Brand Manager - Designer Fragrance

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager - Designer Fragrance 🔹 Company: Shiseido 🔹 Location: London, London, City of, United Kingdom 🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days min. in the office) 🔹 Category: Brand Management 🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: 1. Brand Management: Serve as the local Brand Ambassador, liaise with regional and HQ teams, influence marketing strategies, and ensure brand consistency across platforms. 2. UK National Marketing Plans: Develop and execute marketing plans, launch strategies, and local activations to maximize business opportunities and support brand growth. 3. Media: Manage media budgets, define and execute media plans, and collaborate with influencers for paid media content. 4. Forecasting & Stock Management: Provide detailed insights and forecasts, manage POSM forecasts, and oversee trade marketing sampling planning. 5. Merchandising: Work with the Visual Merchandising team to develop and implement local initiatives, such as new counter design and window displays. 6. Pricing & Competition: Monitor pricing strategies, coordinate competitor tracking, and analyze market trends to inform business decisions. 7. Analysis and Reporting: Continuously track and analyze UK ROI, report back to EMEA, and coordinate NPD monthly reports and competitor analysis. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a self-starter with excellent communication and presentation skills, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have relevant marketing experience, preferably in the beauty industry, and be comfortable working with ambiguity. 📋 Key Responsibilities 🔅 Brand Management - Be the local Brand Ambassador for NR & ZV in the UK - Collaborate with and influence RHQ Marketing teams proactively - Influence aspects of the creative process, including strategy, campaign, and POSM development - Ensure consistency of brand standards across all marketing platforms - Manage launches and activities within the budget and targeted to achieve measurable ROI 🔅 UK National Marketing Plans - Work with the Marketing Director to translate EMEA strategy into an actionable marketing plan for the UK - Develop a launch strategy plan by retailer in liaison with the Commercial team - Identify local market needs and develop local activations in collaboration with the National Account Team - Ensure trade customer requirements are met and maximize brand inclusion in their activities 🔅 Media - Manage the media budget and define and execute the media plan with regional stakeholders and the Media agency - Work with the PR team on selecting and briefing influencers for paid media content as part of the paid media strategy for the brand 🔅 Forecasting & Stock Management - Provide detailed insight and forecasting benchmarks to aid thorough newness forecasting - Manage POSM forecast to be done within the allocated agreed budget - Oversee the Trade Marketing sampling forecast and planning of allocation in collaboration with NAMs - Ensure that all basic catalogue forecasts are updated based on business needs, anticipated marketing initiatives, new openings, and retailer-specific activations in liaison with the UK Commercial team and European Logistics team - Make sure that the pre-series needs are accounted for, and oversee the forecast for all elements of merchandising managed by the Visual Merchandising team and the UK PR team 🔅 Merchandising - Work with the Visual Merchandising team in the development and implementation of local initiatives such as new counter design, counter updates for launches, or any retailers’ animation sites, window displays, counter decoration, display units, etc. 🔅 Pricing & Competition - Monitor pricing strategies across the industry and oversee the yearly pricing review for the UK & Ireland, including pricing recommendations for newness - Coordinate a competitor tracking system that covers marketing, events, online strategy, and PR to ensure we keep track of competitor activities and launch plans 🔅 Analysis and Reporting - Continuously keep track and analyze the UK ROI on local initiatives and launches and build following decisions according to insights in order to grow the business - Report back to EMEA with analysis to aid total EMEA reporting back to the business - Coordinate with the Marketing Coordinator and intern the NPD monthly reports, as well as ongoing competitor analysis to identify areas of opportunity within the business ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to draw insights from data to inform business decisions. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field Experience: - Relevant experience in marketing with strong career progression; preferably within beauty - Team worker, passionate and driven with excellent communication and presentation skills and a strong commercial acumen - Ability to influence and negotiate at all levels - Resourceful and generous with their dedication, passion, and energy - Self-starter and positive spirit with great ability to influence and negotiate - Ability to multitask, work at pace, and with ambiguity - Extremely high degree of attention to detail and organization - Excellent English, written and spoken - Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) Preferred Qualifications: - Experience working with luxury or prestige brands - Knowledge of the fragrance industry - Familiarity with the UK beauty market ASSUMPTION: While not required, experience in the fragrance industry or working with luxury brands would be beneficial for this role. