📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Brand Manager - Rajah
🔹 Company: Unilever
🔹 Location: La Lucia Ridge / 61 Katherine Street, South Africa
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the development and execution of national brand marketing plans for the Rajah brand
- Driving financial and market share ambitions through strategic brand management
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver brand growth and performance
- Managing the brand budget and ensuring cost-effectiveness in annual activity plans
- Developing and coaching the capabilities of the ABMs (Assistant Brand Managers)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the development and execution of brand strategy and marketing plans for the Rajah brand
✅ Understand and uncover root issues and opportunities across the 6Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Process)
✅ Develop clear JTBD (Jobs To Be Done) and activity schedules arising from these JTBD
✅ Lead cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of launch plans and post-launch evaluation
✅ Manage the brand budget to ensure spend is in line with agreed targets
✅ Constantly review brand and initiative performance for ongoing improvement
✅ People management and development - develop the capabilities (SOL) and business/marketing skills of the ABMs
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Relevant Degree or equivalent
Experience: 5+ years of relevant work experience, with experience in managing a complex portfolio
Required Skills:
- Strong business/financial acumen
- Consumer and customer focus - curiosity, ability to uncover relevant insights and translate these into actionable plans
- Ability to assess business challenges, articulate these, and drive right levels of influence across all stakeholders and cross-functional teams
- Strong understanding and management of S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning)
- Growth mindset - a winning, competitive mindset
- Brand Guardianship
- Brand Activity Planning
Preferred Skills:
- Brand Mix Development
- Leading local mix development
- Experience in managing a Brand restage
- Experience in delivering brand growth strategy
- Landing Shopper-Focused Activity plans in Shoprite and Independent/Traditional Trade
- Leveraging PR and/or Digital to drive brand plans
- Competitive Battle - leading a competitive battle in the context of a portfolio of brands
- Strong rigor and analytical skills in surfacing issues and opportunities for the brand
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the FMCG industry and a strong understanding of the South African market will be at an advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between ZAR 1,200,000 and ZAR 1,800,000 per annum, based on industry standards for a Senior Brand Manager role in South Africa with 5-10 years of experience. The final offer will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the company's compensation structure.
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for career growth and development
- Working for a global leader in the FMCG industry
Working Hours: Full-time, with standard working hours being Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, flexibility may be required based on business needs.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Unilever operates in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, with a portfolio of over 400 brands spanning Home Care, Beauty & Personal Care, Nutrition, and Refreshment. The company is a global leader in the industry, with operations in over 190 countries and a market capitalization of over €200 billion.
Company Size: Unilever is a large multinational corporation, employing over 140,000 people worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and development, as well as exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences.
Founded: Unilever was founded in 1929 through the merger of the Dutch margarine producer Margarine Unie and the British soapmaker Lever Brothers. The company has a rich history and a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Company Description:
- Unilever is a purpose-driven company, committed to making sustainable living commonplace
- The company's portfolio includes well-known brands such as Lipton, Omo, Dove, Axe, and Hellmann's, as well as local market brands
- Unilever is committed to reducing its environmental impact and contributing positively to society through its business operations
Company Specialties:
- Consumer Goods
- Food
- Home Care
- Personal Care
- Refreshments
- Marketing & Advertising
- Retail
- Purpose
- FMCG
- Digital
- Ice Cream
- Nutrition
- Sustainability
- Beauty & Wellbeing
- Innovation
- Careers
Company Website: www.unilever.com
ASSUMPTION: Unilever's large size and global presence offer opportunities for international assignments and exposure to diverse markets and cultures.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, with the opportunity for further progression within the marketing function or into other areas of the business.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand Manager reports directly to the Nutrition Southern Africa Marketing Lead and works closely with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Operations, and Research & Development.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with the expectation of full-time attendance at the office. However, there may be flexibility for remote work in certain circumstances.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression into more senior marketing roles, such as Marketing Director or Global Brand Manager
- Transition into other areas of the business, such as Sales, Operations, or General Management
- International assignments, providing exposure to different markets and cultures
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have a strong track record of delivering results, demonstrating leadership potential, and aligning with Unilever's values and culture.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Unilever's South African headquarters is a modern, open-plan office located in the La Lucia Ridge office park, with easy access to major transport routes and amenities.
Office Location(s): 61 Katherine Street, La Lucia Ridge, South Africa
Geographic Context:
- Durban is the third most populous city in South Africa, with a diverse cultural landscape and a thriving business ecosystem
- The city has a subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters
- Durban is well-connected by air, road, and rail, with an international airport serving both domestic and international flights
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. However, flexibility may be required based on business needs and project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Unilever is collaborative, inclusive, and focused on delivering results. Successful candidates will be able to thrive in this dynamic, fast-paced setting.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- Face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager and a panel of stakeholders
- Final round interviews, including a case study or presentation
- Background and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Brand management and marketing expertise
- Leadership and team management capabilities
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Cultural fit and alignment with Unilever's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the South African FMCG market and Unilever's brand portfolio
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and leadership style
- Showcase your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities
- Follow up with the HR department after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications
ATS Keywords: Brand Strategy, Marketing Plan Development, Consumer Insights, Cross Functional Team Leadership, Budget Management, Analytical Skills, Business Acumen, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Event Management, S&OP Management, Team Development, Project Management, Competitive Analysis, Growth Mindset, Brand Guardianship, Activity Planning
ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Unilever is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python)
- Consumer research tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary based on the candidate's prior experience and the needs of the business.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Our Purpose: To make sustainable living commonplace
- Our Plan: To be one of the best performing, most trusted and external facing Companies in the FMCG sector
- Our Values:
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