Senior Associate Brand Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Associate Brand Manager

🔹 Company: Simple Mills

🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (1+ days per week in-office)

🔹 Category: Brand Management, CPG

🔹 Date Posted: July 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote work allowed, must work from a designated location in the United States)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing strategies to grow the Simple Mills brand and drive product sales
• Leading critical initiatives to expand distribution, accelerate velocities, and grow market share
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute commercialization projects and marketing activities
• Analyzing product performance, consumer insights, and market trends to inform strategic decisions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive, data-driven individual with strong analytical and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Maintain a deep understanding of product performance in market, analyzing core drivers, and summarizing clearly and succinctly to facilitate efficient organizational comprehension and alignment.

✅ Actively seek and seize growth opportunities by translating consumption data, consumer insights/feedback, competitive intel, market research, and industry/category trends into actions to accelerate performance.

✅ Lead analyses to identify portfolio optimization initiatives and inform prioritization. Lead cross-functional teams to execute commercialization projects including product line extensions, product renovation, packaging design refreshes, and new pack sizes/formats.

✅ Work closely with Sales, Finance, and Operations partners on planning processes, contributing critical performance insights to sharpen forecasts and inform actions.

✅ Develop marketing plans to support key product lines and ensure execution achieves strategic objectives and delivers efficient results by collaborating with internal and external partners, creating selling materials, managing agencies and vendors, and monitoring all product communications.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong project management skills to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required in marketing or related field; master’s degree/MBA preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in CPG Brand Management with at least 1.5 years of experience managing base business on the Brand Management team.

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with experience analyzing and interpreting syndicated consumption and consumer panel data to derive actionable insights and strategic implications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to clearly and succinctly summarize information, make compelling recommendations, and facilitate efficient alignment and decision making.
• Proactive, self-starter with a demonstrated history of managing cross-functional teams and multiple complex projects simultaneously, including product commercialization.
• Experience developing brand marketing strategies and plans and managing external agencies/vendors to flawlessly execute.

Preferred Skills:

• Adaptability, coupled with a resilience to thrive in a dynamic and evolving environment, navigating organizational pivots with a calm demeanor.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and roll-up-the-sleeves mentality, including willingness to wear multiple hats, find scrappy solutions, and act with a healthy sense of urgency.
• High level of curiosity about the marketplace, competitors, consumers, and technologies.
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive.

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, preference may be given to candidates with experience in the natural or better-for-you food category.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000 - $135,000 per year (based on industry standards for CPG Brand Management roles with 2-5 years of experience)

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation
• Performance-Based Bonuses
• Comprehensive Health & Financial Benefits
• Work-Life Flexibility (unlimited PTO, Live Full Fridays, and a three-week sabbatical after five years of service)
• Health & Wellness Perks

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Simple Mills operates in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing industry, focusing on better-for-you products made with simple, high-quality ingredients.

Company Size: Simple Mills is a mid-sized company with 51-200 employees, providing an environment where individuals can have a significant impact.

Founded: 2012, with a mission to transform the way food is made to nourish people and the planet.

Company Description:

• Simple Mills is a leading provider of better-for-you crackers, cookies, snack bars, and baking mixes made with simple and nutritious high-quality ingredients that deliver extraordinary taste.
• The company has disrupted center-aisle grocery categories to become the #1 natural cracker, cookie, and baking mix brand and one of the top 5 snack bars in the natural channel with distribution in over 30,000 stores nationwide.
• Simple Mills is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion, offering equal employment opportunities to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, past or present military service, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Company Specialties:

• Non-GMO
• Grain-Free
• Natural Food
• Paleo-Friendly
• Health & Wellness
• Gluten Free
• Organic
• Innovation
• Baking
• Snacking
• CPG

Company Website: simplemills.com

ASSUMPTION: Simple Mills' commitment to better-for-you products and sustainability may attract candidates who share similar values and are passionate about improving the food system.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for mid-career professionals with 2-5 years of experience in CPG Brand Management.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Associate Brand Manager will report directly to a Director of Brand Management.

Work Arrangement: This role is hybrid, requiring employees to work from the Chicago, IL office at least once per week. When working remotely, employees must work from a designated location in the United States with sufficient internet access to support video conferencing.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Simple Mills continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the right candidate to take on more responsibility and advance their career within the brand management team or other areas of the business.
• The company offers a three-week sabbatical after five years of service, providing employees with an opportunity to recharge and refocus.
• Simple Mills' commitment to continuous learning and development offers employees the chance to grow both personally and professionally.

ASSUMPTION: Given Simple Mills' growth trajectory, there may be opportunities for career advancement within the brand management team or other areas of the business for high-performing employees.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Simple Mills' headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring employees to work from the office at least once per week.

Office Location(s): 435 N LaSalle St, Chicago, Illinois, US

Geographic Context:

• Chicago is a major metropolitan area with a diverse population and a thriving food and beverage industry.
• The city offers a variety of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and outdoor activities.
• Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work.

