Senior Brand Manager
Michigan Sugar, Bay City, MI, United States
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.
- 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.