The Assistant Brand Manager will lead 9Lives strategy and execution while assisting with key initiatives. This position will also provide guidance to the Brand Analyst, and aid in their development.

9Lives Brand Strategy & Execution

• Synthesize insights and data from a wide variety of sources (qualitative & quantitative) to develop clear and actionable recommendations that will further brand strategies and support business planning processes.
• Work closely with cross-functional team members to build and drive overall strategy and ensure executional excellence.
• Identify and validate business risks and opportunities and drive action to address.

9Lives Project Champion

• Own brand-led dog food innovation through gate process and commercialization.
• Work closely with Project Management and cross functional partners to deliver executions that link to brand strategy and meet financial targets.
• Develop and track key metrics to understand innovation performance and recommend potential optimizations.

9Lives Marketing Budget

• Manage 9Lives brand marketing budget over the course of fiscal year, including reporting, reconciliation, and funding transfers.
• Lead budget planning, working with cross-functional partners to fund key brand priorities and initiatives.

Contributing to Organizational Growth & Culture

• Respect all individuals, support efforts for diversity & inclusion, and recognize value in embracing divergent styles.
• Wade into healthy conflict and challenge status quo when needed to advance outcomes, teamwork and thinking.
• Embrace team culture of information sharing, corporate citizenship, and continuous improvement.
• Assist in training and development of Brand Analyst, including data analysis expertise and data presentation guidance

Education

• Four-year college degree is required; a Marketing related degree is preferred
• MBA is a plus (but not required, especially if experience is strong)

Experience

• At least 2 years of CPG Marketing experience is required
• Experience tracking & reporting business vs. plan and driving projects requiring cross functional coordination & leadership
• Proven ability to turn data into insights and action is required. IRI/Nielsen literacy a strong plus.

Location

This role is based in Minneapolis with 40-50% travel to Ohio. Role may also be based in Akron, OH area with relocation to Minneapolis possibly required after 1 year+. Role may also be remote, with 40-50% travel.

Other

• Entrepreneurial spirit with growth mindset and passion for delivering business results
• Strong analytical and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to take data and information from variety of sources and turn into a concise, action-oriented story (“Storytelling”)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset
• Ability to navigate a matrixed organization and dynamic environment, working with people at all levels internally & externally