Director Brands

PFG | Performance Good Group

11d

About The Position

The Director of Brands provides strategic leadership for the growth, profitability, and market positioning of AFFLINK’s private label brands and designated Preferred Supplier programs. Reporting to the SVP of Business Development, this role owns the brand portfolio and develops and executes strategies to increase member adoption, strengthen competitive differentiation, optimize financial performance, and deliver long-term value to AFFLINK members and supplier partners through direct and redistribution models. The Director leads development, pricing, promotion, supplier alignment, and lifecycle management of private label products across product categories. The role negotiates supplier agreements, rebate structures, pricing programs, and strategic partnerships, and oversees contract deviations, bid support, margin management, and portfolio profitability. It works closely with Sales, Membership Development, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Preferred Suppliers, manufacturers, AFFLINK members, and the AFFLINK Redistribution platform. The role provides direction to the Brands organization, develops a high-performing team, leads cross-functional initiatives, establishes operating plans and performance measures, and presents strategic plans and business updates to executive leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Management, or a related field.
Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience in brand management, private label development, procurement, category management, supplier management, manufacturing, distribution, or sales leadership.
Demonstrated success negotiating strategic supplier agreements and managing complex commercial relationships.
Experience leading and developing teams.
Experience managing budgets, pricing strategies, and profitability objectives.
Proficiency in analyzing data, market trends, and consumer behavior to make data-driven decisions.
Strong negotiation capabilities to foster supplier partnerships and secure favorable terms.
Excellent interpersonal skills to lead cross-functional teams and present strategies clearly to stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines efficiently.
Ability to identify challenges and devise creative solutions.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced business degree.
Experience within distribution, manufacturing, wholesaling, group purchasing, or private label organizations.
Experience launching or managing branded product portfolios.
Experience supporting field sales organizations and customer-facing commercial teams.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Brands organization.
Recruit, develop, coach, and lead a team focused on brand growth, pricing, supplier management, customer support, and portfolio development.
Foster accountability, collaboration, innovation, and member-focused service.
Lead cross-functional initiatives with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, supplier partners, and member stakeholders.
Establish annual operating plans, goals, performance metrics, and department development objectives.
Oversee product lifecycle management, portfolio optimization, and new product development.
Ensure the AFFLINK brand promise is delivered through product quality, supplier performance, service levels, and member experience.
Present strategic plans, business reviews, growth initiatives, and performance updates to executive leadership.
Develop and execute sales strategies with Sales and Marketing to increase sales, market penetration, and member adoption of private label brands.
Establish and communicate value propositions that position AFFLINK brands as preferred solutions.
Partner with Membership Development, National Accounts, Segment Leadership, the AFFLINK Redistribution team, and member organizations to drive profitable growth.
Support strategic bid opportunities, contract pricing requests, and member sales initiatives.
Analyze market trends, customer needs, competitive activity, and member feedback to identify growth opportunities.
Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to develop programs that increase brand awareness and market share.
Monitor portfolio performance and implement action plans to achieve revenue and profitability objectives.
Develop and execute sourcing and supplier strategies aligned with brand and growth objectives.
Lead negotiations for private label manufacturers, supplier agreements, rebates, incentives, pricing programs, and commercial partnerships.
Lead supplier selection, assessment, onboarding, and performance management.
Oversee pricing governance, contract deviations, bid support, and margin optimization.
Identify manufacturer and supplier opportunities to improve competitiveness, profitability, and portfolio capabilities.
Drive supplier innovation, new product development, and research and development efforts.
Ensure continuity of supply, product quality, compliance, and supplier accountability across the portfolio.