Associate Brand Manager - Blue Buffalo, Treats

OVERVIEW:

BLUE is the leader in the wholesome, natural pet segment. Treating plays a vital role in driving new HHs into the BLUE brand, making it a key focus area for the business. The Associate Brand Manager for Treats will help drive forward the $200MM BLUE Core treats business and lead the development and execution strategy to accelerate the BLUE Cat Treats business ($22MM). Overall, the ABM on Treating will be highly engaged in business analytics, including the introduction of new tools (SCANRS Dashboards), new product launch tracking as well as providing business insights and recommended action plans to the business team. Additionally, the Treating ABM will lead HMM efforts with cross functional partners to achieve HMM targets and further invest in the treats business. The ABM will work closely with the SR BM to execute the Dog Treating strategy as well as P&L management, Demand Planning and Activation execution. In this role, the ABM will also have more holistic ownership over the Cat Treats Business, developing a comprehensive long-term plan across all 4-Ps as well as executing major brand initiatives including a brand re-launch and Cat Feeding partnership to drive integrated consumer activation.

We are seeking results-oriented candidates who are comfortable rolling up their sleeves to drive the business forward as a collaborative team. Strong relationship building and cross functional partnership is highly valuable as our Herd is a blend of folks from all backgrounds. The ideal candidate is not afraid to step forward and be a leader, while leveraging the knowledge, experience and perspective that exists cross functionally.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Partner with Sr. Brand Manager to develop long term strategy for BLUE Treating (BLUE Core/Cat Treats) based on in-market development and consumer research, seeking to drive sustainable brand growth and deliver financial forecast 
• Spearhead business analytics for the Treating BU, providing ongoing monitoring and develop a regular cadence of reporting to the business team. 
• Lead Cat Treats business strategy and execute key initiatives to drive BLUE’s share of the category 
• Monitor internal business performance to contribute to BU DR. and provide status of key drivers 
• Partner with cross functional team to ideate against each of the 4Ps in support of the brand strategy 
• Partner with Sales to create compelling stories to profitably win with key customers 
• Partner with Activation team to execute plans on time and to achieve brand objectives 
• Partner with Product Development and Innovation teams to manage new product launches and product renovation, as well as the communication to key stakeholders

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of work experience, ideally with background in:

• CPG Brand Management or P&L Ownership/General Management experience

High business acumen - understand P&L mechanics and how to impact topline and bottom-line drivers

Ability to influence others without formal authority

Ability to navigate complexity and drive connections across functions, ideas and processes

Adaptability and quick learning agility

PREFERRED QUALFICATIONS:

• MBA
• Experience as ABM
• Pet Enthusiast
• Strong analytical ability to translate data into meaningful insights and actions
• Ability to strategically choose levers to balance short-term commitments and long-term brand health
• Comfortable pitching brand plans to internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to identify and evaluate brand building ideas across 4Ps and make connections across other brands in portfolio
• Ability to determine how to use 4Ps to achieve brand strategy and goals
• Ability to influence and inspire direct and cross-functional team
• Demonstrate comfort and capability with brands in all stages of growth
• Understand how Sales organization operates and role of SRM levers

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $89200.00 - $148800.00 / Annually. At General Mills we strive for each employee's pay at any point in their career to reflect their experiences performance and skills for their current role. The salary range for this role represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, educations, skills, work experience, certifications, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, General Mills offers a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, wellbeing support and perks. Benefits may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors. You may also be eligible to participate in an annual incentive program. An incentive award, if any, depends on various factors, including, individual and organizational performance.