Associate Brand Manager-H

Associate Brand Manager-H Orange County, CA-HYBRID Full timeThe Associate Brand Manager is responsible for assisting in managing the brand, building it into a true megabrand across channels through holistic brand management, disciplined P&L leadership, and impactful innovation. Responsibilities include assisting with annual brand planning and execution, brand strategy, new product development, packaging and P&L and budget management.Major End Results (Primary Duties): Megabrand Strategy & Holistic Brand LeadershipBuild the brand into a megabrand across channels by delivering a cohesive, consumer‑led brand strategy spanning brand positioning, portfolio architecture, communication, innovation, and in‑market execution.Assists in development of the annual and multi‑year operating plan, integrating brand strategy, innovation pipeline, financial targets, and commercialization plans.P&L Ownership & Business ManagementManages the P&L, including forecasting, pricing, promotional strategy, trade spend, A&P investment, and gross margin delivery.Monitor and analyze volume, market share, profit drivers, and competitive dynamics to inform decisions and optimize growth.Close‑In Innovation & Portfolio ManagementLead close‑in innovation and renovation to fuel near‑term growth while strengthening brand equity.Partner with R&D, Supply Chain, and Operations to bring consumer‑relevant, margin‑accretive innovation to market on time and on budget.Drive portfolio optimization, including SKU rationalization and mix management, to improve simplicity and profitability.Marketing Execution & Integrated ActivationOversee development and execution of integrated marketing plans across advertising, media, digital, social, shopper marketing, and customer programs.Lead agency partners to deliver creative that strengthens brand distinctiveness and drives performance.Ensure flawless execution across retail channels (grocery, mass, club, dollar, and e‑commerce).Cross‑Functional Leadership & InfluenceInfluence without authority and lead complex initiatives through strong communication, data‑driven decision‑making, and collaboration.Lead cross-functional team to deliver brand/product line level P&L through gross margin and recommends and executes changes and actions in order to deliver upon expectations.This position is responsible for leading a cross-functional team that will include consumer insights, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Trade Marketing and Finance.Qualifications : Education: BA/BS Degree required. MBA a plus. Written and spoken Spanish language skills a plus.Three years of marketing and product development or related experience, preferably with a food or beverage company in the consumer-packaged goods industryStrong working knowledge and understanding of the food industryKnowledge of product development concepts and processesExperience in new product concept research validation a plusAbility to apply leadership, strategic thought and innovation to new product development and business opportunitiesForecasting skillsExcellent analytical, problem solving and evaluation skillsOutstanding project management skillsSolid financial analysis, planning, budgeting, and costing abilities/experienceStrong leadership and interpersonal skillsExcellent verbal and written communications and oral presentation skillsHighly effective ability to collaborate, negotiate, influence, and network with a wide range of diverse groups, including senior leadership, management, external customers, vendorsAble to thrive within a multi-project, cross functional environmentHighly organized, self-starter with the ability to manage projects with limited oversightEducation and/or Experience:B.A. / Master's degree (M. B. A.) or an equivalent; and three plus years related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Language Skills:Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Fluency in Spanish is a plus.Mathematical Skills:Basic forecasting, costing and P&L skills.Reasoning Ability:Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions from a large amount of data.Computer Skills:To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of most commonly used business systems and software applications in addition to Windows Office and how these systems relate to business processes. Knowledge of using and reading IRI/Nielsen sales tracking tool.