Brand Manager

National Brands Limited (NBL), a leading subsidiary of AVI Limited, is one of South Africa's top FMCG companies with iconic brands like Willards, Bakers, Five Roses, and House of Coffees. For over 173 years, NBL has been a key player in the South African food sector, expanding its reach across Southern Africa and delivering high-quality products that impact daily lives.

At NBL, we embrace a culture of high standards, teamwork, and accountability. Our employees are driven by excellence and innovation, always prioritising customer satisfaction. We celebrate our South African roots and foster a workplace where collaboration thrive.

Why Choose NBL?

• Make an Impact: Influence daily lives through South Africa's most iconic brands.
• Innovative Growth: Help drive continuous improvement in product development and marketing.
• Career Opportunities: Access diverse roles across world-class facilities in Isando, Rosslyn, Westmead, and Durban.
• Collaborative Culture: Thrive in a supportive, team-focused environment with AVI's backing.

Shape the Future with Us A rewarding opportunity awaits a skilled Brand Manager at NBL Head Office in Bryanston, Johannesburg. This role will be handling the snacks portfolio. We are looking for an innovative, detail orientated Brand Manager with a high level of financial acumen to take on the challenge of research and commercialization in of the portfolio

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Marketing Manager

Key Areas of Impact:

Deliver performance targets for portfolio across all target brands     

• Ongoing market and industry analysis to provide recommendations for brand development
• Ongoing competitor intelligence
• Ongoing review of portfolio activity effectiveness to update or change plans as required
• Budgeting & forecasting

Deliver local portfolio and brand strategy      

• Insights from pulling together existing research, market trends (global & local), competitors and internal data
• SWOT analysis
• Conduct consumer and market research in order to keep up to date with consumer trends, as well as trying to predict future trends
• Portfolio positioning – Identify how our brand is positioned in the market
• Develop brand plans/brand strategy for profitable company growth
• Development of 3-year portfolio strategy

Deliver consumer communication strategy    

• Define and manage brand positioning and communication strategy using a variety of media
• Prepare/Review all promotional, advertising, media, research and R&D briefs
• Participate in media strategy process, agreement & delivery of plans
• Develop and execute marketing campaigns aimed at communicating our brand message
• Maintain relationships (both internal and external partners)
• Monitor communication/promotional spend

Management of all New Product Development projects

• Development of commercial rational and justification
• Project management of all new product development projects
• Work with Research and Development (R&D) team and technical team to convert innovative business ideas into saleable products
• Product / packaging development
• Implement launch and launch support plan
• Participate in monthly marketing & NPD meetings

What It Takes to Succeed:

Experience that set you up for success:

• A minimum of three (3) years' experience as a Brand Manager gained in an FMCG environment is essential
• Knowledge of IRI / Nielsen data experience required

Qualifications & Certifications that will contribute to your success:

• A completed commercial degree majoring in Marketing, Business Management, Finance or similar is essential

Additional Requirements that will enhance your impact for success:

• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and MS PowerPoint
• SAP knowledge is advantageous
• Strong focus on analytical skills (turning data into actionable insights)
• Knowledge of consumer, trader, customer, and shopper insights
• Project management expertise
• Knowledge of the NPD process
• Advertising experience from briefing to execution
• High levels of numeracy
• Ability to travel essential

Why Join National Brands Limited (NBL)?

Join NBL to play a key role in shaping the future of iconic brands and contribute to an environment that values your skills, passion, and drive for excellence. Apply now to make a lasting impact