Brand Manager - Sports Category (5-10 yrs)

Brand Manager for

1) Sports Category

2) Food Category

Company: Mid-sized sports item and sportswear company, with a segment in food products

Location: Hybrid/Anywhere in India with WFH option/Travel once a month to Chennai for business meeting

Industry: Sports Goods and Sportswear/Foods

Role Overview:

The Brand Manager for the Sports Category will be responsible for driving brand strategy, product positioning, and consumer engagement for the company's sports items and sportswear line. This role will focus on building brand equity, increasing market share, and enhancing brand perception. The Brand Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, product development, and external agencies, to develop and execute impactful marketing campaigns that align with the company's goals and resonate with target audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Brand Strategy & Positioning :

- Develop and implement a cohesive brand strategy for the sports category to enhance brand visibility, market share, and consumer loyalty.

- Identify brand positioning opportunities within the sports goods and sportswear segments and create a compelling brand narrative to differentiate the company from competitors.

- Conduct market research and analyze industry trends to ensure brand strategy aligns with consumer preferences and market needs.

Product Marketing & Launch:

- Lead new product launch strategies for sports items and sportswear, ensuring effective positioning and messaging.

- Collaborate with the product development team to identify key product features and benefits that meet consumer demand.

- Design launch plans and marketing campaigns that highlight unique selling propositions and engage the target audience across digital, social media, and offline channels.

Consumer Engagement & Brand Activation:

- Plan and execute consumer engagement initiatives, including events, sponsorships, and experiential marketing to build brand awareness and loyalty.

- Manage brand partnerships, sponsorships, and endorsements that reinforce the brand's presence and connect with sports enthusiasts and influencers.

- Oversee digital marketing campaigns, including social media, influencer partnerships, and paid media, ensuring alignment with brand objectives and audience interests.

Market Analysis & Competitive Intelligence:

- Conduct regular analysis of market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and refine brand strategies.

- Utilize insights from research, focus groups, and customer feedback to optimize brand messaging and improve product positioning.

- Track and report on the performance of marketing campaigns and brand health metrics, including awareness, perception, and customer loyalty.

Budget Management & ROI Analysis:

- Develop and manage the brand budget for the sports category, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and maximizing return on investment.

- Monitor campaign performance, analyze ROI, and provide insights on the effectiveness of marketing initiatives.

- Work closely with finance and leadership to review and adjust budget allocations as needed.

Cross-functional Collaboration :

- Work closely with sales, product, and merchandising teams to ensure brand consistency across all customer touchpoints.

- Coordinate with the sales team to develop in-store marketing strategies, point-of-sale materials, and promotional plans to drive retail performance.

- Partner with external agencies, designers, and creative teams to develop high-quality marketing assets that reflect the brand's image.

Qualifications & Experience :

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or related field; MBA in Marketing is preferred.

Experience:

- 5-8 years of experience in brand management or product marketing, preferably in the sports, retail, or FMCG sectors.

- Proven track record of successful brand-building initiatives and consumer campaigns.

Technical Skills:

- Proficiency in digital marketing, including social media management and content creation.

- Experience with data analysis tools and marketing software; familiarity with Google Analytics, CRM systems, and social media analytics tools is a plus.