📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager - Blue Bunny
🔹 Company: Wells Enterprises
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Brand Management
🔹 Date Posted: May 16, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing brand strategy and positioning for Blue Bunny
- Conducting consumer research and analyzing trends to inform go-forward plans
- Leading integrated agency teams to plan and execute marketing campaigns
- Measuring and optimizing key performance indicators to meet business objectives
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product alignment with consumer needs
- Championing the bottom-line success of the brand and driving growth
- Leading and coaching a team of (1) Associate Brand Manager
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong mix of creative and analytical skills, as well as experience in brand management and team leadership.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop, collaborate, and implement foundational brand positioning that will drive all future brand activity (Product Portfolio, Innovation, and Marketing Communications)
✅ Conduct consumer research, market research, and syndicated data analysis to identify trends and inform go-forward plans
✅ Lead an integrated agency team to plan and execute marketing campaigns that win the hearts and minds of consumers
✅ Measure and analyze key performance indicators, leveraging findings to adjust strategies and meet business objectives
✅ Work with cross-functional partners to identify roles and objectives of products across channels, ensuring products consistently hit consumer and customer needs and expectations
✅ Champion the bottom-line success of the brand, identifying opportunities for improvement and partnering with cross-functional partners to capitalize on their resolution
✅ Collaborate with demand partners to connect brand and marketing initiatives with the goals and objectives of customer partners, driving growth for all
✅ Lead and coach a team of (1) Associate Brand Manager, developing their skills and capabilities while delivering business results
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong project management skills to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field. MBA preferred.
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in brand management, with a focus on consumer packaged goods or a related industry.
Required Skills:
- Proven track record in brand strategy and management
- Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision making
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and marketing analytics tools
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with consumer research and trend analysis
- Knowledge of the ice cream or frozen novelties industry
- Fluency in Spanish
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in fast-paced consumer goods environments and a strong understanding of consumer behavior will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year. This estimate is based on industry standards for mid-level brand management roles in the Chicago area.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts on Blue Bunny products
- Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Wells Enterprises is a leading manufacturer of ice cream and frozen novelties in the United States, with a strong presence in the consumer packaged goods industry.
Company Size: Wells Enterprises has 1,001-5,000 employees, making it a mid-sized company with a well-established infrastructure and a strong brand presence.
Founded: Founded in 1913, Wells Enterprises has a rich history and a well-known brand in the ice cream industry.
Company Description:
- Headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, Wells Enterprises is the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States
- Produces more than 900 ice cream and frozen novelties treats under brands such as Blue Bunny and Bomb Pop
- Distributes products across the nation through grocery, convenience, and club stores, as well as mobile vending trucks and foodservice settings
Company Specialties:
- Ice Cream and Frozen Novelties
Company Website: www.wellsenterprisesinc.com
ASSUMPTION: Wells Enterprises is a well-established company with a strong brand presence and a commitment to quality and innovation in the ice cream industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, requiring a strong background in brand management and team leadership.
Reporting Structure: The Brand Manager reports directly to the Sr. Director of Blue Bunny and works closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and product development.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the primary office location in Chicago, IL. Occasional travel may be required for meetings and events.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to Senior Brand Manager or other leadership roles within the company
- Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and business needs
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and campaigns
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a significant impact on the Blue Bunny brand and the company's overall success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The primary office is located in Chicago, IL, with a modern and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 1 Blue Bunny Drive, Le Mars, Iowa 51031, US
Geographic Context:
- Chicago, IL, is a major metropolitan area with a diverse population and a thriving business community
- The city offers a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and recreational opportunities
- Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters
Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends required to meet project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The Chicago office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members to discuss the role and assess skills and experience
- Case study or presentation to demonstrate problem-solving skills and strategic thinking
- Final interview with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and fit within the organization
Key Assessment Areas:
- Brand strategy and positioning
- Consumer research and trend analysis
- Marketing campaign planning and execution
- Leadership and team management skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your brand management experience and relevant skills
- Include specific examples of your accomplishments in brand strategy, marketing campaign execution, and team leadership
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
ATS Keywords: Brand strategy, consumer research, marketing campaigns, team leadership, cross-functional teams, Blue Bunny, ice cream, frozen novelties
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is likely to be comprehensive and competitive, with a focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Marketing analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics platforms)
- Consumer research and trend analysis tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Nielsen, Mintel)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's background and the needs of the team.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Quality: We are committed to producing high-quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations
- Innovation: We foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement
- Collaboration: We work together to achieve common goals and drive business success
- Integrity: We act with honesty and transparency in all our interactions
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you a strong collaborator who enjoys working with cross-functional teams?
- Do you have a proven track record of driving business results through strategic brand management?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are highly motivated, results-driven, and able to work effectively in a collaborative environment will be most successful at Wells Enterprises.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment
- Balancing the need for strategic thinking with the need for tactical execution
- Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including internal teams and external agencies
- Adapting to changes in the market and consumer behavior
ASSUMPTION: The challenges associated with this role are likely to be related to the fast-paced nature of the consumer packaged goods industry and the need to balance strategic thinking with tactical execution.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other brand management positions in the consumer packaged goods industry, but with a focus on the ice cream and frozen novelties category
- Compared to other mid-level brand management roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work on a well-known and beloved brand in the ice cream industry
- Career progression in this role may include advancement to Senior Brand Manager or other leadership roles within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates with a strong background in brand management to make a significant impact on a well-known and beloved brand in the ice cream industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a new brand positioning strategy for Blue Bunny
- Conducting consumer research and trend analysis to inform product innovation and marketing campaigns
- Leading a cross-functional team to execute a high-profile marketing campaign, such as a product launch or promotional event
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects associated with this role may vary depending on the candidate's background and the needs of the team.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall brand strategy for Blue Bunny?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Wells Enterprises support the professional growth and development of its employees?
- What is the company's approach to innovation and product development in the ice cream category?
- How does the company measure the success of its brand management efforts?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process is an excellent way to demonstrate your interest in the role and your commitment to driving business success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your brand management experience and relevant skills
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
