market conditions and organizational capabilities to identify brand risks, implications, and growth opportunities
• Identify key long-term strategies leading to the highest level of sustainable profit for the brand
• Prepare the annual business plan identifying sales and financial goals; objectives, forecasting of volumes, strategies and tactics to meet or exceed financial goals; and recommended budget allocations
• Volume and Inventory forecasting to ensure goals are being met and inventory is balanced
• Ability to pull and analyze data (i.e. AC Nielsen, SommAi, etc.) to support brand plans and positioning
• Perform competitive reviews and analyses
• Manage new item setup, including collecting all applicable details to support data entry into NetSuite
• Coordinate tactical execution and monitor programs to ensure tactics are executed on time and on budget
• Monitor progress versus plan, develop contingencies and recommended solutions as needed, and report variances to the Director.
• Serve as the liaison/contact for all sales positions.

Development, implementation and management of the Brand programs and positioning.

• Create and gain management approval for a motivating creative Brand positioning reflecting brand strengths, brand benefits, and consumer decision insights using the Terlato Marketing Department format
• Create trade training materials that clearly communicate and support the brand positioning to all stakeholders for each segment
• Work in partnership with Sales to support the Trade to achieve goals, including providing brand education, point of sale support, sales materials and presenting at general sales meetings
• Lead development of brand communications and support to ensure they are on strategy
• Partner with internal corporate communications team to define brand communication strategy and coordination Position and develop advertising, under senior management’s guidance
• Social Media management, creation and implementation
• Partnership Management Internal & External Stakeholders:
• Maintain the primary day-to-day (non-contractual) contact with Terlato suppliers
• Conduct business reviews as necessary to keep suppliers up-to-date on their business and to surface business issues
• Perform data analysis to support monthly calls with suppliers
• Provide support to senior management for negotiating annual commitments
• Ensure annual supplier goals are both set and met
• Lead collaboration, and innovative with advertising, media and digital agency partners, as well as internal cross-functional teams
• Must display leadership skills and have an ability to work closely across functional teams (sales, finance/accounting, creative services, operations, etc.)

Team Interaction

• Provide event selection and participation by partnering with events group.
• Support in quarterly sales business reviews with key distributor/broker partners.
• 15-20% travel for team meetings, market work, events,…

Administrative

• Complete necessary documentation for timely pricing, compliance, and legal activities
• Manage A&P budget/spending for brands
• Lead monthly A&P reviews to ensure alignment with Finance
• Track spending to ensure budget accuracy

Professional Qualifications

• 5-7 years of alcoholic beverage marketing/luxury branding experience or equivalent required. Spirits experience preferred.
• Undergraduate in marketing or business.
• MBA/ Graduate degree preferred.
• Experience creating consumer facing, creative point of sale/merchandising materials, which support that positioning
• Solid Brand/ Consumer Package Goods Marketing (CPG) Experience
• Experience with building strategic brand plans and a track record of strong execution
• Strong Financial acumen
• Successful candidate will be a very motivated self-starter and be able to work without daily guidance
• A passion for and desire to be immersed in the beverage alcohol business.

Terlato is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, reproductive health decision-making, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Terlato is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable law. If you require an accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please contact Kimmy Sheehy at 847-604-5715.

The salary range listed for this position is the range the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will depend on a number of factors permitted by law, including relevant skills, job-related factors, experience, qualifications, geographic location, internal equity, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for bonuses, commissions, equity, and benefits, where applicable.