Marketing Brand Manager Job Description

It is important that the marketing brand manager plans and implements activities that support her company's brand.

Within the broad field of marketing, there are professionals who focus solely on brand management. Marketing brand managers are responsible for planning and implementing activities that shape, strengthen and protect their company's brand. Often referred to as brand managers, marketing brand managers are considered part of the marketing team and usually possess experience in sales promotion, advertising and sales.

Function

A large chunk of a marketing brand manager's job is putting together a business plan that outlines the overall vision for a new or existing product. Organizations, especially consumer product firms, hire marketing brand managers to perform competitor analyses, develop marketing strategies, assemble internal and external resources, and estimate costs for creating, maintaining and strengthening its company image. These professionals coordinate and supervise activities related to advertising, research and development, purchasing, package design and distribution. In addition to developing and promoting their business plans, marketing brand managers generate reports on sales activity, company market share and revenue forecasts for the particular product or service line they oversee.

Education

A bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, business administration, liberal arts, philosophy or a similar field is a requirement for marketing and brand management roles. Brand managers are more senior positions and therefore, require previous experience in marketing, advertising and management. College courses that help prepare for a brand management career include marketing principles, advertising, cultural studies, psychology, statistics, business and accounting.

Skills

Excellent presentation, writing and oral communication skills are needed as marketing brand manager. The ability to interact with senior executives and different departments and roles is extremely helpful when soliciting input for business and marketing plans. In addition, marketing brand managers should be well versed in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Employers are also interested in hiring professionals who are highly analytical, work well in teams and have previous work experience in consulting and strategic planning.

Salary

The average salary for a U.S. marketing brand manager was $62,000 according to a June 2010 SimplyHired report. However, salaries range based on factors such as location, employer, title and experience level. For example, SimplyHired states that the average salary for marketing brand managers in Los Angeles was $69,000 per year.

Potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for marketing management professionals is projected to increase by 12 percent between 2008 and 2018. Opportunities will be especially fruitful for marketing professionals that have advanced computer skills, a master's degree and significant work experience. Employers will continue to look for skilled and talented marketing professionals who can creatively market their products in an increasingly competitive and global marketplace.

References

• WetFeet: Brand Management
• CareerOverview.com: Brand Management Careers, Jobs and Training Information
• SimplyHired.com: Average Marketing Brand Manager Salaries
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers