π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Brand Manager
πΉ Company: Twinings Ovaltine
πΉ Location: Shanghai, China
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time
πΉ Category: Marketing
πΉ Date Posted: April 14, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 6+ years in FMCG industry
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing category product portfolio strategy and yearly NPD roadmap
- Independent NPD project management
- Overseeing category business performance and defining opportunity and action plans
- Strong understanding of consumer insights and market trends
- End-to-end leadership of IMC launch plans for NPD projects
- Brand health and sales performance tracking and analysis
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong project management skills, and a deep understanding of the FMCG industry and consumer behavior.
π Key Responsibilities
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Develop category product portfolio strategy and yearly NPD roadmap aligned with overall marketing strategy
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Manage independent NPD projects, including cost, product performance, and timing, working with multi-functional teams to achieve targets
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Oversee category business performance and proactively define opportunity and action plans to grow the business through innovation and renovation
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Gather and analyze consumer insights and market trends to inform product strategy and consumer promotions
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Implement in-depth marketing intelligence to understand target markets, customer segmentation, and competitor activities
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Lead end-to-end IMC launch plans for NPD projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute and monitor launch activities
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Track and analyze brand health and sales performance
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a high degree of independence and requires strong leadership and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience:
- 6+ years of experience in the Food and Beverage FMCG industry
- Proven track record in NPD, brand management, and category business results
Required Skills:
- Strong strategic thinking and business acumen
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to generate insights and manage NPD projects
- Proficiency in data gathering and analysis
- Familiarity with AI tools and market research techniques
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in a multinational corporation
- Familiarity with the Chinese market
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the FMCG industry and a strong background in NPD and brand management are most likely to succeed in this role.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Brand Manager role in Shanghai, the estimated salary range is CNY 350,000 - 500,000 per year.
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Inspiring work environment that celebrates differences and empowers collaboration
Working Hours: Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Twinings Ovaltine operates in the Food and Beverage Services industry, with a focus on tea and other beverages.
Company Size: The company has 1,001-5,000 employees globally, with a significant presence in China.
Founded: Twinings was founded in 1706, making it one of the oldest and most established tea companies in the world.
Company Description:
- Over 300 years of innovation, creativity, and masterblending expertise
- Strong focus on tea as more than just a drink, with a rich heritage and commitment to quality
- International presence with a strong desire to grow and compete on a global scale
- Forward-looking approach to work, with a strong set of values that guide actions and drive success
Company Specialties: Tea, beverages, FMCG, marketing, innovation, and brand management
Company Website:
http://www.twinings.co.uk
ASSUMPTION: Twinings Ovaltine's extensive history and global presence provide a stable and supportive environment for career growth and development.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications
Reporting Structure: The Brand Manager will report directly to the Marketing Director and work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, finance, and trade marketing.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexibility to work remotely as needed to meet project deadlines.
Growth Opportunities:
- Opportunities to lead high-impact NPD projects and drive business growth
- Exposure to a wide range of marketing functions and cross-functional teams
- Potential for career progression within the marketing department or the broader organization
ASSUMPTION: The Brand Manager role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development, both within the marketing department and the broader organization.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in Shanghai
Office Location(s): 21st Floor Pacific Center, 889 Yan An West Road, Shanghai 200050, CN
Geographic Context:
- Shanghai is a major global city with a vibrant business environment and a large consumer market
- The office is located in the Pudong New Area, a bustling commercial district with easy access to public transportation and amenities
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The Shanghai office provides a dynamic and stimulating work environment, with easy access to a wide range of cultural, recreational, and professional development opportunities.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
1. Online application submission
2. Phone or video screening
3. In-depth behavioral and technical interviews
4. Final round with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Project management and leadership abilities
- Industry knowledge and market research skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in NPD, brand management, and market research
- Research the company and the role to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the opportunity
ATS Keywords: NPD management, brand management, consumer insights, market analysis, strategic thinking, data gathering, communication skills, leadership, collaboration, business acumen, project management, marketing planning, presentation skills, innovation, consumer promotion, market trends
ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit, with a focus on their ability to drive business growth through NPD and brand management.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Market research tools (e.g., Nielsen, Kantar, Euromonitor)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- AI tools for market research and consumer insights (e.g., IBM Watson, Google Analytics)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies are standard for the FMCG industry and can be easily learned by candidates with relevant experience.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Great people work here
- We celebrate differences and empower collaboration
- We value people and encourage them to make an impact
- We offer inspiring packages of employee benefits
Work Style:
- Variety and innovation
- Freedom to explore and find new ways
- Opportunities to find new ways and to innovate
- Empowerment to make an impact
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Twinings Ovaltine's values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your past roles?
- How comfortable are you working in a dynamic and collaborative environment, and how have you successfully navigated diverse teams in the past?
- How does your personal work style fit with Twinings Ovaltine's work style, and how have you adapted to different work environments in the past?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are comfortable working in a dynamic and collaborative environment, with a strong focus on innovation and empowerment, are most likely to thrive at Twinings Ovaltine.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple NPD projects simultaneously, with tight deadlines and competing priorities
- Navigating a complex and matrixed organizational structure, with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams
- Adapting to a fast-paced and ever-changing market, with evolving consumer preferences and competitive dynamics
- Balancing short-term business results with long-term brand building and asset development
ASSUMPTION: The Brand Manager role presents significant challenges, but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and development.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Product Manager: Focuses on managing the product lifecycle, from development to end-of-life, while the Brand Manager focuses on brand strategy and marketing.
- Marketing Manager: Oversees the marketing function as a whole, while the Brand Manager focuses on a specific brand or product category.
- Category Manager: Responsible for a specific product category, with a focus on sales and distribution, while the Brand Manager focuses on brand strategy and marketing.
ASSUMPTION: The Brand Manager role is distinct from related roles in its focus on brand strategy, marketing, and NPD, but shares many common skills and responsibilities.
π Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive NPD roadmap for a new product launch, including market research, consumer insights, and competitive analysis
- Leading a cross-functional team to execute a successful IMC launch plan for a new product, including advertising, promotions, and in-store activations
- Conducting a brand health audit and developing a strategic brand development plan to improve brand performance and market share
ASSUMPTION: The Brand Manager role involves a wide range of projects, from strategic planning to tactical execution, with a focus on driving business growth through NPD and brand management.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for the brand, and how this role fits into that vision?
- How does the company support the professional growth and development of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the company measure the success of its NPD and brand management efforts?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the brand in the next 1-2 years, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates a candidate's interest in the role and their commitment to driving business success.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this
link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in NPD, brand management, and market research
- Research the company and the role to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the opportunity
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.