ASSUMPTION: While the hybrid work arrangement requires employees to be in the office at least once per week, the majority of the work can be done remotely, providing flexibility for employees to balance their personal and professional lives.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR team
• In-depth behavioral and skills-based interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Director of Brand Management
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your ability to analyze data, develop strategic plans, and manage cross-functional teams.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and how they demonstrate the required skills for this role.
• Research Simple Mills' mission, values, and products to show your enthusiasm for the company and its commitment to improving the food system.

ATS Keywords: Brand Management, CPG, Marketing Strategy, Consumer Insights, Product Commercialization, Performance Analysis, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Data Analysis, Strategic Planning, Marketing Execution, Marketing Plans, Marketing Tactics, Agency Management, Retail Sales, Distribution, Velocities, Market Share, Portfolio Optimization, Packaging Design, Product Line Extensions, Product Renovation, New Pack Sizes/Formats, Sales Planning, Forecasting, Collaboration, Communication, Adaptability, Curiosity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Problem Solving

ASSUMPTION: Simple Mills uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, and including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application be noticed by the hiring team.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI)
• Marketing automation and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com)
• Consumer insights and market research tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, SPINS)
• Packaging design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma)

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency during the interview process.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Mission-Driven: Simple Mills is committed to transforming the way food is made to nourish people and the planet.
• Innovation: The company continually seeks new ways to improve its products, processes, and business strategies.
• Collaboration: Simple Mills fosters a culture of teamwork and mutual respect, with employees working together to achieve common goals.
• Integrity: The company is dedicated to ethical practices, responsible sourcing, and making decisions that drive real, positive change.
• Inclusion: Simple Mills is committed to providing an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered, ensuring that everyone can thrive.

Work Style:

• Data-Driven: Simple Mills uses data and analytics to inform strategic decisions and measure performance.
• Dynamic: The company operates in a fast-paced, evolving environment, requiring employees to be adaptable and resilient.
• Entrepreneurial: Simple Mills encourages employees to take initiative, find scrappy solutions, and act with a healthy sense of urgency.
• Collaborative: The company values teamwork and cross-functional collaboration to achieve common goals.
• Mission-Focused: Simple Mills' employees are passionate about the company's mission to improve the food system and contribute to a healthier planet.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and consumer insights, and how do you incorporate this information into your decision-making process?
• Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment, and how did you approach this challenge?
• How do you balance multiple projects and priorities, and how do you ensure that you are effectively managing your time and resources?
• How do you approach working with cross-functional teams, and how do you ensure that you are effectively collaborating with and influencing team members and stakeholders to gain alignment and drive results?
• How do you demonstrate your commitment to Simple Mills' mission and values, and how do you incorporate these principles into your daily work?

ASSUMPTION: Simple Mills' commitment to its mission, values, and work style may attract candidates who share similar values and are passionate about improving the food system and contributing to a healthier planet.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• This role requires a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and may involve managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, which can be challenging for individuals who struggle with time management or prioritization.
• Simple Mills operates in a dynamic and evolving environment, which can be challenging for individuals who prefer a more stable or predictable work environment.
• The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges for individuals who prefer to work remotely full-time or have difficulty commuting to the office.
• The company's commitment to continuous learning and development may require employees to step outside of their comfort zones and take on new challenges, which can be intimidating for individuals who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment.

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles for some candidates, they also provide opportunities for growth and development for those who are up for the challenge.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other Senior Associate Brand Manager positions in the CPG industry, but with a focus on better-for-you products and a commitment to improving the food system.
• Unlike other CPG companies, Simple Mills is a mission-driven organization that prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices, which may appeal to candidates who are passionate about making a positive impact.
• Career paths for this role may vary depending on the company's growth trajectory and the individual's performance and aspirations. At Simple Mills, there may be opportunities for career advancement within the brand management team or other areas of the business.

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other Senior Associate Brand Manager positions in the CPG industry, its focus on better-for-you products and mission-driven approach sets it apart and may appeal to candidates who are passionate about improving the food system.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a marketing plan to launch a new product line, including consumer research, competitive analysis, and strategic positioning.
• Conducting a portfolio optimization analysis to identify opportunities for product line extensions, renovations, or discontinuations based on market trends and consumer insights.
• Managing a cross-functional team to execute a packaging design refresh, including consumer testing, supplier management, and production timelines.
• Collaborating with the sales team to develop a compelling selling story and secure incremental distribution and velocity at key retailers.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a snapshot of the types of initiatives the Senior Associate Brand Manager may be responsible for, but the specific projects and priorities will vary depending on the company's needs and the individual's strengths.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's long-term vision for growth and how this role contributes to achieving that vision?
• How does the brand management team collaborate with other departments, such as sales, marketing, and R&D, to drive product success?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key challenges facing the brand management team, and how can this role help address those challenges?
• How does the company measure the success of its brand management efforts, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are most important for this role?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions provide a starting point for candidates to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the team, and the company's priorities and expectations.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Simple Mills careers page
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your ability to analyze data, develop strategic plans, and manage cross-functional teams.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and how they demonstrate the required skills for this role.
• Research Simple Mills' mission, values, and products to show your enthusiasm for the company and its commitment to improving the food system.
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience and how you can contribute to the company's mission and goals.

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