📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager I
🔹 Company: McCormick & Company
🔹 Location: Hunt Valley, Maryland
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (50/50)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 29, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting Senior Brand Manager and Brand Director in end-to-end Brand Management
- Accountability for the full French’s retail product portfolio
- Leading cross-functional teams for various projects
- Collaborating with global marketing teams for creative and media briefing
- Exercising discretion regarding strategic recommendations, data, and financial conclusions
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of brand management principles, project leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Delivery of French’s P&L growth objectives
✅ Support the French’s brand lead in the development and implementation strategy of Annual Brand Plans
✅ Identify and implement actionable growth initiatives through landscape assessments and manage product forecasting
✅ Provide strategic and tactical coordination across Demand Planning, Finance, Trade Marketing, and other functional areas to lead Integrated Business Planning for French’s
✅ Manage full product life-cycle including SKU rationalization, NPD business case development, and commercial strategy and implementation
✅ Fully understand competitive brand issues and provide action plans to address threats
✅ Prepare and deliver ongoing French’s monthly business reviews (MBL) and quarterly Share Reviews, prepared for senior leadership
✅ Lead cross-functional teams (project management) for a variety of project types including innovation launches and continuous improvement
✅ Provide analyses and recommendations relating to product offering, pricing, and channel strategy
✅ Monitor effectiveness of new item distribution and making recommendations for improvement when appropriate
✅ Develop and deliver strategic business recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior leadership
✅ Support creative and media briefing, review, and feedback with the Global Marketing team
✅ Exercise discretion regarding strategic recommendations, data, and financial recommendations
ASSUMPION: This role requires strong analytical, project management, and communication skills to effectively manage brand performance and cross-functional teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or related field
Experience: 3+ years of demonstrated relevant marketing skills and results in consumer-packaged goods marketing or closely related field
Required Skills:
- Expertise in syndicated databases, market research, business and brand planning, advertising, finance, promotional activities, and consumer communications
- Strong project leadership experience with ability to manage cross-functional teams and multiple projects
- Sound understanding of Marketing principles and practices and a basic knowledge in other areas including Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain
- In-depth understanding of the industry sector and competitive landscape
- Developed communication and diplomacy skills required to guide, influence, and convince others (internal and external); often customer-facing; interactions with senior leadership
- Strong leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and teamwork skills
Preferred Skills:
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with additional relevant experience or education may be given preference.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $87,910 - $153,870 per year
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation
- Career growth opportunities
- Flexibility and support for diverse life stages and choices
- Wellbeing programs including physical, mental, and financial wellness
- Tuition assistance
- Comprehensive health plans covering medical, vision, dental, life, and disability benefits
- Family-friendly benefits such as paid parental leave, fertility benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and caregiver support
- Retirement and investment programs including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job description. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as experience, education, and internal equity of current employees.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1889
Company Description:
- McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC) is a global leader in flavor and one of the most respected and familiar names in the industry
- The company manufactures, markets, and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the entire food industry
- McCormick creates flavors for a wide range of applications, such as beverages, snacks, dairy, bakery/confectionary, savory, performance nutrition, and health
- The McCormick name represents a trusted source of flavor in millions of kitchens around the globe—in homes and in restaurants
- Partnerships with farmers and suppliers around the world allow McCormick to provide great-tasting, quality spices with year-over-year consistency that you can trust
Company Specialties:
- Flavor creation and innovation
- Global distribution and marketing
- Sustainable sourcing and supply chain management
Company Website: http://www.mccormickcorporation.com
ASSUMPTION: McCormick & Company is a well-established and respected company in the food and beverage industry, with a strong global presence and a commitment to quality and innovation.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: Reports to Senior Brand Manager and Brand Director
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (50/50) with on-site presence required 3 days a week
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to Senior Brand Manager or Brand Director roles
- Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and business needs
- Cross-functional project experience to gain exposure to other areas of the business
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the marketing function and potentially beyond.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Global Headquarters
Office Location(s): Hunt Valley, Maryland
Geographic Context:
- Hunt Valley is a suburban area located north of Baltimore, Maryland
- The region offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to major highways and public transportation
- Hunt Valley is home to several corporate headquarters and business parks
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The Hunt Valley location offers a convenient and accessible work environment with opportunities for both on-site and remote work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interviews with hiring manager and/or team members
- Final round interviews with senior leadership
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Brand management skills and experience
- Project leadership and team management abilities
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Industry knowledge and competitive landscape understanding
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing and project management experience
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on brand management, project leadership, and problem-solving scenarios
- Research the company, its products, and competitors to demonstrate your industry knowledge
- Be ready to discuss your strategic approach to brand management and growth initiatives
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Marketing Strategy, Project Leadership, Market Research, Consumer Communications, Advertising, Finance, Promotional Activities, Business Planning, Competitive Analysis, Communication Skills, Diplomacy Skills, Cross-Functional Leadership, Product Life-Cycle Management
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their relevant marketing and project management skills, as well as their understanding of the brand management process and industry trends.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Consumer research tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant marketing and project management tools is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Respect
- Recognition
- Inclusion
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Customer-focused and results-oriented
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach working with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or work environment?
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider how their work style and values align with McCormick’s company culture and the requirements of this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to align on brand strategies
- Adapting to changes in the market or competitive landscape
- Balancing short-term priorities with long-term brand growth objectives
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to manage multiple priorities, work effectively with cross-functional teams, and adapt to changes in the market or competitive landscape.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Brand Manager I vs. Senior Brand Manager: Responsibility level, team leadership, and strategic decision-making
- Brand Manager I vs. Product Manager: Focus on brand management vs. product development and lifecycle management
- Brand Manager I vs. Marketing Manager: Scope of responsibilities, team size, and strategic focus
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should understand the differences between similar marketing roles and how their skills and experiences align with the specific requirements of this role.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a brand relaunch strategy for a mature product line
- Conducting market research and competitive analysis to inform brand positioning and messaging
- Managing a product line extension or new product launch, from concept to commercialization
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with brand management projects and how they have driven brand growth and success.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the French’s brand in the next 1-2 years, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role collaborate with other marketing teams and stakeholders within McCormick?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within the marketing function and beyond?
- How does McCormick support work-life balance for its employees, particularly those in hybrid roles?
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company, as well as their understanding of the brand management process and industry trends.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing and project management experience
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on brand management, project leadership, and problem-solving scenarios
- Research the company, its products, and competitors to demonstrate your industry knowledge
- Be ready to discuss your strategic approach to brand management and growth initiatives
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative 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.