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum (based on experience level and industry standards for similar roles in London) Benefits: - 26 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday day off - Holiday buy - up to 5 days - Day off when you get married or move house - Generous contributory pension scheme - match up to 8% - Annual performance related bonus - Private medical insurance with Vitality - Enhanced parental allowance - Generous product allocation & discount - Life Assurance up to x4 your salary - Flexible Friday finish - Flexible & hybrid working - Wellbeing programmes - Annual performance and development reviews ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in London. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. 📌 Applicant Insights Company Context Industry: Personal Care Product Manufacturing Company Size: 10,001+ employees Founded: 1872 (Tokyo, Japan) Company Description: Shiseido Group is one of the top cosmetics companies in the world, with a rich portfolio of international brands in 120 countries and regions. Our mission is to offer solutions to social problems and achieve a sustainable society, helping people find happiness through our mainstay beauty business. We strive to create a better world through beauty innovations, as we perceive and respond to each person's profound need for betterment in an ever-changing global environment. Company Specialties: - Prestige - Fragrance - Skin care - Cosmetics - Beauty - Science - Art & Design - Japanese Aesthetic - Luxury - Makeup Company Website: Shiseido Group Role Analysis Career Level: Mid-level (5-10 years of experience) Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Marketing Director Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days min. in the office) Growth Opportunities: - Potential to grow into a regional or global marketing role within the Shiseido Group - Opportunities to work on multiple brands and gain diverse marketing experience - Exposure to working with a global team and collaborating with regional stakeholders ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to take on more responsibilities and advance their career within the Shiseido Group. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (3 days min. in the office) Office Location: London, London, City of, United Kingdom Geographic Context: - London is a major global hub for the beauty industry, with a diverse range of brands and retailers. - The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and entertainment options. - London is well-connected by public transportation, with easy access to other major cities in the UK and Europe. Work Schedule: - Standard working hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM - Flexible Friday finish: Employees can leave early on Fridays, depending on their team's workload and manager's approval. - Hybrid work arrangement: Employees can work from home up to 2 days a week, with a minimum of 3 days in the office. ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility for employees to balance their work and personal lives, while still maintaining a strong office presence to foster collaboration and team building. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission 2. Phone or video screening with the HR team 3. In-depth phone or video interview with the hiring manager (Marketing Director) 4. Final in-person or video interview with the senior leadership team Key Assessment Areas: 1. Marketing strategy and planning skills 2. Brand management and launch experience 3. Data analysis and reporting skills 4. Communication and presentation skills 5. Cultural fit and alignment with Shiseido Group values Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing experience, brand management skills, and data analysis proficiency. 2. Prepare examples of successful marketing campaigns or brand launches you've led, emphasizing your ability to drive results and meet business objectives. 3. Familiarize yourself with the Shiseido Group brand portfolio and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values. 4. Practice presenting your ideas and insights on marketing trends and opportunities in the beauty industry, demonstrating your strategic thinking and creativity. ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Marketing Strategy, Beauty Industry, Fragrance, Luxury Brands, Data Analysis, Marketing Campaigns, Brand Launch, Marketing Planning, Communication Skills, Presentation Skills ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing your marketing skills, brand management experience, and cultural fit with the Shiseido Group. Be prepared to discuss your relevant experience and provide concrete examples of your achievements in these areas. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) - Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs) - CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) - Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot) - Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer) - Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) ASSUMPTION: While not exhaustive, this list covers some of the essential tools and technologies required for this role. Familiarize yourself with these tools and be prepared to discuss your proficiency in using them during the interview process. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Think Big - Take Risks - Hands on - Collaborate - Be Open - Act with Integrity - Be Accountable - Applaud Success Work Style: - Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong focus on cross-functional collaboration - Open and transparent communication, with a emphasis on active listening and feedback - Results-driven and focused on achieving business objectives and driving growth - Adaptable and agile, with a willingness to take on new challenges and learn continuously - Passionate about the beauty industry and committed to delivering high-quality products and experiences for customers Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you align with the Shiseido Group's core values, particularly 'Think Big' and 'Take Risks'? 2. