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Brand Manager

Avacare Health Group
Full-time
On-site
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Brand Manager

πŸ”Ή Company: Avacare Health Group

πŸ”Ή Location: Ormonde, Johannesburg

πŸ”Ή Job Type: On-site

πŸ”Ή Category: Pharmaceuticals

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-04-15

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing and implementing strategic brand marketing plans to achieve business objectives
  • Supporting new product launches and managing budgets
  • Ensuring compliance with industry standards and preparing performance reports
  • Collaborating cross-functionally with sales, marketing, regulatory, medical, commercial teams, and external agencies

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong project management skills, and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Develop and implement operational/tactical brand plans to support business strategy

βœ… Achieve product sales targets and evaluate campaign impact vs objectives

βœ… Promote cross-functional teamwork and ensure adherence to industry-specific codes of practice

βœ… Conduct market due diligence, identify business growth opportunities, and make motivations for new products

βœ… Manage new product launches, ensuring all prelaunch activities are initiated, driven, managed, and completed

βœ… Manage budgets, ensure compliance with regulations, and prepare monthly feedback reports

βœ… Conduct in-field work, ensuring rep co-working activities are conducted bi-monthly and post-work reports are submitted

ASSUMPTION: The Brand Manager is expected to be proactive, results-driven, and capable of multitasking and shifting priorities as required.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Grade 12 and a Marketing Degree or equivalent

Experience: At least 4 years of experience in a similar role within the pharmaceutical industry

Required Skills:

  • Brand plan creation and development
  • New product launch processes, including projections and forecasting
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • In-field working experience
  • Excellent trade (KOL) relationships
  • Medical congress and CME activity organization and management

Preferred Skills:

  • Hospital and specialist focus processes and networking experience
  • Medical aid, courier pharmacy process, and networking experience
  • Software proficiency (MS Office, IMS(IQVIA), SSD, Order Dynamics Repwise, Qlikview, Medikredit, Pastel, SAGE), SEPA pricing applications

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry and strong communication skills, attention to detail, and accountability will be well-suited for this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: ZAR 70,000 - 100,000 per annum (Estimated, based on industry standards for mid-senior level roles in Johannesburg)

Benefits:

  • Medical aid
  • Courier pharmacy process
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Potential performance bonuses

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for mid-senior level roles in Johannesburg. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications, skills, and experience.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Avacare Health Group operates in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, focusing on essential medicines and healthcare products.

Company Size: Avacare Health Group has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: 1996, with over 26 years of experience in healthcare, Avacare Health Group has established a strong reputation and extensive market presence.

Company Description:

  • Avacare Health Group is a multinational healthcare company operating in 20 countries across the globe
  • They provide integrated, innovative, and holistic health solutions for various products and services
  • The company is committed to making a sustainable difference in people's livelihoods through affordable, quality healthcare

Company Specialties:

  • Medical Disposables
  • Medical Consumables
  • Medical Devices
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • ARVs
  • Hospital Supplies
  • Training
  • Consumer Health
  • Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

Company Website: https://www.avacarehealth.com

ASSUMPTION: Avacare Health Group's extensive product portfolio, global presence, and commitment to affordable healthcare provide a stable and diverse work environment for employees.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: The Brand Manager reports directly to the Marketing Manager or a similar role within the organization

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with core hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Growth Opportunities:

  • Progression to senior marketing roles within the company
  • Expanding responsibilities and team leadership opportunities
  • Potential relocation or international assignments based on business needs

ASSUMPTION: The Brand Manager role offers growth opportunities within the company, allowing candidates to develop their skills and advance their careers.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Avacare Health Group's headquarters is located in Johannesburg, with a modern, professional office environment

Office Location(s): 8, Skietlood Street, Isando, Johannesburg, Gauteng 1600, ZA

Geographic Context:

  • Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, with a vibrant business ecosystem and numerous cultural attractions
  • The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, with Ormonde being a central, well-connected area
  • Johannesburg has a subtropical highland climate, with mild winters and warm summers

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break)

