📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Brand Manager
🔹 Company: Kimberly-Clark
🔹 Location: Mississauga, ON, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (2 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Marketing & Sales
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-25
🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading Shopper Marketing strategies for Adult & Feminine Care and Family Care brands
- Managing product sample needs and coordinating agency engagements
- Supporting corporate and local projects as assigned
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize brand plans and facilitate execution
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong collaboration, analytical, and project management skills. The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude and be motivated by challenges.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the development of Shopper Marketing strategies for Adult & Feminine Care and Family Care brands, optimizing plans for retailers and aligning with brand priorities and campaigns
✅ Own and distribute Shopper Toolkits to the Sales Team
✅ Manage the IRC process and develop and deliver IRC programs as required across the enterprise
✅ Lead the execution of Sampling Programs for AFC and FC brands, partnering with Brand Managers to build the sample kit strategy, source and evaluate vendors, and manage execution and budgeting
✅ Manage the GS1 platform to ensure Kimberly-Clark items are accurate, new items are created, and updates are made in a timely manner
✅ Manage and coordinate product sample needs for the Sales and Marketing teams
✅ Lead development of Walmart Media Marketing Plans across all brands, partnering with the CX team to deploy best practices and optimize investment
✅ Lead the planning, coordination, organization of all requirements of agency engagements and meetings, conferences, including travel logistics and sourcing/negotiating with vendors
✅ Provide support for Corporate and/or local based projects as assigned
✅ Process management and updating/generating of reports through internal systems or excel templates (Trackers, Financials, Pricing, etc.)
✅ Maintain Price Lists, Special Pack & Display Menus – taking the lead to ensure accuracy
✅ Lead provider of up-to-date portfolio merchandising guides & UPC booklets for Sales and Retail Team
✅ Lead Pricing Authority management & processing for brand teams
✅ Support Institutional contracts and RFPs as required, liaising with quality/regulatory and facilitating contract completion
✅ Lead language translation needs for customer communication materials
✅ Support, when required, the full PO process for the Marketing and Sales teams
✅ Maintain accurate records and files for easy retrieval when information is requested or needed
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and cross-functional collaboration. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are crucial for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field
Experience: 1+ years of prior Marketing or relevant co-op experience, ideally in CPG
Required Skills:
- Entrepreneurial, can-do attitude to find ways to break down growth barriers
- Demonstrated positive energy to effectively represent Brand internally & externally
- Motivated by challenges and possessing a robust sense of curiosity
- Passionate about driving Brand growth by better meeting consumer needs
- Ability to work independently and complete projects within required timeframes
- Strong analytical acumen with strong collaboration, influence, and presentation skills
- Strong knowledge and demonstrated use of advanced PC based applications (Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability to travel 5% of the time
Preferred Skills:
- Undergraduate/Graduate Degree in Marketing or MBA
- Able to work in a matrix organization driving collaboration across functions, geographies & businesses
- Project leadership (medium to large-scaled projects)
- Strong Digital, Social or eCommerce Marketing execution experience
- Leading/developing self and coaching other employees
- Demonstrated ability to drive insights and action from data analysis
- Knowledge and demonstrated use of data access tools (Nielsen Market track)
- Supporting complex business negotiations
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in marketing, with a focus on shopper marketing and brand management. Experience in the CPG industry is preferred but not required.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: 81,000 - 95,600 CAD
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage options with no waiting periods or pre-existing condition restrictions
- On-site fitness center, occupational health nurse, and allowances for high-quality safety equipment
- Flexible Savings and spending accounts to maximize health care options and stretch dollars when caring for yourself or dependents
- Diverse income protection insurance options to protect yourself and your family in case of illness, injury, or other unexpected events
- Additional programs and support to continue your education, adopt a child, relocate, or even find temporary childcare
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the CPG industry. The total benefits package is comprehensive and designed to support employees' overall wellbeing.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Kimberly-Clark operates in the Consumer Goods industry, focusing on personal care, health care, and hygiene products. The company is a global leader in its market, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Company Size: Kimberly-Clark is a large, multinational corporation with over 45,000 employees worldwide. As a large organization, Kimberly-Clark offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: Kimberly-Clark was founded in 1872 and has a rich history of innovation and growth. The company has evolved significantly over the years, expanding its product portfolio and global footprint.
