Brand Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager

🔹 Company: Hungry Lion Fast Foods (Pty) Ltd

🔹 Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: June 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving market share and brand building through strategic planning and execution of marketing campaigns
• Leading the development and implementation of annual brand plans to deliver long-term business objectives
• Managing product launches and promotional activities in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Monitoring market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activities to inform decision-making
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, creativity, and analytical skills to balance brand building and sales performance. It also involves managing multiple projects and stakeholders, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Drive Market Share/Brand Building

• Lead the development of the full marketing mix for Hungry Lion
• Define the target consumer profile(s) and translate local consumer insights into marketing opportunities
• Define the advertising and distribution mix for the upcoming year and adapt the brand plan as needed
• Develop the marketing calendar and programs to maximize sales, profitability, and market share
• Unpack complex business needs and provide creative solutions considering all stakeholders
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders at strategic and operational levels

✅ Product Management

• Brief and implement brand activities aligned with annual brand plans to relevant stakeholders
• Plan and execute new product launches in conjunction with operations, supply chain, and procurement departments

✅ Market and Consumer Insights

• Keep abreast of main consumer trends and perceptions
• Monitor competitor activity and conduct competitor analysis
• Provide weekly and monthly performance reports
• Work closely with other members of the marketing and insights team to monitor performance against specific KPIs and take action accordingly

✅ Relationship Building & Networking

• Develop positive, professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Develop and manage relationships with key media partners/publishers and act as their primary point of contact
• Drive new partnership growth opportunities with current and potential new strategic partners across all markets

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making. It requires a high level of collaboration and communication with various stakeholders, both internal and external.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Marketing qualification

Experience: 5 years of experience in brand management, specifically in QSR, FMCG, or retail

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in brand management, with a focus on driving market share and brand building
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven mindset
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders
• Experience in project management and cross-functional team collaboration
• Strong commercial understanding and business acumen
• Adaptability and resilience in the face of change and challenges

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the African market or relevant emerging markets
• Fluency in additional languages (e.g., Afrikaans, Portuguese)
• Experience with marketing automation tools and CRM systems

ASSUMPTION: Given the company's expansion plans and the role's focus on driving market share, candidates with experience in high-growth markets or relevant emerging markets may have an advantage.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between ZAR 600,000 and ZAR 800,000 per annum, based on industry standards for a Brand Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the FMCG or QSR sector in South Africa. This estimate takes into account the company's size, location, and the level of responsibility and impact of the role.

Benefits:

• Medical aid and provident fund contributions
• Employee discounts on Hungry Lion products
• Opportunities for career growth and development within the company

Working Hours: The role requires a standard 40-hour workweek, with some flexibility for project demands. Occasional overtime may be required to meet deadlines or manage crises.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and negotiation abilities. The company may offer additional benefits or compensation packages based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's policies.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Hungry Lion operates in the fast-food and beverage services industry, with a focus on providing high-quality, affordable products in a modern environment. The company is part of a larger group with operations in six African countries and plans to have 400 restaurants by the end of 2024.

Company Size: Hungry Lion is a mid-sized company with approximately 2,000 employees across its African operations. This size offers opportunities for growth and career development while maintaining a relatively flat organizational structure.

Founded: Hungry Lion was founded in 1997 and has since grown to become one of the leading fast-food chains in Africa.

Company Description:

• Hungry Lion operates in a competitive market, focusing on providing high-quality products at affordable prices in a modern, inviting environment
• The company places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and employee development
• Hungry Lion is committed to sustainable and responsible business practices, including waste reduction and community engagement

Company Specialties:

• Fast-food and beverage services
• Brand management and marketing
• Restaurant operations and management
• Supply chain and logistics

Company Website: https://www.hungrylion.co.za/

ASSUMPTION: Hungry Lion's focus on growth and expansion presents opportunities for candidates seeking to join a dynamic and evolving organization. The company's commitment to sustainability and community engagement may appeal to candidates who value these aspects in their workplace.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management tier, reporting directly to the Marketing Director. It offers opportunities for growth and development within the marketing function and potentially across other areas of the business.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Manager will report directly to the Marketing Director and work closely with other members of the marketing team, as well as cross-functional teams in operations, supply chain, and procurement.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with a standard 40-hour workweek. Some flexibility is available for project demands, and occasional overtime may be required to meet deadlines or manage crises.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Hungry Lion continues to expand, there may be opportunities for the Brand Manager to take on additional responsibilities or move into a regional or group marketing role
• The company offers training and development opportunities to support employees' career growth and progression
• Hungry Lion's flat organizational structure provides opportunities for employees to gain exposure to various aspects of the business and develop a broad skill set

ASSUMPTION: Given the company's growth plans and the role's focus on driving market share, there may be opportunities for the successful candidate to grow within the marketing function or take on additional responsibilities as the company expands.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Hungry Lion head office is a modern, open-plan workspace that fosters collaboration and communication among team members.

