Brand Manager, QSR , Appetizers

Position Title:Brand Manager, QSR , Appetizers
Position Type: Regular - Full-Time
Requisition ID: 40568
About the role .
The role will act as a key execution business partner with sales, innovation, marketing operations and other key cross functional groups within the organization to meet portfolio business objectives, including but not limited to amplifying customer growth, acting as the portfolio lead on portfolio optimization initiatives and business reporting. The ideal candidate is a skilled marketer: solutions-oriented, forward thinking, with solid analytical and financial acumen, solid technical marketing skills, experience in leading new product development teams from ideation to launch, experience managing product portfolios and building reporting. Fueled by a passion for the operator, the consumer and the category, this position will deliver profitable sales with the goal of growing and transforming the category with our chain partners.
What you'll be doing.

• Coordinates to lead teams to manage cross-functional co-development innovations , including chain new product development (LTOs and core menu), product renovations or specification changes, packaging design, artwork approvals, SKU and materials management and financial feasibility exercises.

• Partner closely with Insights, Innovation and Go to Market Hub to identify and champion chain growth opportunities, translating market insights into strong go-to-market propositions. Partner on chain presentations and account specific programs.
• Act as portfolio lead on SCA initiatives that positively impact the P&L to achieve annual operating plan objectives, inclusive of SKU profitability and mix.
• Execute and optimize base business portfolio performance reporting and product lifecycle reviews to ensure an efficient and relevant portfolio that delivers to customer, category and commercial objectives.
• Consult on the AOC annual planning process , driving/influencing innovation, base business growth initiatives and supporting/enhancing brand positioning and commercial objectives, identifying budget needs.
• Champion the customer and consumer, understanding the entire value chain to deliver an integrated and synergistic execution of the strategy across functions.
• Lead, coach and develop direct and/or indirect reports creating an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing channel team
• Support monthly IBP operating rhythm ; with Go to Market Hub to help drive to decisions and alignment that balance supply against demand-and drive positive mix and scale impact to financial performance of the business
• Proactively review tier two customer performance drivers, identifying key levers that positively impact the P&L and make recommendations to adjust as needed to achieve annual operating plan objectives, inclusive of SKU profitability and mix.

Marketing Strategy and Fundamentals

• Strategic leader who can drive category growth developing and executing where to play--how to win--what to do marketing strategies
• Bias for leading with customer and consumer insights, a demand-driven stance on the business, and an understanding of category & industry trends and intelligence - bringing teams along to win internally and in the marketplace
• A strong foundational understanding of marketing mix fundamentals

Commercial and business management acumen

• Proven commercial acumen required to manage channel and project P&Ls to achieve financial goals (top and bottom-line), aligning and prioritizing work to deliver against KPIs and owning and executing strategic initiatives in line with goals (e.g., tier two co-development new product development)
• Solid understanding of the key drivers for the business / customer / category through financial knowledge of the SKUs under their portfolio and their contribution to the business.
• Proven analytical abilities, with ability to turn data into insights and action recommendations using internal and external data sources (Circana CREST, Datassential, Technomic, etc.)
• Acts as a category channel expert, understanding the industry, markets, channels, customers, consumers and competition

Executional Excellence

• Can toggle between high level strategic thinking and detail orientation
• The ability to deliver challenging goals, tenacious and accountable in driving results
• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through obstacles
• Proven project management skills to guarantee on time within scope delivery of projects
• Self-starter capable of navigating multiple projects, independent decision making and value creation
• Ability to influence through effective storytelling, can clearly summarize issues and communicate recommendations in a simple, compelling manner (verbally and written)

People & Culture

• Lead cross functional teams to ensure all team members are motivated, have clear goals and are vested in delivering the plans
• Strong ability to build rapport, with the aptitude to influence others towards a common goal
• Upskill and mentor the channel and project teams in knowledge of principles, concepts, strategies and techniques relating to project management, brand management and marketing

What you'll need to be successful.

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field required; MBA strongly preferred
• Previous P&L and budget management experience
• Experience deriving insights from both primary consumer research and syndicated data
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Willingness to travel
• 5+ years of Marketing/Brand Management experience with P&L ownership of a large brand or portfolio of brands within the Consumer Packaged Goods industry in food.
• Working knowledge of principles, concepts, strategies and techniques relating to Foodservice marketing.
• Strong commercial acumen and financial know how in the food CPG space preferably in tier 1 or 2 matrixed organization
• Ability to understand entire value chain and where commercial can drive efficiencies and effectiveness
• Experience with customer facing engagements preferably with chain accounts.
• Strong ability to influence people and build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and customers.
• Experience working strategically and operationally, and adapt to fast paced, ambiguous environments while maintaining accountability.
• High degree of tenacity and persistence to get actions completed on schedule with a hands on approach when needed.
• Highly organized with premium analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and a track record of translating data into insights and action.
• Proven track record in delivering several complex projects at a time
• Adept with project management fundamentals with Stage-Gate process understanding to drive decision-making with gatekeepers

About the team.
The position is a key role of the North America (NA) Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Marketing Team responsible for executing annual and mid-range portfolio and marketing strategies that ladder up to deliver the 2030 Plan for the channel, unlocking profitable growth through more of the menu. The role reports to the Director QSR.
About McCain .
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Leadership principles .
At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.
The McCain experience .
We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we're better together.
Our purpose is grounded in building meaningful relationships. We're big believers in the power of working together in person-it helps us stay connected, collaborate more effectively, and grow as a team. At the same time, we recognize the importance of flexibility. Most office-based roles follow a hybrid model, with the option to work remotely two days a week. There may be exceptions depending on the role and location, so we encourage you to speak with your recruiter for more details.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
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Job Family: Marketing
Location(s): CA - Canada : Ontario : Toronto
Company: McCain Foods (Canada)