📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Brand Manager
🔹 Company: Yamamotoyama USA
🔹 Location: Pomona, CA
🔹 Job Type: Full Time
🔹 Category: Food & Beverage Services
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-06-02
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading brand strategy for the Stash Tea product portfolio
- Driving business performance and growth across multiple brands
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and execute integrated marketing plans
- Managing the overall marketing budget to maximize ROI
- Optimizing product portfolio and innovating to meet consumer needs and market trends
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement long-term brand strategies, including value propositions and integrated marketing plans
✅ Lead portfolio optimization efforts, evaluating product mix, pricing, and positioning to ensure a strong, competitive lineup
✅ Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the business, tracking brand performance, and adjusting strategies accordingly
✅ Develop a 3-year innovation pipeline, collaborating with cross-functional teams to recommend and develop new products or improve existing ones
✅ Manage the overall marketing budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize ROI
✅ Develop and execute integrated marketing communications plans to engage with consumers through each marketing touchpoint
✅ Work closely with the sales team to develop shopper marketing strategies that drive velocity and enhance shelf presence
✅ Collaborate with internal teams, including R&D, supply chain, sales, and finance, to develop strategies and accomplish strategic goals
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong project management and leadership skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field; MBA preferred
Experience: 8+ years of CPG brand management experience, preferably in food & beverage
Required Skills:
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action
- Experience in portfolio optimization, SKU rationalization, and product lifecycle management
- Proven track record of successfully leading product launches and business growth initiatives
- Excellent project management and leadership skills, with a collaborative nature and experience managing cross-functional teams
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, cross-functional environment
Preferred Skills:
- Passion for health and wellness and consumer-driven brand building
ASSUMPTION: While an MBA is preferred, a relevant master's degree or equivalent experience may be considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $140,000 - $160,000 per year
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, LTD, EAP, Wellness Stipend, Vacation Accrual
- 401(k) with Safe Harbor Contribution
- Discounts on products, tuition reimbursement, continuing education support, and more
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is guided by the discipline, level, and experience required, and individual pay may vary based on specific location, desired skills/technical competency, relevant experience, and advanced education/training.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Yamamotoyama USA operates in the Food & Beverage Services industry, with a focus on tea, nori seaweed, and soy wrapper products.
Company Size: Yamamotoyama USA has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Yamamotoyama was founded in 1690, with Yamamotoyama USA established in 1975, offering a rich history and extensive experience in the market.
Company Description:
- Yamamotoyama USA is a global leader in the tea, nori seaweed, and soy wrapper categories, with a commitment to innovation and quality since 1690.
- The company is a certified Great Place to Work, fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity of thought and embraces a broad spectrum of perspectives, backgrounds, regions, and experiences.
- Yamamotoyama USA is dedicated to serving its community wholeheartedly and continuously strives to disrupt and elevate food and beverage for generations to come.
Company Specialties:
- Tea production and distribution
- Nori seaweed and soy wrapper manufacturing
- Brand management and marketing
- Innovation and product development
Company Website: http://www.yamamotoyama.com
ASSUMPTION: Yamamotoyama USA's extensive history and global presence provide a stable and established foundation for its employees, while its commitment to innovation ensures a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, offering significant responsibility and influence within the organization.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand Manager will report directly to the VP of Marketing and collaborate with various cross-functional teams, including R&D, supply chain, sales, and finance.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the opportunity to work from the company's headquarters in Pomona, CA.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a VP or Director-level role within the marketing department
- Expansion of responsibilities to oversee additional brands or product categories
- Opportunities to gain experience in international markets, given Yamamotoyama's global presence
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both within the marketing department and across the broader organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Yamamotoyama USA's headquarters is a modern, professional office environment, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and quality.
Office Location(s): 122 Voyager Street, Pomona, CA 91768, US
Geographic Context:
- Pomona is located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, approximately 30 miles east of Los Angeles
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a diverse population and a range of housing options
- Pomona is home to numerous parks, museums, and cultural attractions, providing ample opportunities for recreation and entertainment
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. However, the work schedule may vary based on business needs and individual team arrangements.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Yamamotoyama USA's headquarters is professional, collaborative, and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication.