Office Location(s): Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Geographic Context:

• Stellenbosch is a university town known for its wine industry, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities
• The Western Cape is a popular tourist destination, with beautiful landscapes, beaches, and historical sites
• South Africa offers a diverse and multicultural environment, with a rich history and vibrant arts scene

Work Schedule: The role requires a standard 40-hour workweek, with some flexibility for project demands. Occasional overtime may be required to meet deadlines or manage crises.

ASSUMPTION: The location of the head office in Stellenbosch, a university town with a strong cultural scene, may appeal to candidates who value a vibrant and dynamic work environment. The Western Cape's natural beauty and diverse attractions may also be an attractive aspect of the role for candidates considering relocation.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-depth interviews with the Marketing Director and other members of the marketing team
• Final interview with the CEO or another senior executive
• Background and reference checks

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Creativity and innovation in marketing campaigns
• Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
• Communication and presentation skills
• Stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Adaptability and resilience in the face of change and challenges

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant brand management experience, particularly in driving market share and brand building
• Include specific examples of your achievements in brand management, marketing campaigns, and data analysis
• Demonstrate your understanding of the African market and your ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability

ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Market Share, Brand Building, Marketing Campaigns, Data Analysis, Consumer Insights, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Fast Food, FMCG, Retail, Africa

ASSUMPTION: Hungry Lion's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, creativity, and analytical skills, as well as their ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders. The company values candidates who can demonstrate a strong understanding of the African market and a commitment to driving market share and brand building.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used by Hungry Lion may vary depending on the candidate's role and the company's policies. The company may provide training and support to help employees develop the skills they need to use these tools effectively.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer focus
• Integrity
• Respect
• Accountability
• Innovation

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality products and services
• Adaptable and responsive to change and challenges
• Committed to continuous learning and development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of driving market share and brand building in a competitive market?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders?
• Do you have strong analytical skills and a data-driven mindset?
• Are you committed to delivering high-quality products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations?

ASSUMPTION: Hungry Lion values candidates who can demonstrate a strong fit with the company's values and work style. The company seeks employees who are committed to delivering high-quality products and services, working collaboratively with team members and stakeholders, and adapting to change and challenges in a dynamic environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role requires managing multiple projects and stakeholders, which can be challenging and time-consuming
• The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the role may require occasional overtime or working under tight deadlines
• The competitive market and focus on driving market share may present challenges in achieving desired results
• The role may require travel to other African countries to support regional marketing efforts

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively, adapt to change and challenges, and work collaboratively with team members and stakeholders to deliver high-quality products and services.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other brand management roles, this position places a stronger emphasis on driving market share and brand building through strategic planning and execution of marketing campaigns
• This role requires a higher level of analytical skills and data-driven decision-making than some other brand management positions
• Compared to other marketing roles, this position offers opportunities for growth and development within the marketing function and potentially across other areas of the business

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role compared to other brand management or marketing positions, such as the focus on driving market share and brand building, the level of analytical skills required, and the opportunities for growth and development within the company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a marketing campaign to launch a new product in the South African market
• Conducting a consumer insights study to inform brand positioning and marketing strategy in a target market
• Managing a team of marketing professionals to execute a regional marketing campaign across multiple African countries

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities that the Brand Manager may be expected to perform in this role. The specific projects and initiatives undertaken by the successful candidate may vary depending on the company's priorities and the market conditions at the time.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's expansion plans and how this role contributes to those goals?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the company measure the success of its marketing campaigns, and what metrics are most important for this role?
• What is the company's approach to sustainability and community engagement, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates better understand the company's goals, priorities, and culture, as well as the specific requirements and expectations of the Brand Manager role. Candidates should tailor their questions to the company and role-specific aspects that are most important to them.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://hungrylion.applytojob.com/apply/SY1vgHbnux/Brand-Manager
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant brand management experience, particularly in driving market share and brand building
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability
• Research the company and the African market to demonstrate your understanding of the competitive landscape and your ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

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