Vicks/Braun Healthcare Brand Manager

Kaz, is a fast-growing, global manufacturer and marketer of durable health care and home environment products principally under the Vicks, Braun and Honeywell brand names.  Kaz is the leader in the humidification, thermometer and hot/cold therapy categories and also participates in the air purification, fan, heater and lawn & garden categories.  Kaz’ products are largely distributed through mass merchandisers and drug stores.  For more information on kaz, visit http://www.kaz.com/.

 

The Brand Manager will plan, organize, direct, control, and provide the leadership to achieve short-range and long-range business development objectives.  There will also be special projects.

 

Responsibilities

 

 

· New Products:  Establish a rolling 3- year “pipelineâ€� of qualified new products. New product development will include developing basic marketing strategies (i.e. product positioning, sub branding, required features, packaging, pricing, etc.) working with Management, Sales, Trade Marketing and R&D.  Marketing leads the product development process at Kaz. This will also require managing appropriate levels of consumer research and R&D tests to validate each new product for market.  A critical path for each new item will be established by the Brand Manager and tracked by the development team on each project. Strong, hands-on packaging development and market research experience is important to this responsibility.

 

· Existing Products: The Brand Manager may need to rationalize existing product lines from time to time, assuring each sku is profitable, has a “reason for beingâ€� and is properly positioned relative to other Kaz products and competition in the marketplace.  If a product does not have potential, the Brand Manager will develop an exit strategy with Sales.  Ongoing profitability and cost reduction initiatives are part of this responsibility.

 

· Market Analysis:  Using POS from key accounts as well as Nielsen, the Brand Manager will monitor movement, market share and make strategic/tactical recommendations to management on an ongoing basis. 

 

· Trade Marketing:  The Brand Manager will work closely with Sales and Trade Marketing to facilitate the selling process, including PowerPoint presentations, relevant market data, samples and artwork. Some travel to key accounts may be required from time to time.

 

· Forecast and Inventory:  Develop annual sales forecasts and, working with the Demand Planning Analyst, oversee the monthly issuance of latest estimates to update the forecast.  Working with a Supply Planning Analyst, establish inventory coverage targets and ensure coverage targets are being maintained.

 

· Marketing and business planning:  Develop marketing plans, business plans, sales strategies, and action plans for identified targets of opportunity that clearly define objectives, goals, win strategies, schedules, and action assignments.

 

Skills Required/Education Experience Needed

 

§ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

§ Solid analytical skills with the ability to solve problems and develop creative solutions.

§ Packaging Development

§ Able to manage cross-functionally and across an organization

§ General computer skills

§ MBA in marketing and management

§ Five (5)-Seven (7) years’ marketing experience in the consumer durables/products arena

§ Experience working with and presenting to drug/mass merchandisers.   

 

In order to be considered for this position, please submit resume with cover letter and salary requirements.

 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to a diverse workforce.