Brand Manager

Introduction

We at Osborne are currently recruiting for an experienced Brand Manager to join a fast-growing business based in Newry, Co. Down.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a growing branded portfolio and play a key role in shaping the future direction of an ambitious food business with an expanding presence across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK.

As Brand Manager, you will lead the development and execution of brand strategy, driving awareness, customer preference, innovation and commercial growth. You will have a broad remit across brand positioning, marketing, product innovation, campaigns, digital, packaging and commercial performance.

Working closely with cross-functional teams and external agency partners, you will be responsible for ensuring the brand continues to build strong equity while delivering measurable commercial results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver annual brand strategies aligned with overall business growth objectives.
• Build and strengthen brand positioning across Northern Ireland, ROI and UK markets.
• Ensure consistency of brand identity and messaging across product, packaging, POS, digital and marketing campaigns.
• Define, monitor and report on key brand performance and equity metrics.
• Take ownership of brand budgets and marketing spend, ensuring investment delivers strong commercial return.
• Plan, track and forecast marketing expenditure with a clear focus on ROI.
• Deliver monthly commercial and marketing reporting, identifying performance trends, risks and opportunities.
• Balance short-term sales delivery with longer-term brand growth and equity building.
• Work closely with NPD and Operations teams to identify, develop and launch new products.
• Support packaging development, ensuring strong shelf presence, legal compliance and sustainability considerations.
• Oversee consumer research, testing, benchmarking and product validation.
• Lead the content strategy and brand storytelling across relevant channels.
• Manage the company’s social media presence, ensuring content is engaging, relevant and aligned with the wider brand strategy.
• Develop and deliver integrated marketing campaigns across in-store, digital, PR and other relevant channels.
• Lead brand activation initiatives designed to increase trial, repeat purchase and customer loyalty.
• Manage external agencies, creative partners and suppliers to ensure high-quality delivery.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure effective execution of brand plans.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and consumer behaviour to identify opportunities for growth.
• Contribute to the continued development of the wider marketing and commercial strategy.

Requirements

• 3–5 years’ experience in FMCG brand management or a similar commercial marketing role.
• Experience working within food, or another fast-moving consumer category.
• Proven experience developing and implementing brand strategies.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance brand building and sales performance.
• Experience managing marketing budgets and understanding marketing ROI.
• Experience working with external agencies and creative partners.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn data and consumer insights into actionable plans.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong project management, organisational and execution skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment.
• A proactive approach with the ability to take ownership and deliver results.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• 30 days’ annual leave, including public and statutory holidays.
• Additional annual leave entitlement based on length of service, up to a maximum of 33 days.
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Tech Scheme.
• Discounted company products.
• Free onsite parking.
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
• The chance to take significant ownership of an established and developing brand portfolio.
• Opportunity to work across Northern Ireland, ROI and UK markets.

Desired Criteria

• Experience working across both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland retail or convenience markets.
• Experience within short shelf-life or fast-paced product categories.
• CIM qualification or a relevant marketing/business degree.
• Experience working across NPD and product development cycles.
• Experience with consumer research, insight generation and product testing.
• Strong understanding of retail, convenience and food-to-go consumer behaviour.
• Experience delivering integrated campaigns across digital, social, PR and in-store channels.
• Experience using commercial and consumer data to influence brand strategy.

For more information, please apply through the link provided for the attention of Debbie Sweeney or call Osborne Recruitment on 041 986 5058 or email at debbie.sweeney@osborne.ie

If you are interested in finding out more about the above role and would like to be considered for this or other suitable roles that we may have available for your skill set – please attach your CV via the link provided. Please submit your updated CV in Word Format.
If you are living in Ireland and hold a VALID WORK PERMIT, we would love to hear from you, if however, you do not hold a valid work permit unfortunately we will not be in a position to assist you with your job search. 
Osborne are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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