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with multiple teams or stakeholders to achieve a common goal? 3. How do you approach data analysis and reporting, and how have you used insights from data to inform business decisions in the past? 4. How do you ensure that you maintain a strong work-life balance while working in a hybrid environment? ASSUMPTION: The Shiseido Group values a diverse and inclusive work environment, where employees are encouraged to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values and work style align with the company's culture and values during the interview process. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Workload fluctuations: The role may experience periods of high workload, particularly around brand launches and key trading periods. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing their time effectively. 2. Global team collaboration: Working with regional and HQ teams may present challenges in communication and time zone differences. Candidates should be comfortable working with remote teams and adapting to different cultural norms. 3. Budget constraints: The role requires managing marketing budgets and ensuring that activities are implemented within the allocated budget. Candidates should be comfortable working within budget constraints and making data-driven decisions to maximize ROI. 4. Competitive market: The beauty industry is highly competitive, with numerous brands vying for consumer attention. Candidates should be prepared to face competition and develop strategies to differentiate the Shiseido Group's brands in the market. ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles, they also offer opportunities for growth and learning. The ideal candidate will be proactive, resourceful, and adaptable in the face of challenges, with a strong commitment to driving results and achieving business objectives. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Brand Manager vs. Marketing Manager: While both roles focus on driving brand growth and market share, the Brand Manager role is more focused on brand-specific strategies and tactics, whereas the Marketing Manager role oversees the broader marketing mix and channel strategies. 2. Beauty Industry vs. Other Industries: The beauty industry is unique in its focus on personal care and self-expression, with a strong emphasis on innovation and trends. Candidates should be passionate about the beauty industry and have a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends. 3. Luxury Brands vs. Mass Market Brands: Luxury brands, such as those owned by the Shiseido Group, typically have higher price points and target a more affluent consumer base. Candidates should be familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities presented by working with luxury brands. ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between these roles and industries is crucial for candidates to tailor their applications and interviews effectively and ensure a strong fit with the Shiseido Group and the Brand Manager role. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Brand Launch Campaign: Develop and execute a comprehensive brand launch campaign for a new fragrance, including market research, positioning, pricing strategy, and launch event planning. 2. Marketing Mix Optimization: Analyze the current marketing mix for an existing brand and identify opportunities to optimize spending and improve ROI across channels. 3. Customer Segmentation Study: Conduct a customer segmentation study to identify key consumer groups and develop targeted marketing strategies to drive brand engagement and loyalty. ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to give candidates an idea of the types of initiatives they may work on in the Brand Manager role. Be prepared to discuss your relevant experience and how you would approach these projects during the interview process. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role-specific questions: * How does this role fit into the broader marketing organization, and how will I collaborate with other teams to achieve our business objectives? * What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days? * How does the Shiseido Group support the professional development and growth of its employees? 2. Company-specific questions: * How does the Shiseido Group's unique portfolio of brands differentiate it from other beauty companies? * What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the Shiseido Group in the UK market, and how can this role contribute to addressing them? * How does the Shiseido Group foster a culture of innovation and creativity, and what opportunities are there for me to contribute to this? 3. Industry-specific questions: * How does the Shiseido Group approach sustainability and social responsibility in the beauty industry? * What trends are shaping the beauty industry, and how is the Shiseido Group responding to them? * How does the Shiseido Group differentiate its brands in the competitive luxury fragrance market? ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and shows that you have done your research. Be prepared to discuss your thoughts and ideas on the answers you receive during the interview process. 📐 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the following link: [Application URL] 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience, brand management skills, and data analysis proficiency. 3. Prepare for phone or video screening interviews with the HR team and in-depth interviews with the hiring manager and senior leadership team. 4. Familiarize yourself with the Shiseido Group brand portfolio and be ready to discuss your ideas and insights on marketing trends and opportunities in the beauty industry. 5. Practice presenting your ideas and insights on marketing trends and opportunities in the beauty industry, demonstrating your strategic thinking and creativity. ⚠️ Disclaimer This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.