ASSUMPTION: The Brand Manager role is based in Johannesburg, offering candidates the opportunity to live and work in a dynamic, multicultural city with a rich history and diverse cultural experiences.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission through the Avacare Health Group careers portal
  • Phone or video screening with the HR department
  • Face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
  • Background check and reference verification
  • Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Candidates' understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and relevant market trends
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Budgeting, forecasting, and analytical skills
  • Cultural fit and alignment with Avacare Health Group's values and mission

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements related to the Brand Manager role
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and Avacare Health Group's products and services
  • Prepare examples of successful brand marketing campaigns or projects you've led in the past
  • Showcase your ability to work effectively in a dynamic, high-pressure environment
  • Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

ATS Keywords: Brand Manager, Pharmaceuticals, Marketing Strategy, New Product Launch, Budgeting, Forecasting, In-Field Work, Medical Congress, CME Activity, Hospital Networking, Specialist Focus Processes, Software Proficiency, Customer Focus, Relationship Building

ASSUMPTION: Avacare Health Group's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best match for the Brand Manager role.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • IMS (IQVIA)
  • SSD
  • Order Dynamics Repwise
  • Qlikview
  • Medikredit
  • Pastel
  • SAGE
  • SEPA pricing applications

ASSUMPTION: The Brand Manager is expected to be proficient in using various software tools and technologies relevant to the pharmaceutical industry and marketing role.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Customer-centric approach
  • Integrity and ethical behavior
  • Innovation and continuous improvement
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Accountability and results-driven mindset
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Work Style:

  • Dynamic and fast-paced environment
  • Cross-functional teamwork and collaboration
  • Results-driven and performance-focused
  • Adaptability and flexibility in the face of changing priorities and market demands
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you align with Avacare Health Group's customer-centric approach, and can you provide an example of a time when you put customers first?
  • How do you ensure ethical behavior and maintain integrity in your work, especially when faced with challenging situations?
  • Can you describe a time when you demonstrated innovation and continuous improvement in a marketing role?
  • How do you collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and can you share an example of a successful team project you've led or contributed to?
  • How do you balance adaptability and flexibility with a results-driven mindset, and can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated both qualities?

ASSUMPTION: Avacare Health Group values candidates who align with their core values and work style, demonstrating a strong cultural fit for the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple brands and product lines simultaneously
  • Working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with tight deadlines
  • Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day tactical tasks
  • Navigating a complex and dynamic market landscape
  • Adapting to changes in regulations, market trends, and customer preferences

ASSUMPTION: The Brand Manager role presents unique challenges that require strong project management skills, adaptability, and a strategic mindset.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Brand Manager vs. Product Manager: Brand Managers focus on developing and implementing marketing strategies, while Product Managers oversee the entire product lifecycle, from development to launch and post-launch support
  • Pharmaceutical Industry vs. Consumer Goods Industry: The pharmaceutical industry has more stringent regulations and a longer product lifecycle, requiring a deeper understanding of the market and customers
  • Brand Manager vs. Marketing Manager: Brand Managers specialize in brand-specific marketing strategies, while Marketing Managers oversee the overall marketing function and may manage multiple brands or product lines

ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between similar roles and industries is essential for candidates to make informed career decisions and tailor their applications accordingly.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing a successful brand marketing campaign for a new product launch, resulting in increased market share and customer awareness
  • Conducting market research and analysis to identify business growth opportunities and make data-driven recommendations for new product development
  • Managing a team of marketing professionals to execute a large-scale medical congress or CME event, achieving high attendee satisfaction and generating valuable leads

ASSUMPTION: Providing relevant examples of past projects demonstrates candidates' skills, experience, and ability to succeed in the Brand Manager role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the company's long-term vision for the Brand Manager role and how it fits into the organization's overall growth strategy?
  • How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role?
  • What are the most significant challenges facing the brand portfolio in the next 1-2 years, and how can this role address them?
  • How does the company measure the success of the Brand Manager, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to track progress?
  • What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company for someone in this role?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates candidates' interest in the role and helps them make informed decisions about their career.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the Avacare Health Group careers portal
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements related to the Brand Manager role
  • Prepare examples of successful brand marketing campaigns or projects you've led in the past
  • Showcase your ability to work effectively in a dynamic, high-pressure environment
  • Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

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