Brand Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager

🔹 Company: Mattel

🔹 Location: Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Brand Management

🔹 Date Posted: June 19, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Executing marketing strategies and ensuring effective brand plan implementation
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Driving sales, revenue, and market share growth
• Managing local media agencies and retail activation plans

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of marketing strategies and the ability to work effectively in a matrix organization.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Maintain constant communication with Marketing Manager and Sales team to share local market expertise and identify synergies

✅ Ensure best effective and impactful amplifications & implementations of Brand strategies and action plans in the country

✅ Responsible for pricing, following regional guidelines, and quotas in conjunction with Sales

✅ Select the line by channel/customer and manage product information, validate translations and localization of creative assets

✅ Drive the execution of brand retail activation plans (merchandizing strategies / planograms, tent poles and promotions, POP)

✅ Manage local media agency for the execution of brand marketing activities across all different media channels

✅ Partner closely with Regional Brand Marketing and Communication teams, with Sales, and local partners to drive sales, revenue and market share

✅ Contribute to driving customer engagement through presentations of product lines, brand plans, ad-hoc presentations to Sales team and key local customers

✅ Team up with the Digital Marketing team, to combine your market knowledge with their online expertise, for optimal presence of your brands on the web

✅ Continuously track and evaluate the performance of your efforts, and if necessary adapt your strategy for the future

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively in an international, cross-cultural environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor or University degree in Marketing, Sales, or Business Administration

Experience: At least 5 years of commercial/marketing experience preferably in Toys, FMCG, or related industries

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in brand management
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Results-oriented mindset with a strong will to succeed
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Experience working in an international/cross-cultural environment

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with an international matrix organization
• Knowledge of the local market and consumer trends
• Proficiency in using marketing tools and platforms

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the toys or related industries will have a competitive advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is estimated to be between ZAR 600,000 and ZAR 900,000 per annum, based on industry standards for a Brand Manager with 5-10 years of experience in South Africa.

Benefits:

• Health insurance and retirement benefits
• Employee discounts on Mattel products
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Hybrid work model with flexible hours

Working Hours: This role follows a standard 40-hour workweek, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely some days.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Mattel operates in the manufacturing industry, specifically focused on toys and family entertainment. The company is a global leader in its sector, with a strong portfolio of iconic brands.

Company Size: Mattel is a large organization with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

Founded: Mattel was founded in 1945 and has since grown into a globally recognized brand with a rich history in the toy industry.

Company Description:

• Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children's and family entertainment franchises in the world.
• The company creates innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play.
• Mattel engages consumers through its portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, and MEGA, as well as other popular intellectual properties.

Company Specialties:

• Toys and entertainment
• Brand management
• Marketing and sales
• Product development and innovation

Company Website: www.mattel.com

ASSUMPTION: Mattel's strong brand portfolio and global presence offer applicants a unique opportunity to work with iconic brands and gain international experience.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level career stage, requiring a balance of strategic thinking and tactical execution.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Manager reports directly to the Marketing Manager and works closely with the Sales team, regional brand marketing teams, and local partners.

Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work model, with a combination of on-site and remote work.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to senior brand management or marketing leadership roles
• Expansion into different markets or brand categories
• Development of skills in strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder management

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates in this role will have opportunities to grow within the organization, both in terms of career progression and skill development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Mattel's Sandton office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation.

Office Location(s): 333 Continental Blvd, El Segundo, California 90245, US (headquarters); PO Box 78662, Sandton, South Africa (local office)

Geographic Context:

• Sandton is a major commercial hub in South Africa, offering a vibrant business environment and easy access to amenities
• The local office is located in a modern, well-equipped building with ample parking and nearby public transportation
• The company's headquarters in El Segundo, California, provides opportunities for international collaboration and travel

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is Monday to Friday, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely some days.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work model and flexible hours offered by Mattel provide employees with a good work-life balance and the opportunity to tailor their work environment to their preferences.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with key stakeholders

Key Assessment Areas:

• Cultural fit and alignment with Mattel's values
• Marketing and brand management skills
• Problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Communication and collaboration skills

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant marketing and brand management experience in your resume
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and your fit with Mattel's culture
• Prepare examples of successful brand campaigns or projects you've led to discuss during the interview

ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Marketing Strategy, Retail Activation, Media Management, Sales Alignment, Cross-Functional Collaboration, International Experience, Matrix Organization

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant skills and experience, and be prepared to discuss their approach to brand management and marketing strategy in the interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant marketing and project management tools will be beneficial in this role, but specific software proficiency is not a requirement.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Collaboration: We work together to achieve common goals and drive results
• Innovation: We continuously seek new and better ways to create and deliver products and experiences
• Execution: We strive for excellence and focus on pursuing best-in-class outcomes

Work Style:

• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Adaptable and open to change
• Results-driven and focused on delivering impact

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
• Are you comfortable working in an international, cross-cultural setting?
• Do you have a strong bias towards action and results?

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong fit with Mattel's values and work style, and be able to contribute effectively to the company's culture.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Working in a matrix organization with a global scope
• Adapting to changes in the market and consumer behavior
• Balancing strategic thinking with tactical execution

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to navigate a complex, dynamic work environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Senior Brand Manager or Marketing Manager position in a smaller organization or a specific brand category within a larger company
• In comparison to other marketing roles, this position requires a stronger focus on brand strategy and retail activation
• Career progression in this role could lead to senior marketing leadership positions or brand management roles in different markets or categories

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their long-term career goals and how this role fits into their overall professional development plan.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a successful brand activation campaign for a new product launch
• Managing a local media agency to optimize brand marketing spend and maximize ROI
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive sales and market share growth for an established brand

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with brand management and marketing projects, and how they have driven results in previous roles.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for the brand category?
• What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
• How does Mattel support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance and flexible work arrangements?
• How does Mattel measure the success of its brand management and marketing efforts?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview as an opportunity to gain insights into the company's culture, priorities, and expectations for the role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the provided link
• Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant marketing and brand management experience
• Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your fit with Mattel's culture
• Prepare examples of successful brand campaigns or projects you've led to discuss during the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

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