Topco Associates is currently seeking an Assistant Brand Manager for the Marketing team in Elk Grove Village, IL.

Under the direction of the Brand Manager, the Assistant Brand Manager will support the development of brand strategies (in a learner role) that are shopper-centric and data-driven, to drive shopper loyalty at Topco’s member retailers.  Execution with excellence will be a partnership between Marketing and Member.  In conjunction with the Brand Manager, the Assistant Brand Manager will be responsible for one large cross-category brand and 1-3 brands focused on one product category.  In this role, the Assistant Brand Manager will be working with our TopCare® and Tippy Toes® brands.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Responsible for assisting in the development of the voice of the brand, by providing first drafts and recommendations, including but not limited to:

• Identification of the prime prospect/target consumer through shopper insights and data
• Creating brand positioning, guardrails and architecture
• Understanding the competitive landscape and the unique role the brand plays, completing SWOT analysis
• Ensuring new products deliver against the brand guardrails
• Collaborating with Category Management to create an innovation pipeline

2. Development of packaging that encompasses the vision/image of the brand including, but not limited to:

• Creating packaging briefs and reviewing packaging concepts to ensure all elements of the brief are delivered in a way that aligns to the brand positioning and guardrails
• Coordination with Category Management Teams, Regulatory Teams and Creative Services department
• Collaborating with Category Management to identify product claims
• Ensuring packaging copy consistency

3. Support the Brand Manager in creating integrated brand marketing plans that drive business results.  Development of marketing campaigns inclusive of:

• Social Media Integrated Marketing and maintenance
• Website development and maintenance
• Internal Brand communication
• Member Brand communication
• Sell Sheets (Copy and Creation)
• Point-of-sale Creation and distribution
• Brand overview and strategy decks
• Trade promotional activities and member tradeshow representation

4. Work with Brand Specialists to provide analytics to support brand strategies including:

• Partnering with outside research vendors and Market Intelligence on qualitative and quantitative consumer research, identifying key insights to drive brand strategy
• Researching consumer markets, monitoring market trends and identifying potential areas in which to invest, based upon consumer needs and spending habits
• Understanding the pricing strategy for the brand and monitor national brand pricing targets
• Creating business cases for key initiative and quantifying the financial size of the opportunity
• Utilizing Topco systems to pull sales and item reports
• Maintaining item lists

5.  Work with Brand Specialist to ensure brand administration is handled:

• Maintaining content for the Topco Hub (saleforce.com platform)
• Evaluating brand item distribution voids among the membership
• Processing supplier invoices
• Supporting ad hoc member requests

6. All other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Four-year degree in marketing/business administration or related field or equivalent experience, MBA desired not required

Technical skills:

• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Understanding of Market Intelligence tools (e.g. IRI, Nielsen)

Previous Experience:

• 2-4 years of experience in marketing, brand management, product or category management.

Other qualifications:

• Strong collaborator and willingness to be a part of a team
• Ability to think creatively and be results oriented
• Proven written and verbal communication skills with the ability to delivery clear, concise messages to multiple internal and external stakeholders
• Capable of multitasking
• Energetic and passionate about consumers, brands, and marketing
• Strong analytical skills and insightful business judgment
• Ability to work under pressure