Brand Marketing Associate (Seattle's Best Coffee)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Brand Marketing Associate (Seattle's Best Coffee)

🔹 Company: Nestlé Operational Services Worldwide SA

🔹 Location: Solon, Ohio, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Food and Beverage Services

🔹 Date Posted: June 2, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing strategic recommendations based on comprehensive analytics and insights
• Overseeing innovation projects and formulating business and marketing objectives, strategies, and tactics for the Out-of-Home channels
• Executing category plans with an emphasis on end-to-end new product development to boost sales and profitability
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive business growth and enhance returns through effective product portfolio management

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in product management, analytics, general management, and a proven track record of driving business growth and enhancing returns through effective product portfolio management. The ideal candidate will have experience in developing strategic recommendations based on comprehensive analytics and insights, overseeing innovation projects, and formulating business and marketing objectives, strategies, and tactics for the Out-of-Home channels.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Identifying and implementing initiatives to enhance consumer relevance and financial performance of existing products through cost and portfolio optimization, product performance improvements, packaging enhancements, and price-pack architecture

✅ Driving product strategy and commercialization in alignment with operating plans and budgets by analyzing product performance against expectations and developing actionable plans to address any performance variances from the annual plan

✅ Executing daily tactical Product Marketing plans for the brand, including management of the I2L SKU tracking process

✅ Utilizing key insights to identify and capitalize on new opportunities

✅ Supporting the preparation of the annual business plan and monthly business reviews and assisting in mid- to long-term strategic business planning

✅ Leading regular updates on initiative performance and providing recommendations for optimization, including conducting weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reviews of category performance, weekly assessments of seasonal promotion performance, and ad-hoc analyses in support of relevant brand teams

✅ Providing forecast planning support to the Brand, Supply Chain, Commercial Development, and Demand Planning teams

✅ Maintaining strong relationship management with cross-functional partners, including product and project management, to achieve aggressive new product goals and drive profitable growth of the overall portfolio

✅ Coordinating with Sales and Sales support teams on the lead generation process, including follow-up and communication with leads, ensuring end-to-end ROI

✅ Participating in cross-functional teams to ideate, create, and develop new products and marketing opportunities from concept to commercialization

✅ Leading the setup of new products, including system input, project management, and image development

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a wide range of responsibilities, including identifying and implementing initiatives to enhance consumer relevance and financial performance of existing products, driving product strategy and commercialization, executing tactical Product Marketing plans, utilizing key insights to identify and capitalize on new opportunities, and leading regular updates on initiative performance. The ideal candidate will have experience in these areas and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or 4+ years of US military experience required; MBA preferred

Experience: At least 3+ years of progressive experience in product or brand management and 3-5+ years of experience influencing cross-functional teams

Required Skills:

• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization, particularly with Sales, Product Development and cross-functional teams
• Analytical thinker who can confidently present insights-based and financial-backed recommendations to leadership and cross-functional teams
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines, working both independently and as a collaborator
• Understanding of financial planning, product forecasting, assortment planning, and inventory management

Preferred Skills:

• CPG or Foodservice experience not required but preferred
• P&L experience and strong planning skills

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree or 4+ years of US military experience, with an MBA preferred. They will have at least 3+ years of progressive experience in product or brand management and 3-5+ years of experience influencing cross-functional teams. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (based on role, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with up to 15% travel required

ASSUMPTION: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between $80,000 and $120,000 per year, based on role, experience level, and location. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan with company match, paid time off and holidays, an employee assistance program, and tuition reimbursement.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Food and Beverage Services

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 1866

Company Description:

• As the world’s largest food and beverage company, Nestlé is driven by a simple aim: unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come
• With a portfolio covering almost every food and beverage category, Nestlé offers products and services for all stages of life, every moment of the day, helping people care for themselves and their families
• The company employs around 273,000 people and has factories or operations in almost every country in the world, with headquarters still based in the Swiss town of Vevey

Company Specialties:

• Coffee and beverages
• Dairy
• Confectionary
• Culinary and frozen food
• Ice Cream
• Infant nutrition
• Healthcare nutrition
• Out of home F&B solutions
• and Petcare

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

ASSUMPTION: Nestlé is a large, multinational food and beverage company with a diverse portfolio of products and services. The company is committed to enhancing quality of life for people around the world through its products and services.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior-level role within the marketing department

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Marketing Manager or Brand Manager for the Seattle's Best Coffee brand

