📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Brand Manager
🔹 Company: Talking Rain Beverage Co®, makers of Sparkling Ice
🔹 Location: Preston, WA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (Onsite at least 3 days per week)
🔹 Category: Marketing & Branding
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-08-07
🔹 Experience Level: 2-4 years
🔹 Remote Status: Onsite (Preston, WA office)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Designing and implementing marketing strategies for innovative products
- Analyzing data to transform brand metrics into sales materials
- Collaborating with the Insights team to drive portfolio strategy and brand growth
- Supporting packaging and product development throughout the entire lifecycle
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. It's ideal for a proactive self-starter who can manage multiple projects and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Plan and execute sales, retailer, and consumer support programs
✅ Analyze, track, and summarize key learnings based on syndicated, Point of Sale, quantitative, and qualitative data
✅ Translate key brand metrics, analytics, programs, and media plans into sales materials that are retailer-ready
✅ Recommend and champion brand plans that improve margins and add EBITDA
✅ Collaborate with the Insights team to identify product offering gaps and valuable consumer insights to drive portfolio strategy and brand growth
✅ Analyze data, build business cases, and make recommendations related to packaging, products, promotions, and other key initiatives that will drive business results and long-term sustainable growth
✅ Support the development of packaging and product development briefs and lead the process from innovation through commercialization
✅ Complete other responsibilities as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, data-driven decision making, and hands-on execution. It requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or equivalent experience
Experience: 2-4 years of experience in brand, marketing, or product management, ideally with a Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) company
Required Skills:
- Strong analytical/reporting skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Experience with end-to-end product development and commercialization processes
- Experience with Syndicated Data (IRI preferred)
- Familiarity with traditional trade channels: food, mass, club, and convenience
- Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Strong communication skills
- Willingness to navigate change and ambiguity
- Passion for the consumer
- Ability to travel 1-3 times per quarter, based on business need
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Fluency in a second language
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong foundation in marketing and brand management, with a proven track record of driving results through data-driven insights and strategic planning.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $76,000 - $100,000 (depending on experience)
Benefits:
- Three weeks of vacation, with additional weeks accrued over time
- Paid parental leave (six weeks for FMLA-qualifying Rain Makers, with additional time for birth mothers)
- Flexibility stipend for eligible Rain Makers
- Relocation available (when available)
- 401k with immediate vesting and matched contributions
- Fitness reimbursements for community events and competitions, plus access to on-site gym (Preston office)
- Medical, dental, and vision plans (one plan is free for Rain Makers)
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. Benefits are comprehensive and designed to support the well-being of employees.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Food and Beverage Services. Talking Rain is a leading manufacturer and distributor of non-alcoholic beverages, with a focus on sparkling water and enhanced water brands.
Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees). Talking Rain offers the benefits of a mid-sized company, with opportunities for growth and career advancement, while maintaining a close-knit, collaborative culture.
Founded: 1987. Talking Rain was founded by two men in a bar and has since grown into a successful beverage company, driven by its innovative Sparkling Ice brand.
Company Description:
- Progressive and sustainable, Talking Rain is always looking at what's next
- Experiencing double-digit growth, primarily driven by Sparkling Ice, America's #1 Sparkling Water
- Constantly innovating, with a focus on failing fast and using learnings to produce incredible results
Company Specialties:
- Supply chain operations and distribution
- Sales and marketing
- Public relations and social media
- Employee engagement and culture
- Innovation and technology
- Data and analytics
- Beverage technology and food science
- Community involvement and charitable giving
Company Website: Talking Rain Beverage Co
ASSUMPTION: Talking Rain is a dynamic and growing company, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. It values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package to support their well-being.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level. This role is ideal for an experienced marketing professional looking to take the next step in their career, with the opportunity to grow into a senior role over time.
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Sr. Brand Manager. This role does not have direct reports.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a minimum of 3 days onsite per week at the Preston, WA office.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities and grow into a senior role
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and drive meaningful results
- Access to professional development and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the company's success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (onsite and remote work arrangement)
Office Location(s): Preston, WA
Geographic Context:
- Preston, WA is a small city located in King County, Washington
- The company's headquarters is located in Preston, with additional offices in other states
- The Pacific Northwest region is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and mild climate
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement. This role requires onsite work at least 3 days per week, with additional onsite days potentially required for special projects or team events.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between onsite collaboration and remote flexibility. Preston, WA provides a pleasant work environment with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-depth behavioral and situational interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Sr. Brand Manager
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
- Data analysis and reporting skills
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
- Passion for the consumer and the brand
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry and Talking Rain's products
- Prepare examples of your data analysis and reporting skills, as well as your ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations
- Be ready to discuss your experience with product development and commercialization processes
ATS Keywords: Associate Brand Manager, Marketing, Brand Management, Product Management, Data Analysis, Consumer Insaged Insights, CPG, Sparkling Ice, Talking Rain
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess your skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role. Talking Rain values proactive, curious, and inclusive candidates who can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Syndicated Data tools (e.g., IRI)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with syndicated data tools. Experience with data visualization and project management tools is a plus.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Accountability: Taking ownership of our work and holding ourselves to high standards
- Curiosity: Embracing a growth mindset and continuously seeking new knowledge and perspectives
- Inclusivity: Valuing communication, respect, and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on driving results and continuous improvement
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration
- Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to navigate change and ambiguity
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you hold yourself accountable for your work and take ownership of your responsibilities?
- Are you curious and proactive in seeking new knowledge and perspectives?
- Do you value communication and respect, and are you comfortable working in a diverse and inclusive environment?
ASSUMPTION: Talking Rain values candidates who are accountable, curious, and inclusive. It seeks employees who are proactive, collaborative, and adaptable, with a strong work ethic and a passion for driving results.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- This role requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- The fast-paced nature of the role may require working outside of normal business hours on occasion
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges for candidates who prefer a fully remote or fully onsite work environment
- Preston, WA may not offer the same level of cultural attractions and amenities as larger cities
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for the right candidate. It requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a willingness to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Associate Brand Manager roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work on innovative products and drive brand growth for a successful, growing company
- Talking Rain's focus on innovation and sustainability sets it apart from other CPG companies
- This role offers significant growth potential and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the company's success
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of challenges and opportunities, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and growth. It is ideal for a proactive, curious, and inclusive candidate looking to make a meaningful impact on a successful, growing company.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand plan for a new product launch, including market research, competitive analysis, and strategic positioning
- Analyzing sales data to identify trends and opportunities, and translating insights into actionable recommendations for retailers and consumers
- Supporting the development of packaging and product development briefs, and leading the process from innovation through commercialization
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities for this role, from strategic planning and data analysis to hands-on execution and project management.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the brand, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams, such as Insights and Product Development?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within this role and the company?
- How does Talking Rain support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company's approach to innovation and sustainability, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help you better understand the role, the company, and the opportunities for growth and development. They are not exhaustive, and you should feel free to ask additional questions based on your own interests and concerns.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your data analysis and reporting skills, as well as your ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations
- Be ready to discuss your experience with product development and commercialization processes
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team one week after submitting your application to check the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
