Brand Manager, Sea Smoke

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager, Sea Smoke

🔹 Company: Constellation Brands

🔹 Location: Sea Smoke Winery, California

🔹 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:

• Developing and executing strategic and annual marketing plans
• Managing brand projects and budgets
• Building premium consumer and trade equity through various strategies
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external agencies
• Analyzing business and competitive data to drive informed decisions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and analytical skills to drive brand growth and success.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Responsible for development and execution of strategic and annual marketing plans

✅ Shared responsibility for the delivery of volume, share, and profit objectives

✅ Build premium consumer and trade equity through various strategies

✅ Develop and execute insights-based strategic innovation plans

✅ Collaborate with DTC, E-Commerce, and Hospitality teams for brand omni-channel growth

✅ Perform on-going business and competitive analyses

✅ Manage brand projects, overall budget allocation, and branded presentations

✅ Manage outside agency initiatives in support of the brand’s business objectives

✅ Work with sales leadership, key accounts, and distributor personnel to expand the business

✅ Collaborate with international teams to ensure global brand strategy and execution consistency

✅ Manage multi-year brand S&OP forecast with Operations team

✅ Lead cross-functional teams and nurture collaborative working relationships

✅ Visit key markets to report brand and competitive findings and recommendations

✅ Communicate regularly with the Marketing Director and/or Vice President

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

Experience: A minimum of 4+ years of CPG or Beverage Alcohol industry experience in a marketing role

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical skills with a proven track record utilizing trend analysis, syndicated and customized research
• Strong leadership with track record of others seeking out involvement and leadership for projects
• Strong financial acumen and P&L understanding
• Strong writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills
• Experience managing complex project lists, priorities, and budgets
• Demonstrated ability to manage expectations of supervisor, other functional groups, and agency partners
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and strong project management skills

Preferred Skills:

• Master’s Degree
• Certifications obtained through WSET Level 2 or 3, or Court of Master Sommeliers
• Solid understanding of the three-tier distribution system

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong foundation in marketing, analytics, and leadership, with a preference for candidates with advanced degrees and industry-specific certifications.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $114,900.00 - $179,800.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k)

Working Hours: Full-time, with travel up to 30% and flexibility to work weekends and evenings as required

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Brand Manager role with 4-10 years of experience in the Beverage Alcohol industry. Benefits are standard for a large corporation.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Constellation Brands operates in the Food and Beverage Services industry, focusing on the production and marketing of beer, wine, and spirits

Company Size: Constellation Brands has 5,001-10,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for career growth

Founded: 1945, with a rich history and established brand portfolio

Company Description:

• Constellation Brands is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy
• The company’s mission is to build brands that people love because they believe elevating human connections is Worth Reaching For
• Constellation Brands is committed to operating sustainably and responsibly, investing in communities, and promoting responsible beverage alcohol consumption

Company Specialties:

• Wine
• Beer
• Spirits

Company Website: http://www.cbrands.com

ASSUMPTION: Constellation Brands is a well-established, large corporation with a diverse portfolio of brands and a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the Manager level, with significant responsibility for brand strategy and execution

Reporting Structure: The Brand Manager reports directly to the Marketing Director or Vice President

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with travel up to 30% and flexibility to work weekends and evenings as required

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Brand Manager or Director of Marketing roles
• Expansion into global brand management or international assignments
• Career progression into general management or other corporate roles

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities within the marketing function and potentially beyond, given Constellation Brands’ large size and diverse portfolio.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Sea Smoke Winery office is a unique work environment, offering a blend of corporate and rustic settings

Office Location(s): Sea Smoke Winery, California

Geographic Context:

• The winery is located in the Santa Barbara County wine region, offering a scenic and relaxed work environment
• The area is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor recreation opportunities
• The winery is approximately 2 hours north of Los Angeles and 1.5 hours south of Santa Barbara

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility to work weekends and evenings as required

ASSUMPTION: The Sea Smoke Winery office offers a unique and scenic work environment, with a flexible schedule that may require weekend and evening work.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-depth behavioral and skills-based interview with the hiring manager and/or other marketing team members
• Final interview with the Marketing Director or Vice President

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and brand management skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Leadership and team collaboration skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Industry knowledge and understanding of the three-tier distribution system

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant marketing experience and achievements in your resume
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and Constellation Brands’ mission
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on brand management, leadership, and problem-solving
• Research Constellation Brands’ brand portfolio and industry trends to showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm

ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Marketing Strategy, Consumer Insights, Brand Equity, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, P&L Management, Beverage Alcohol Industry, CPG, Wine, Spirits, Beer

ASSUMPTION: The application and interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate’s strategic thinking, leadership, and industry knowledge, with a strong emphasis on brand management skills.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Syndicated database experience (IRI or Nielsen)
• Custom database experience
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, syndicated and custom database experience, and project management tools. Familiarity with marketing automation and analytics tools is also beneficial.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for our brands and commitment to elevating human connections
• Entrepreneurial spirit and drive to think beyond today
• Collaboration and teamwork to deliver exceptional results
• Responsibility and accountability for our actions and their impact on our consumers, employees, and industry

Work Style:

• Strategic and forward-thinking
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and accountable
• Adaptable and open to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate passion for our brands and commitment to elevating human connections in your daily work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you thought beyond today to drive brand growth or innovation?
• How do you collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional results, and how do you hold yourself and others accountable for our actions and their impact?

ASSUMPTION: Constellation Brands values a passionate, entrepreneurial, and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on accountability and responsibility.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a diverse portfolio of brands with varying consumer bases and market dynamics
• Navigating the complex three-tier distribution system in the beverage alcohol industry
• Balancing the need for strategic long-term planning with tactical day-to-day execution
• Working in a fast-paced and dynamic industry, requiring adaptability and flexibility

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges related to brand portfolio management, industry complexity, and the need for strategic adaptability.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other Brand Manager roles, this position offers a unique blend of strategic and tactical responsibilities, with a strong focus on brand equity and consumer insights
• In the beverage alcohol industry, this role requires a deep understanding of the three-tier distribution system and the unique dynamics of wine, spirits, and beer markets
• Career progression in this role may follow a similar path to other marketing management roles, with opportunities for advancement into senior brand management, global brand management, or other corporate functions

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic and tactical responsibilities, with a strong focus on brand equity and consumer insights, and career progression opportunities similar to other marketing management roles.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive brand strategy and marketing plan for a new wine release, including pricing, packaging, distribution, and promotional strategies
• Conducting consumer and trade research to identify opportunities for brand innovation and growth
• Managing a cross-functional team to execute a successful brand activation event, such as a wine tasting or sponsorship

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and tactical nature of the Brand Manager role, with a focus on brand strategy, consumer insights, and cross-functional team leadership.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the brand portfolio and market dynamics for the Sea Smoke Winery brands?
• How does the Marketing team collaborate with other functions, such as Sales, Operations, and Hospitality, to drive brand growth?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does Constellation Brands support the professional development and career growth of its Brand Managers?
• What are the key challenges facing the Sea Smoke Winery brands, and how can this role address them?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions help assess the brand portfolio, team dynamics, role priorities, career growth opportunities, and the unique challenges facing the Sea Smoke Winery brands.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant marketing experience and achievements
• Write a cover letter demonstrating your understanding of the role and Constellation Brands’ mission
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on brand management, leadership, and problem-solving
• Research Constellation Brands’ brand portfolio and industry trends to showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, if you haven't heard back

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