ASSOCIATE BRAND MANAGER

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Associate Brand Manager

🔹 Company: The Hartz Mountain Corporation

🔹 Location: Secaucus, New Jersey

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)

🔹 Category: Brand Management, Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 26, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Assisting in the development and execution of marketing and innovation/renovation plans
• Supporting daily business management in areas such as forecasting, new item development, and consumer communication
• Collaborating cross-functionally to execute plans and provide direction on day-to-day management of business issues and opportunities
• Analyzing sales performance key drivers and developing accurate forecasts

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and tactical execution, with a focus on driving sales growth and market share for assigned categories.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Assist in the identification and development of new products, product improvements, packaging improvements, and line extensions

✅ Analyze and summarize results of market research and POS data

✅ Monitor and analyze sales performance key drivers and develop accurate forecasts

✅ Develop insightful, clear, and impactful sales presentations to support new products and educate on category trends/consumer understanding

✅ Maintain knowledge of key competitive activity, new products, product improvements, and market/channel trends within the category

✅ Assist in S.K.U. portfolio management for the category and inventory working closely with cross-functional team

✅ Assist in the execution of consumer communication/promotional support, working with Hartz agency of record on 360-degree consumer activation

✅ Provide support to cross-functional project team to execute plans and provide direction on day-to-day management of business issues and opportunities

✅ Provide support to forecast volume and work through S&OP process in conjunction with Sales, Operations Planning and other parties as appropriate

✅ Develop P&L’s for new items/existing items to evaluate pricing/cost/trade support changes

✅ Partner closely with Marketing Coordinator in development/approval of packaging design

✅ Develop materials to execute consumer market research studies

✅ Help maintain IRI database integrity for their category

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to drive brand success.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field is required with a minimum of 1-year experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) Brand Management

Experience: 1 year of experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) Brand Management

Required Skills:

• Analytical skills and working knowledge of IRI (Circana)/Nielsen POS and Panel Data
• Market analysis skills and experience conducting market research and P&L analysis
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically a few times a year

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with pet care products or related industries
• Fluency in Spanish (bilingual)

ASSUMPTION: While 1 year of experience is required, candidates with relevant internships or projects may also be considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 (Based on 1-year experience level in the CPG industry, Secaucus, NJ area)

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)
• Pet-Friendly Culture
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits (401(k) match with immediate vesting)
• Generous Paid Time Off (up to 34 paid days off annually, plus additional paid leaves)
• Paid Parental Leave & Insurance (Company-paid parental leave, along with Life & Disability Insurance)
• Comprehensive Health Coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision, Healthcare FSA, and Mental Health Assistance program (EAP))
• Tuition Reimbursement & Career Growth
• Employee Perks (Volunteer opportunities, fun employee events, and more!)

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level Brand Management roles in the CPG industry and the Secaucus, NJ area.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Pet care products manufacturing

Company Size: 201-500 employees (Mid-size)

Founded: 1926 (97 years ago)

Company Description:

• Hartz is a pet care products manufacturer dedicated to providing innovative, trustworthy, and affordable products
• The company aims to strengthen the bond between pets and their families by offering a wide range of pet care solutions
• Hartz encourages a diverse, open, and inclusive culture, with employees and their pets thriving together in hybrid work environments

Company Specialties:

• Flea & Tick Drops and Collars
• Dog Treats and Cat Treats
• Dog Toys and Cat Toys
• Puppy Pads

Company Website: http://www.hartz.com

ASSUMPTION: Hartz is a well-established company in the pet care industry, with a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level Brand Management role

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Brand Management Team

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in-office, 2 days remote) with occasional domestic travel

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential career progression within the Brand Management team or related marketing functions
• Opportunities to work on various brands and categories, gaining diverse experience
• Chance to develop skills in cross-functional collaboration, data analysis, and strategic planning

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the company's marketing department.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)

Office Location(s): Secaucus, New Jersey

Geographic Context:

• Secaucus is a suburban town located in Hudson County, New Jersey
• The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to New York City
• Secaucus is home to various industries, including manufacturing, retail, and logistics

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible remote work options

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-depth behavioral and technical interview with the Brand Management Team
• Final interview with the hiring manager or executive team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Problem-solving skills and analytical thinking
• Brand management and marketing knowledge
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
• Adaptability and ability to work in a hybrid environment

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience or projects in CPG Brand Management or related fields
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences mentioned in the job description
• Prepare examples of market research, data analysis, and strategic planning to discuss during the interview

ATS Keywords: Brand Management, CPG, Marketing, Market Research, P&L Analysis, IRI, Nielsen, POS Data, Consumer Communication, Product Development, Packaging Improvement, Cross-Functional Collaboration

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's analytical skills, brand management knowledge, and cultural fit within the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• IRI (Circana) or Nielsen data analysis tools
• Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools is essential for this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Pet-centric focus
• Innovation and continuous improvement
• Collaboration and teamwork

Work Style:

• Data-driven and analytical
• Adaptable and flexible, with a focus on results
• Collaborative and team-oriented

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a passion for pets and a deep understanding of pet care products?
• Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with cross-functional teams?
• Do you possess strong analytical skills and enjoy working with data to drive strategic decisions?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who share Hartz's passion for pets and demonstrate strong analytical skills and collaborative work styles will thrive in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing strategic thinking with tactical execution in a fast-paced environment
• Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Occasional domestic travel for market research, consumer events, or trade shows
• Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and maintaining productivity in both office and remote settings

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management, prioritization, and communication skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other entry-level Brand Management roles, this position offers a hybrid work arrangement and a focus on driving sales growth and market share
• In the pet care industry, this role requires a strong understanding of pet care products and consumer behavior
• Career progression in this role may lead to senior Brand Management positions or related marketing functions within the company

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar positions in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities in the pet care industry
• Developing and executing a marketing plan to launch a new pet care product
• Analyzing sales performance data to optimize pricing, promotions, and distribution strategies

ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as R&D, Sales, and Operations?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the Brand Management team or related marketing functions?
• How does Hartz support work-life balance for employees working in a hybrid environment?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3228243
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences mentioned in the job description
• Prepare examples of market research, data analysis, and strategic planning to discuss during the interview
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.