💼 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 members of the marketing team
- Final interview with the VP of Marketing or another senior leader within the organization
- Background check and reference check for the final candidate
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and brand management skills
- Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- Collaboration and leadership skills, particularly in a cross-functional environment
- Cultural fit and alignment with Yamamotoyama USA's values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant brand management experience and skills
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to brand strategy, portfolio optimization, and integrated marketing planning
- Demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Showcase your passion for health and wellness and consumer-driven brand building, if applicable
ATS Keywords: Brand Strategy, Portfolio Management, Business Performance, Innovation Pipeline, Budget Management, Integrated Marketing Planning, Retail Strategy, Cross-functional Collaboration, Analytical Skills, Project Management, Leadership Skills, Consumer Awareness, Sales Velocity, Market Share Growth, Product Lifecycle Management, Health and Wellness
ASSUMPTION: Yamamotoyama USA's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best possible match for the organization's needs.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Salesforce, Google Analytics, Tableau)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant marketing automation, analytics, and project management tools is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation: Yamamotoyama USA continually strives to disrupt and elevate food and beverage for generations
- Quality: The company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality in its products and services
- Collaboration: Yamamotoyama USA fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging open communication and teamwork
- Inclusivity: The company values diversity of thought and embraces a broad spectrum of perspectives, backgrounds, regions, and experiences
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on driving results and meeting business objectives
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration
- Data-driven and analytical, with a focus on translating insights into action
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and are you comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities?
- Are you skilled in building and maintaining strong, effective relationships with cross-functional teams?
- Do you have a proven track record of successfully leading product launches and business growth initiatives?
- Are you passionate about health and wellness and consumer-driven brand building?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Yamamotoyama USA's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's continued growth and success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires a strong understanding of the CPG business and marketing fundamentals, as well as analytical insights, to drive consumer awareness, trial, and long-term loyalty
- Candidates must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic, cross-functional environment and collaborating effectively with various teams
- The role may involve occasional travel to other Yamamotoyama USA offices or industry events, as needed
- Candidates must be able to manage multiple projects and priorities, often with tight deadlines
ASSUMPTION: While this role presents numerous opportunities for growth and success, it also comes with its own set of challenges that candidates should be prepared to face.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other brand management roles, this position focuses on a specific product portfolio within a larger organization, requiring a deep understanding of the Stash Tea brand and its unique positioning in the market
- Yamamotoyama USA's commitment to innovation and quality sets it apart from other companies in the industry, offering candidates the opportunity to work for a forward-thinking and established organization
- This role offers significant growth potential, both within the marketing department and across the broader organization, providing candidates with ample opportunities to advance their careers
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and aspirations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive brand audit and rebranding strategy for the Stash Tea product portfolio
- Launching a new product line or flavor extension, based on consumer insights and market trends
- Optimizing the product portfolio through SKU rationalization and pricing strategy, to maximize efficiency, profitability, and growth
- Collaborating with the sales team to develop and implement shopper marketing strategies that drive velocity and enhance shelf presence
- Conducting consumer research and analyzing data to inform brand strategy and marketing communications plans
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Senior Brand Manager may undertake in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current brand positioning and target consumer for the Stash Tea product portfolio, and how this role will contribute to its evolution?
- How does Yamamotoyama USA support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in marketing and brand management roles?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured in each phase?
- How does Yamamotoyama USA approach cross-functional collaboration, and what specific examples can you provide of successful teamwork within the organization?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Stash Tea brand, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the organization's needs and culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the linked job posting
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant brand management experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral and skills-based interview questions, focusing on your approach to brand strategy, portfolio optimization, and integrated marketing planning
- Demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department one week after submitting your application, inquiring about the status of your application and expressing your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
