Brand Activation Manager

Advantage Sales & Marketing dba Advantage Solutions • New York, NY

21h • Onsite

About The Position

Brand Activation Manager - Temp 5/20-7/28 Join the world-renowned Anheuser-Busch family, where passion meets innovation. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Brand Activation Manager to drive brand presence, sales, and consumer engagement for the Stella Artois brand. As a pivotal member of our team, you will lead the charge in ensuring Stella Artois remains at the forefront of the market by supporting a national sampling program. The Brand Activation Manager will oversee the execution of weekly sampling events in key accounts. Candidates must be highly motivated and results-oriented. With Advantage, you’ll be a part of an established and fast-growing company driven by groundbreaking ideas and an innovative culture.

Requirements

• Must be of legal drinking age (21+).
• 2 years of beverage company and/or distributor experience.
• Driving is an essential function of this job and therefore you must be able to maintain a valid/current driver’s license
• Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Access to a computer with Microsoft Office and home internet access.
• Must be proficient in Excel and PPT.
• Personal smartphone with the ability to communicate/report while in the field.
• Available to work 40+ hours per week, including nights and weekends.
• Must be able to lift 40lbs.
• Must be able to travel for mandatory training at program launch.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional demeanor and strong work ethic.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Organizational skills to meet weekly deadlines.
• Live in the market for full duration of the program.
• 2-4 years of experience
• Experience in the alcohol or beverage industry preferred
• Experience working in an agency, retail, CPG or CE environment
• Team player; works collaboratively with others.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Able to be nimble in ambiguity; be open to change; embrace innovative ideas.
• Able to communicate effectively through various methods while appropriately tailoring the message to the audience.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proven success in the execution and evaluation of sampling programs
• Experience with recruiting, interviewing, and training Brand Ambassadors
• Experience in creating weekly schedules with specific parameters for execution
• Experience with approving team events, recaps, and payroll systems

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with event production and management of teams of brand ambassadors, brand promotion, working with wholesaler and accounts, brand sampling preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive activation strategies to achieve sales and brand objectives.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key accounts and the local wholesaler.
• Sell in brand programming to key accounts.
• Lead the planning and execution of brand activations, special events, sponsorships, and promotions.
• Manage all aspects of Brand Ambassador team including recruitment, training, scheduling, weekly event execution, and reporting.
• Provide guidance and support to the Brand Ambassador team to ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Local asset management - ensuring Brand Ambassadors are properly equipped with merchandise and materials needed to execute sampling events.
• Responsible for activation recaps, metrics, and overall event success.
• Manage local budget & budget reporting/reconciliation.
• Perform pre-calls and checklists in preparation for sampling events.
• Monitor event execution while ensuring all key brand KPIs are achieved.
• Submit program deliverables accurately and on time each week. Deliverables include but are not limited to expense reporting, weekly recaps, BA survey audits, time sheet approvals, etc.
• Knowledge of local nightlife/events and local alcohol beverage laws.
• Assists in the analysis of sales and market/territory data used to provide consultation and/or correction for under-performing accounts
• Responsible for managing events in person
• Manages all aspects of Brand Ambassador team including recruitment, training, weekly event execution, and reporting
• Ensures Brand Ambassadors are properly equipped with merchandise and materials needed to execute sampling events
• Regularly travel in market for purpose of, but not limited to; BA development, activation audits and performance reviews
• Overall performance management of Brand Ambassadors providing direction, guidance, and support where necessary
• Develop employees for career advancement and succession planning
• Drive professional and value-oriented relationships with key wholesaler/client field management teams to drive positive relationships
• Use reports and presentations to highlight success and/or improvement areas relative to program execution – performance vs. performance objectives, competitive intelligence, key market initiatives, wins, losses, opportunities, and challenges
• Work collaboratively with support and agency operations team in areas including, but not limited to, report development, event execution, financial control, and coverage model execution/revisions
• Conduct weekly conference calls with DM to communicate program updates and strategic priorities
• Manage budget for assigned geographic area to maximize revenue and profit and lowering workman’s compensation claims by enforcing a safe work environment
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by one’s supervisor or other manager related to the position/department
• Drive professional and value-oriented relationships with key wholesaler/client field management teams to drive positive relationships. Maintains consistency and highly visible presence in designated accounts within assigned territory.
• Work collaboratively with support and agency operations team in areas including, but not limited to, report development, event execution, financial control, and coverage model execution/revisions. Efficient tactical support on BA process, day to day business needs, and administrative support.
• Communicate daily/weekly with BAs through Whats App.
• Conduct weekly conference calls with local team to communicate program updates and strategic priorities.
• Direct Reports - Hires, retains, trains, coaches, guides, directs, and develops direct reports using company-wide processes, tools and resources
• Indirect Reports - May delegate work of others and provide guidance, direction and mentoring to indirect reports

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Monthly auto & tech stipend.
• In person training.
• Opportunity for bonus and recognition.
• Training and Career Development with Advantage.
• Opportunity to represent innovative and fast-growing brands.
• Opportunity for professional development and career advancement within Anheuser-Busch.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level