Brand and Marketing Manager

Company: Champion Petfoods
Location: Boulder
Posted on: November 19, 2021

Job Description:

Do you want to work for an up and coming company that is growing rapidly globally in an exciting, fast-growing industry? Founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion Petfoods started as a feed mill and has evolved to become a leading international premium pet food manufacturer under the ORIJEN and ACANA brands. The Company is an award-winning pet food maker that proudly makes the world's best pet food, with a reputation of trust spanning more than 25 years. Today Champion is distributed primarily through the pet specialty channel and exports to more than 85 countries around the world. The Company's vision is to be "Earn pet lover trust every day, so pets thrive for a lifetime. It is among a small number of pet food companies with a global platform with state-of the art kitchens in Kentucky and Alberta. Today Champion is effectively a start-up with the scale of a large company. It offers the "best of small" (i.e. entrepreneurial, real accountability and ownership, challenger brand mindset, innovative, fast-moving) and "best of big" (i.e. leadership talent, access to capital, and strategic capability).Champion's values provide the foundation of its strong culture:TeamworkResponsibilityAuthenticityInnovation LeadershipOver the past ten years Champion has grown from $70M to over half a billion dollars in turnover and enjoys attractive EBITDA margins and private equity ownership with a long-term view to grow the business. The business has grown largely by word of mouth, and recommendation and referral by pet enthusiasts; with brand development and marketing investment taking a leadership role going forward. Champion makes Biologically Appropriate™ dog and cat foods from fresh regional ingredients and makes them from start to finish in its very own custom-built and award-winning kitchens. Champion's mission represents a new standard in pet food, designed to nourish cats and dogs in two ways. First, according to their natural evolution to a meat and protein-rich diet. Second, by using meats, poultry, eggs and fish that are sustainably ranched, farmed or fished by local suppliers and delivered to Champion's kitchens each day. Our ORIJEN and ACANA brands feature unmatched inclusions of fresh regional ingredients.Champion has significant growth opportunities in capturing additional market share in both North America and internationally, specifically in Europe and China. SummaryWe are looking for an innovative leader to build brand strategy, manage and develop our Cat Portfolio (ORIJEN and ACANA brands) while connecting that brand strategy to retail execution in conjunction as part of our Commercial Team. You will work cross-functionally to create and implement strategies that make our brands a local and global powerhouse. You will also work with our key accounts to develop and execute Champion-specific marketing plans.Reporting to the Director, Marketing this position will be based out of our corporate office located in Boulder, CO. ResponsibilitiesLead the brand strategy, management, and development of ORIJEN cat or ACANA cat brands in the US market with support and guidance to global enterpriseManage development and execution of yearly marketing plan for the brandContribute to development and implementation of growth brand strategy ensuring flawless execution of consumer driven initiatives (media, digital, all other consumer experience materials)Quarterly contact with key accounts to develop and execute marketing plansTranslate US market trends and consumer insights to sustain a highly competitive product portfolio and compelling value proposition.Identify new business opportunities through primary and secondary market research and partner with Commercial Team in the evaluation of new business segments and opportunities.Partner with US Sales Leadership to support strategic accounts in regard to marketing and promotion planning, and measurement and analysis of program impact.Partner with Finance to provide relevant information for costing and pricing purposes to deliver sales and profit targets.Lead and bring to life key marketing materials and initiatives across consumer touchpoints to ensure brand growth in line or ahead of planResponsible for the P&L for the product and will be accountable for delivering profitable business growth within the category and achieving company objectives.Establish a working knowledge of the pet food industry regulation and ensure all aspect are taken in account during the scoping and validation of new and improved products.Lead creative team in the packaging design of new products.Project management leadership to push projects over the finish line with sound planning and alignment of resources toward common outcome; on time and on budget.Be a role model of Champion's culture and core values of teamwork, responsibility, authenticity, innovation and leadership RequirementsMinimum of 8+ years of product and/or brand management experience and shopper marketing experience.Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Business or a related field is required; Master of Business Administration preferredExtremely collaborative, ability to develop and leverage relationships with stakeholdersProven track record of generating new or unique solutions and embracing new ideasExtensive project management skills and cross-functional leadershipStrong analytical, strategic planning and financial skillsProficient in Nielsen Answers on Demand softwareExcellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation skillsPrior experience working with distributors, independent, and national retailers.Eagerness to stay up to date on the latest brand trends in the US and globally, especially in the pet worldGreat attention to detail, enthusiasm, curiosity, organization, multi-tasking and desire to be a team playerPet owner preferred CompensationSalary Range: Target pay range for this position is $110,000 – $135,000 annually, however base pay offered may vary depending on job related experience and skills. This information is based on anticipated market location (Boulder, CO)Annual Incentive Eligibility: This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive plan. Awards are based on the achievement of both individual objectives as well as company objectives.Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, 401k benefits, and annual vacation.Champion is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Keywords: Champion Petfoods, Boulder , Brand and Marketing Manager, Executive , Boulder, Colorado