📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager - Apparel & Footwear
🔹 Company: Mid-States Distributing LLC
🔹 Location: Fort Worth, Texas, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Wholesale
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-02
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading apparel and footwear brands, driving brand development, go-to-market planning, and campaign execution
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance brand presence across retail locations and consumer touchpoints
- Conducting competitive audits, defining target audience personas, and refining brand positioning
- Managing campaign timelines, budgets, and reporting, as well as presenting brand performance metrics to leadership
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in apparel, footwear, or related industries, with a focus on brand management and integrated marketing. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and have a proven track record of leading successful brand campaigns.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Brand Strategy & Positioning: Own brand narrative, identity, tone, and positioning. Define and refine target audience personas. Lead competitive audits and identify white space opportunities. Translate positioning into consumer-facing messaging and creative briefs.
✅ Marketing & Go-To-Market Execution: Develop and maintain annual brand calendars aligned to seasonal peaks and product launches. Collaborate across teams to drive integrated campaigns (retail, digital, influencer, promotions). Oversee brand packaging, in-store marketing, and visual merchandising. Work with creative and content teams to develop campaign assets.
✅ Digital & DTC Alignment: Partner with digital and e-commerce teams on site experience, PDP storytelling, and promotional strategy. Support email, SMS, social, and paid media planning with brand-aligned content. Ensure consistency in voice, imagery, and strategy across all consumer touchpoints.
✅ Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the central brand point of contact across creative, digital, merchandising, and operations. Manage campaign execution timelines, budgets, and reporting. Present brand performance metrics and recommendations to leadership.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines. Candidates should be comfortable working with various teams and stakeholders to drive brand success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field. MBA preferred but not required.
Experience: 5-7 years of brand management or integrated marketing experience in apparel, footwear, lifestyle CPG, or DTC.
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to lead and execute multi-channel brand campaigns
- Strong storytelling and content development instincts
- Ability to manage multiple projects across cross-functional teams
- Experience working in or with retail, merchandising, and digital marketing stakeholders
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience managing private-label or vertically integrated brands
- Background in both retail and direct-to-consumer e-commerce marketing
- Familiarity with platforms like Shopify, Klaviyo, Meta Ads, and project management tools like Monday or Asana
- Analytical skills and comfort using data to inform strategy
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the wholesale industry or working with retail partners will have a significant advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Generous PTO and holiday schedule
- Employee discounts on products
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits information is based on typical industry offerings and may vary based on the company's specific benefits package.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Wholesale, specifically focused on Farm, Ranch, and Home retail
Company Size: Mid-sized (51-200 employees), with a unique company culture that values high-energy, enthusiastic individuals who like to work hard and play hard
Founded: 1954, with a rich history and strong financial performance
Company Description:
- Mid-States Distributing is the leading Farm, Ranch, and Home Retail Cooperative, owned by 29 independent retailers who operate over 700 stores in 33 states
- The company retails items such as agriculture parts & supplies, petroleum products, hardware & tools, pet food, lawn & garden, animal health supplies, apparel & footwear, sporting goods, and various other products for the Farm, Ranch, and Home
- Mid-States values traditional values like God, family, and patriotism, and fosters a unique, positive company culture
Company Specialties:
- Central Services
- Distribution
- Farm and Ranch
- Ranch and Home
- Wholesale
- Sporting Goods
- Hardware
- Apparel and Footwear
- Consumables
- Lawn and Garden
- Home Improvement
- Agriculture
- Accessories
- Outdoor
- Automotive
- Animal Health
- Hunting
- Camping
- Power Equipment
- and Shooting
Company Website: http://www.msdist.com
ASSUMPTION: Mid-States Distributing offers a unique work environment for individuals who align with their company values and enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Experienced (5-10 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the COO and works closely with various internal teams, including creative, digital, merchandising, and operations
Work Arrangement: On-site, with minimal travel required
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to lead multiple brands and grow within the organization
- Chance to work on a wide range of products and categories within the Farm, Ranch, and Home retail space
- Opportunity to collaborate with and learn from various internal teams and stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's apparel and footwear brands.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment, with a casual dress code that reflects the company's unique culture
Office Location(s): Fort Worth, Texas, United States (with additional offices in Lees Summit, Missouri)
Geographic Context:
- Fort Worth is the 15th-largest city in the United States, with a diverse economy and a cost of living slightly below the national average
- The city offers a range of cultural attractions, including museums, performing arts venues, and professional sports teams
- Fort Worth is known for its vibrant arts scene, with over 90 museums and art galleries
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility as needed to accommodate project deadlines and team collaboration
ASSUMPTION: Fort Worth offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with a lower cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States. The city's vibrant arts scene and diverse cultural attractions make it an attractive place to live and work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-depth behavioral and skills-based interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the COO or another senior leader