Work Arrangement: On-site, with up to 15% travel required

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a senior marketing role within the brand or take on additional responsibilities as the brand grows
• Opportunity to work on high-impact projects and drive significant business growth
• Potential to gain experience in a large, multinational organization and work with a diverse range of brands and products

ASSUMPTION: This role offers growth opportunities for the right candidate, including the potential to advance to a senior marketing role within the brand or take on additional responsibilities as the brand grows. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of driving business growth and enhancing returns through effective product portfolio management.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment

Office Location(s): Solon, Ohio, United States

Geographic Context:

• Solon is a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, with a population of approximately 23,000 people
• The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and major metropolitan areas
• The cost of living in Solon is generally lower than in larger urban areas, with affordable housing options and a lower cost of living index

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for the role's requirements

ASSUMPTION: The office environment for this role is a corporate office setting in Solon, Ohio. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in an office environment and be able to commute to the location as needed.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final round interview with senior leadership or other stakeholders
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
• Industry-specific knowledge and experience

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the brand and the role's requirements in your application materials
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and ability to work in a cross-functional team environment
• Be ready to discuss your experience with analytics, strategic planning, and driving business growth through effective product portfolio management

ATS Keywords: Product Management, Analytics, Strategic Planning, Business Growth, Portfolio Management, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Communication Skills, Financial Planning, Product Forecasting, Inventory Management, New Product Development, Market Analysis, Sales Coordination, Consumer Insights

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role typically involves an online application submission, followed by phone or video screening, in-person or virtual interviews with the hiring manager and senior leadership, and a background check before an offer is extended. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and presentation skills, strategic thinking and planning abilities, and experience working in a cross-functional team environment.

🛠 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Respect for ourselves
• Respect for others
• Respect for diversity
• Respect for the future

Work Style:

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

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with the company's values, particularly in terms of respect for others and diversity?
• What is your preferred work style, and how does it fit with the company's collaborative and results-driven culture?
• How do you approach continuous learning and improvement in your role?

ASSUMPTION: Nestlé values respect, collaboration, results-driven work, adaptability, and continuous learning and improvement. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate alignment with these values and work styles in their application materials and interviews.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in a large, multinational organization may present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration across different time zones and cultures
• The role may require frequent travel, which can be demanding and may impact work-life balance
• The pace of work may be fast-paced and demanding, with tight deadlines and high expectations for performance
• The role may require working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, and customers, which can present unique challenges in terms of communication and collaboration

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration across different time zones and cultures, frequent travel, a fast-paced work environment, and working with a diverse range of stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be able to navigate these challenges and thrive in a dynamic, multinational organization.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other Brand Marketing Associate roles within the food and beverage industry, but may differ in terms of the specific brand or product portfolio managed, the size and scope of the organization, and the specific market or geographic focus
• The role may also be compared to related positions such as Product Manager, Category Manager, or Trade Marketing Manager, depending on the specific focus and responsibilities of the role
• Career paths for this role may include advancement to senior marketing roles within the brand or transition to other related roles within the organization, such as Category Manager or Trade Marketing Manager

ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other Brand Marketing Associate roles within the food and beverage industry, but may differ in terms of specific brand or product portfolio, organization size and scope, and market or geographic focus. The ideal candidate will have experience in a related role or be able to demonstrate transferable skills and knowledge from a similar position.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a strategic plan to enhance the consumer relevance and financial performance of an existing product line through cost and portfolio optimization, product performance improvements, packaging enhancements, and price-pack architecture
• Analyzing product performance against expectations and developing actionable plans to address any performance variances from the annual plan for a specific brand or product portfolio
• Executing a tactical Product Marketing plan for a brand, including management of the I2L SKU tracking process, to drive sales and profitability through effective product portfolio management

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in developing strategic plans to enhance consumer relevance and financial performance, analyzing product performance, and executing tactical Product Marketing plans to drive sales and profitability through effective product portfolio management.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the specific brand or product portfolio that this role will be responsible for, and how it fits within the broader organization?
• How does this role collaborate with other internal teams, such as product development, sales, and finance, to achieve aggressive new product goals and drive profitable growth of the overall portfolio?
• What are the key challenges facing the brand or product portfolio in the current market, and how does this role address them?
• How does this role support the company's overall strategy and goals, and how does it contribute to the company's mission of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within this role, and how does the company support the professional growth of its employees?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to ask insightful questions about the brand or product portfolio, the role's collaboration with other internal teams, the specific challenges facing the brand, and opportunities for growth and development within the role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and ability to work in a cross-functional team environment
• Be ready to discuss your experience with analytics, strategic planning, and driving business growth through effective product portfolio management
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process

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