Senior Brand Manager
Michigan Sugar Company, Bay City, MI, United States
Job Summary
Pioneer Sugar is undergoing a significant brand restage and is ready to enter its next phase of growth. To support this transformation, we are seeking a Senior Brand Manager who is both a strategic builder and a hands-on executor. This is a newly evolving, revenue-driving role with limited existing structure, offering the opportunity to create processes, shape strategy, and influence the long-term direction of an iconic grower-owned brand. The ideal candidate brings robust experience in CPG or food brand management , with proven success driving innovation, scaling businesses, and leading cross-functional initiatives. This individual must thrive in an entrepreneurial setting—comfortable developing strategy, rolling up their sleeves to execute, and building a strong brand foundation that fuels growth across retail (consumer) and food service channels.
Key Responsibilities
- Brand Strategy & Leadership
- Build, develop, and execute a comprehensive brand strategy that strengthens Pioneer Sugar’s foundation and positions the brand for long-term growth.
- Lead brand P&L management—including forecasting, pricing strategy, trade promotion planning, capital project justification, and sales goal alignment.
- Serve as a steward of the grower-owned brand platform, ensuring messaging reflects our mission, values, and competitive advantage.
- Innovation & Growth
- Drive innovation strategy, including new product development, new channel exploration, and alternative revenue opportunities in both consumer retail and food service.
- Guide strategic long-term growth plans by business channel and region in collaboration with the Sales team.
- Lead special projects tied to brand expansion, competitiveness, or operational advancement.
- Operational Execution & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Manage and prospect co-packer relationships to support current and future business needs.
- Oversee sustainability performance for the brand, including tracking, reporting, and related initiatives.
- Lead the development and execution of annual Pioneer Sugar marketing plans within approved budgets.
- Partner with external marketing and creative agencies to execute brand plans and performance initiatives.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders across Sales, Operations, Finance, and Executive Leadership.
- Corporate & Consumer Branding Support
- Support the company’s broader corporate brand transition, ensuring strong alignment between corporate communication and consumer-facing brand strategy.
Note: This position is responsible for strategy only—not execution—for corporate branding initiatives.
Key Attributes & Capabilities
- Strategic Brand Leadership: Understands how to craft and scale strong CPG brands from foundation to execution.
- Entrepreneurial Discipline: Comfortable operating without rigid structure; resourceful, adaptable, and proactive.
- Hands-On Operator: Willing to handle both strategic work and day-to-day execution when needed.
- Innovation Leader: Demonstrated success launching new products, formats, channels, or business models.
- Financial Acumen: Strong ability to manage P&L, pricing, trade spend, and brand investments.
- Influence & Collaboration: Skilled at working cross‑functionally and representing brand strategy across the organization.
- Communication Excellence: Able to articulate brand vision internally, externally, and with grower-owner stakeholders.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.
- 7+ years of brand management experience in food, beverage, or CPG.
- Proven track record owning or heavily influencing brand P&L.
- Experience leading innovation and taking concepts from strategy through execution.
- Ability to manage agency partners and internal cross-functional teams.
- Strong analytical, financial, and strategic planning skills.
- Willingness to relocate to Bay City, MI.
Preferred
- MBA in Marketing or related discipline.
- Experience working within evolving or early-stage brand structures.
- Background managing co-packers, sustainability initiatives, or multi-channel (retail + foodservice) portfolios.