📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Brand Manager
🔹 Company: Coupang
🔹 Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Retail, E-commerce
🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving brand strategies and P&L for respective brands
- Expanding selection for existing brands and onboarding high-potential new brands
- Managing vendor relationships and negotiating business terms
- Collaborating cross-functionally and driving strategic projects
- Identifying and prioritizing high-potential vendors and managing the onboarding process
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with strong analytical skills and a proven track record in brand management, vendor management, or a related field.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Act as the P&L owner for respective brands, understanding and driving internal and external variables that impact the business
✅ Manage new and existing brand relationships, expanding selection and improving business terms
✅ Negotiate business terms, promotional pricing, and funding, and partner with marketing to create and sell marketing budgets
✅ Create business plans for new opportunities and develop and execute project plans for new product launches
✅ Drive key projects that help drive sustained improvements across the larger Coupang Retail organization
✅ Coordinate across cross-functional teams and communicate with internal and external parties, meeting tight deadlines
✅ Identify and prioritize high-potential vendors to join Coupang and lead the business development process end to end
✅ Generate and continually advance a pipeline of qualified leads based on entitlement and e-commerce readiness to deliver on new selection goals
✅ Coordinate with internal stakeholders to assist brands in navigating the onboarding and integration process
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of multiple retail business models and their technical implementation, as well as the ability to prioritize work in a complex, fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in business, finance, analytical, or related majors (mathematics, computer science/engineering, statistics, economics, etc.)
Experience: 4+ years in buying, product management, vendor management, retail, or e-commerce
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in negotiating with internal and external stakeholders
- Proficiency with Excel and extracting data through varied reporting tools
- Ability to understand multiple retail business models and their technical implementation
- Ability to prioritize work in a complex, fast-paced environment
- Ability to work with ambiguous problems
Preferred Skills:
- MBA or other relevant graduate degree
- Relevant experience in retail, operations, or e-commerce
- Proven experience leading cross-functional projects
- Experience in vendor negotiations, pricing and promotion, new business development, inventory management, and product development
- Strong communication skills - speaking, writing, presenting, and negotiating
- Ability to operate simultaneously and effectively in both tactical and strategic modes
- A willingness to roll up sleeves to get things done
ASSUMPTION: While an MBA is preferred, a relevant graduate degree in a related field may also be considered. Candidates with a strong track record in brand management or a related field may be considered even if they do not meet all the preferred qualifications.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $83,000/year - $154,000/year (based on geographic market)
Benefits:
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life, AD&D insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) program
- 401K Plan with Company Match
- 18-21 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) a year based on tenure
- 12 Public Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Free Electric Car Charging Station
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Other compensation may include bonuses, equity, or other forms of compensation.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Coupang is a leading global e-commerce company, operating in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving retail industry.
Company Size: Coupang is a large global public company with over 10,000 employees worldwide, offering a startup culture with the resources of a large corporation.
Founded: 2010, with headquarters in Seattle, Washington, USA
Company Description:
- Coupang exists to wow its customers by making shopping, eating, and living easier than ever
- Coupang is disrupting the multi-billion-dollar commerce industry from the ground up
- Coupang offers a unique blend of a startup culture with the resources of a large global public company
Company Specialties:
- Retail
- Technology
- Operations
- IT
- Internet
- Platform
- Customer service
Company Website: https://www.coupang.jobs/
ASSUMPTION: Coupang's focus on customer experience and innovation sets it apart in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a high level of expertise and experience in brand management, vendor management, or a related field.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand Manager will report directly to the Head of Brand Management or a similar role.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the opportunity for occasional remote work or hybrid arrangements, depending on the company's policies and the candidate's needs.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a Director or Vice President of Brand Management role
- Expansion into other areas of the business, such as marketing, merchandising, or operations
- International assignments or relocation opportunities
ASSUMPTION: Coupang's fast-paced growth and entrepreneurial culture offer numerous opportunities for career advancement and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Coupang's headquarters in Seattle, Washington, USA, is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.
