Job Description

Job Title: Brand manager
Functional Area: Commercial
Reports To: Country Manager
Business Unit: Confidential
Location: Durban
Job Grade: CM-1

Primary Job Purpose

The Collections Manager is responsible for driving the brands sales performance, managing brand equity, and executing strategic initiatives to enhance market presence. This role requires leadership in brand management, market analytics, and compliance, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability. The incumbent will oversee merchandising, inventory management, and the supply chain while aligning the brands positioning with market demands and corporate objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Brand Management

• Drive the sales performance of the brand in the market.
• Manage all aspects of the brand through the supply chain, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Present quarterly reports on strategy, progress, and market performance to senior management.
• Develop and execute marketing campaigns in collaboration with the Marketing team.
• Ensure collections are updated regularly across stockists and online platforms.

Market Analytics & Strategy

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform brand strategy.
• Analyze brand performance in retail and provide monthly reports.
• Identify growth opportunities and ensure competitive advantage.
• Forecast sales and volume, ensuring alignment with operational capacities.

Brand Equity & Communication

• Oversee the design of retail packaging and in-store marketing displays.
• Develop a compelling brand message to enhance loyalty and market share.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors, distributors, and stakeholders.
• Champion the brand internally to align company-wide understanding and objectives.
• Lead and participate in negotiations with key distributors, retailers, and customers.

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the commercial team.
• Establish clear performance standards and objectives.
• Conduct bi-annual performance reviews and mentor direct reports.
• Ensure efficient deployment of human resources to meet company objectives.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to internal policies, procedures, and industry regulations.
• Maintain financial and administrative compliance.
• Enforce safety measures and address deviations from policy promptly.
• Ensure ethical and professional standards are upheld in all business dealings.

Job Complexities & Interactions

Interactions Within the Organization:

• Country Manager
• Commercial, Finance, Distribution Center, HR, Factory Teams

External Interactions:

• Customers
• External Service Providers
• Vendors and Distributors

Job Pressure & Expectations

• Highly pressurized environment with strict sales targets.
• Market share growth and brand positioning as per global directives.
• Driving strategies to enhance brand equity and achieve sales/profitability goals.
• Indirect accountability to Regional Collection Head.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• No specific qualification required; industry experience is essential.

Experience

• 10+ years in collection building, brand or product management (essential).
• Proven track record in merchandising, inventory management, and OTB planning.
• Strong experience in brand development, marketing execution, and sales strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth and market expansion.
• Experience in the FMCG industry, particularly in selling various types of footwear, would be an advantage.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and drive brand growth while ensuring the strategic alignment of commercial objectives within a dynamic and competitive market environment.