Company Description:
- Kimberly-Clark is a global leader in personal care, health care, and hygiene products, with iconic brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, Kotex, and Depend
- The company is committed to creating Better Care for a Better World, focusing on sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing, and career development
- Kimberly-Clark fosters a performance-driven culture fueled by authentic caring, empowering employees to push boundaries and drive innovation
Company Specialties:
- Baby and Child Care
- Feminine Care
- Adult Care
- Family Care
- Health Care
- Personal Care
- Hygiene
Company Website: Kimberly-Clark
ASSUMPTION: Kimberly-Clark's extensive product portfolio and global presence offer a wide range of career opportunities for professionals looking to grow and develop in the consumer goods industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry-level to mid-level position, ideal for recent graduates or professionals with up to 2 years of relevant experience.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Brand Manager reports directly to the VP of Marketing and Sales Strategy for Kimberly-Clark Canada.
Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with employees working on-site for 2 days per week and remotely for the remaining 3 days.
Growth Opportunities:
- Kimberly-Clark's large size and diverse product portfolio offer numerous opportunities for career progression and role expansion
- The company encourages internal mobility and provides resources to support employees' professional development
- Strong performance in this role may lead to promotions or transfers to other brands, functions, or geographic locations
ASSUMPTION: The Associate Brand Manager role is an excellent entry point into the consumer goods industry, offering a broad range of responsibilities and opportunities for growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Kimberly-Clark's Mississauga office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation.
Office Location(s): Mississauga, ON, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Mississauga is a large city in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), located approximately 20 km west of downtown Toronto
- The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, amenities, and recreational opportunities
- Mississauga is well-connected by major highways, public transportation, and is close to Toronto Pearson International Airport
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with a hybrid work arrangement (2 days on-site, 3 days remote)
ASSUMPTION: Mississauga's central location in the GTA and diverse amenities make it an attractive place to live and work. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility and a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-depth behavioral and technical interviews with the hiring manager and cross-functional team members
- Final round interview with senior leadership
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and analytical thinking
- Collaboration and teamwork abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Kimberly-Clark's values
- Industry knowledge and passion for consumer goods
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of Kimberly-Clark's products, brands, and market position
- Showcase your problem-solving skills and provide specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in the role and the company
ATS Keywords: Shopper Marketing, Brand Management, Marketing Strategy, CPG, Consumer Goods, Retail, Agency Engagement, Project Management, Data Analysis, Collaboration, Teamwork, Problem Solving
ASSUMPTION: Kimberly-Clark's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the organization. Tailoring your application and preparing for behavioral interviews will increase your chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Nielsen Market Track)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the marketing and sales industries. Proficiency in these tools is essential for success in the position.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Act with Integrity
- Focus on the Consumer
- Collaborate for Impact
- Pursue Growth & Learning
- Inspire & Empower
Work Style:
- Performance-driven and results-oriented
- Collaborative and team-focused
- Adaptable and open to change
- Innovative and creative problem solver
- Strong communicator and influencer
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Kimberly-Clark's company values?
- Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a diverse team to achieve a common goal. What was the outcome?
- How do you approach learning from failures or setbacks, and how have you applied those lessons to future challenges?
ASSUMPTION: Kimberly-Clark's culture is centered around collaboration, innovation, and a focus on the consumer. Candidates who demonstrate strong alignment with these values and work styles will be most successful in the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Balancing on-site and remote work effectively
- Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams across different time zones
- Meeting tight deadlines and maintaining high-quality work standards
ASSUMPTION: The Associate Brand Manager role may present challenges related to time management, prioritization, and adaptability. Strong organizational skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be essential for success.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Associate Brand Manager vs. Junior Brand Manager: The main difference lies in the level of experience and responsibility. An Associate Brand Manager role typically requires less experience and focuses more on supporting brand managers and learning the ropes, while a Junior Brand Manager role involves more independent decision-making and leadership.
- Industry-specific context: The consumer goods industry is highly competitive, with a constant need for innovation and adaptability. Successful brand managers must stay informed about market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities.
- Career path comparison: A career path in brand management may lead to roles such as Senior Brand Manager, Brand Director, or even General Manager, depending on the organization's structure and the individual's aspirations.
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between similar roles and the industry context will help candidates tailor their applications and prepare for interviews more effectively.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive Shopper Marketing strategy for a new product launch, including retailer-specific plans, in-store activations, and promotional materials
- Managing a product sampling campaign, from vendor selection and negotiation to execution and evaluation
- Coordinating a cross-functional team to update pricing strategies and ensure accurate pricing information across all channels
- Supporting the development and execution of a corporate-wide marketing campaign, working with external agencies and internal stakeholders to deliver on-time and on-budget
ASSUMPTION: Familiarizing yourself with sample projects relevant to this role will help you understand the expectations and requirements for success in the position.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing and sales strategy for Kimberly-Clark Canada?
- What are the most important qualities for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?
- How does Kimberly-Clark support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the brand or category in the coming year, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides valuable insights into the position and the organization's culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interviews by practicing common interview questions and developing strong responses
- Research Kimberly-Clark's products, brands, and market position to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its offerings
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