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Brand management and marketing experience
- Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Mid-States' values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your brand management and marketing experience, as well as any relevant experience working with retail partners or in the wholesale industry
- Prepare examples of successful brand campaigns you've led or contributed to, focusing on your role in driving brand growth and market share
- Be ready to discuss your approach to competitive analysis, brand positioning, and consumer insights
- Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Integrated Marketing, Apparel, Footwear, CPG, DTC, Retail, Merchandising, Digital Marketing, Campaign Execution, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Competitive Analysis, Consumer Insights, Visual Merchandising
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's brand management and marketing skills, as well as their ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to brand strategy, campaign execution, and cross-functional teamwork.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (Monday, Asana, or similar)
- Marketing automation platforms (Klaviyo, HubSpot, or similar)
- Social media management tools (Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or similar)
- Design and creative tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or similar)
- Data analysis tools (Google Analytics, Tableau, or similar)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working with a range of marketing and project management tools, as well as design and data analysis software. Familiarity with industry-specific tools and platforms is a plus.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- High-energy, enthusiastic attitude
- Competitive spirit
- Strong work ethic
- Positive attitude
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Focus on winning and driving results
- Commitment to Mid-States' mission and values
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Focus on results and driving growth
- Collaborative and team-oriented culture
- Open and transparent communication
- Strong emphasis on personal and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, competitive environment?
- Are you comfortable working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders?
- Do you have a strong work ethic and a positive attitude?
- Are you committed to Mid-States' mission and values?
- Do you enjoy working in a collaborative, dynamic environment?
ASSUMPTION: Mid-States Distributing values high-energy, enthusiastic individuals who like to work hard and play hard. Candidates should assess their fit with the company's unique culture and values before applying.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment may not be suitable for candidates who prefer a slower-paced, more structured work environment
- The role requires strong collaboration and communication skills, which may be challenging for candidates who prefer to work independently
- Candidates may face competition from other strong brand management and marketing professionals in the industry
- The role may require occasional travel to attend industry events, trade shows, or meet with retail partners
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider their fit with the company's unique culture and the demands of the role before applying. Mid-States Distributing is looking for high-energy, enthusiastic individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on apparel and footwear brands within the Farm, Ranch, and Home retail industry
- Mid-States Distributing's unique company culture and values set it apart from other wholesalers and retailers
- Candidates should expect a strong focus on brand development, go-to-market planning, and campaign execution, with a emphasis on cross-functional collaboration
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work with a wide range of apparel and footwear brands within the Farm, Ranch, and Home retail industry, with a strong emphasis on brand management and marketing. Candidates should be prepared to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and drive brand success.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive brand strategy for a new apparel or footwear line, including competitive analysis, target audience definition, and brand positioning
- Launching a successful marketing campaign for an existing brand, driving brand awareness, market share, and revenue growth
- Collaborating with retail partners to enhance in-store branding, visual merchandising, and promotional strategies
- Managing a product recall or other brand crisis, minimizing damage to the brand's reputation and market share
- Conducting consumer research and using insights to inform brand strategy and marketing campaigns
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Brand Manager at Mid-States Distributing. Candidates should be prepared to tackle a variety of brand management and marketing tasks, with a focus on driving brand success and market share.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's approach to brand management and marketing within the Farm, Ranch, and Home retail industry?
- How does the company support the growth and development of its brand managers?
- What is the company's strategy for driving brand success and market share in the apparel and footwear categories?
- How does the company collaborate with its retail partners to enhance brand presence and drive sales?
- What is the company's approach to cross-functional teamwork and collaboration?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates better understand the company's approach to brand management and marketing, as well as its culture and values. Candidates should ask thoughtful, insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: Mid-States Distributing - Brand Manager - Apparel & Footwear
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your brand management and marketing experience, as well as any relevant experience working with retail partners or in the wholesale industry
- Prepare examples of successful brand campaigns you've led or contributed to, focusing on your role in driving brand growth and market share
- Be ready to discuss your approach to competitive analysis, brand positioning, and consumer insights during your interviews
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department one week after submitting your application, if you have not heard back
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