Office Location(s): 720 Olive Way, Seattle, Washington 98101, US
Geographic Context:
- Seattle is a major tech hub with a thriving startup scene
- The city offers a high cost of living but also high salaries and numerous job opportunities
- Seattle has a mild, oceanic climate with moderate rainfall throughout the year
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with the opportunity for flexible hours or remote work, depending on the role and the candidate's needs.
ASSUMPTION: Coupang's Seattle headquarters offers a dynamic, fast-paced work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final round interview with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Brand management and strategy skills
- Vendor management and negotiation skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Coupang's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of Coupang's business and the retail/e-commerce industry
- Prepare examples of your brand management and vendor negotiation experiences
- Showcase your ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Be prepared to discuss your long-term career goals and how this role fits into your plans
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Vendor Management, Retail, E-commerce, P&L, Negotiation, Strategic Planning, Cross-functional Collaboration, Project Management
ASSUMPTION: Coupang's interview process is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best candidate for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)
- CRM and ERP systems (Salesforce, SAP)
- E-commerce platforms (Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce)
ASSUMPTION: Coupang uses a variety of tools and technologies to support its brand management and vendor management processes. Proficiency in these tools is not required but may be preferred.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-obsessed
- Bold and ambitious
- Entrepreneurial
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Startup culture with the resources of a large global public company
- Collegial and collaborative
- Results-driven and action-oriented
- Hands-on and hands-off approach, depending on the role and the candidate's skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with ambiguous problems and making decisions with limited information?
- Do you have a proven track record of driving results and achieving business objectives?
- Are you comfortable working collaboratively and cross-functionally with diverse teams?
- Do you align with Coupang's values and work style?
ASSUMPTION: Coupang's culture is entrepreneurial, collaborative, and results-driven, with a strong focus on customer experience and innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment may be challenging for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
- Coupang's focus on customer experience and innovation may require candidates to adapt to new tools, technologies, and processes
- The competitive retail/e-commerce industry may present challenges in terms of market saturation and customer acquisition
- Coupang's large global public company structure may offer less flexibility and autonomy than a smaller startup or mid-sized company
ASSUMPTION: Coupang's fast-paced growth and entrepreneurial culture offer numerous opportunities for career advancement and development, but also present potential challenges in terms of work-life balance and adaptability.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Senior Brand Manager vs. Senior Product Manager: Both roles focus on driving brand strategies and expanding product selection, but the Senior Brand Manager role may have more responsibility for vendor management and negotiation, while the Senior Product Manager role may have more responsibility for product development and merchandising
- Retail vs. E-commerce: Coupang operates in both the retail and e-commerce spaces, offering opportunities for candidates with experience in either or both areas. However, the e-commerce industry may be more competitive and fast-paced than the retail industry
- Career Path: The Senior Brand Manager role may offer opportunities for advancement to a Director or Vice President of Brand Management role, or expansion into other areas of the business, such as marketing, merchandising, or operations
ASSUMPTION: Coupang's Senior Brand Manager role offers numerous opportunities for career advancement and development, but also presents potential challenges in terms of work-life balance and adaptability.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic plan to expand the selection of an existing brand by 20% within the first six months
- Negotiating business terms with a high-potential vendor to onboard them to Coupang's platform, resulting in a 15% increase in sales for the respective category
- Managing the onboarding and integration process for a new brand, resulting in a successful launch and positive customer feedback
ASSUMPTION: Coupang's Senior Brand Manager role offers numerous opportunities for candidates to drive results and make a significant impact on the business.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workday for a Senior Brand Manager at Coupang?
- How does Coupang support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key challenges facing the brand management team in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Coupang approach cross-functional collaboration and communication within the organization?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your understanding of Coupang's business.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your brand management and vendor negotiation experiences
- Showcase your ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- 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.
