Associate Brand Manager-H

Associate Brand Manager-H Orange County, CA-HYBRID Full time The 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 Leadership Build 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 Management Manages 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 Management Lead 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 Activation Oversee 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 & Influence Influence 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 industry Strong working knowledge and understanding of the food industry Knowledge of product development concepts and processes Experience in new product concept research validation a plus Ability to apply leadership, strategic thought and innovation to new product development and business opportunities Forecasting skills Excellent analytical, problem solving and evaluation skills Outstanding project management skills Solid financial analysis, planning, budgeting, and costing abilities/experience Strong leadership and interpersonal skills Excellent verbal and written communications and oral presentation skills Highly effective ability to collaborate, negotiate, influence, and network with a wide range of diverse groups, including senior leadership, management, external customers, vendors Able to thrive within a multi-project, cross functional environment Highly organized, self-starter with the ability to manage projects with limited oversight Education 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.