Brand Manager, Marketing Manager, Category manager (Beauty, personal care cosmetics, FMCG, retail, nutrition or pharmaceutical)

Identify, develop, manage and implement new product development strategies in line with Client strategy, and for profitable business growth covering off new & existing opportunities. To develop the products within the required lead times, legislative standards and financial targets thereby creating a competitive advantage to grow market share and overall profitability.

Project management for NPD from concept to launch. Identify opportunities in and how to penetrate B2B and B2C segments across new & existing client portfolios.

Compile & present brand presentations, market / product trends and product evolvement strategies.

Manage all documentation during various phases of product development legal contracts, trade agreements, tender documents, SOPs, technical & QC handover documents, development approval forms, purchase requests, import / export documentation. 

Ensure product development & marketing follows legislation, GMP, ISO and Technical QC standards, that align with consumer health & safety together with product legislation and NPD approval process to protect brand reputation.

Close liaison and interaction with internal departments to coordinate requirements, such as R & D, QA, sourcing and manufacturing.

Conduct ongoing checkpoint meetings with operational & technical departments to projects are effectively managed and launched. 

Communication with local & international supplier networks. Attend local & international trade shows for market research opportunities.

Interpret and understand consumer dynamics; predict shifts and react to lifestyle trends with suitable marker offerings.

Benchmark competitor activity and analyze sales trends to enable fact-based decision-making.

Exhibit strong commercial abilities – detailed products costings which meet client requirements and ensure business profitability margins are attained. Cost price negotiations, margin and stock management.

Display sound analytical & interpretive skills, negotiation/ influencing skills, networking, and relationship building.

Project management skills - construct & monitor critical path, signoffs & approvals, as well as communicate potential deviations or delays. 

Ensure Quality Control standards are adhered to during new product development process, initial production run and post launch. Support including QC documentation, standards & retains and any interim approval checkpoints.

Carry out operational requirements such as loading new items on to ERP management system, procurement purchase requests, financial payments to vendors, logistical arrangements in terms of air or sea shipment method. Brief and develop concepts and product artwork & packaging, FOP pack copy, POS, FSU's, marketing material print & digital to line with the Brand strategy. 

B2B Marketing - drive portfolio expansion as a contribution toward SDK business & financial growth. 

Conduct product training for new & internal staff to upskill product knowledge. 

Act as a custodian for SDK agents’ agreements with key stakeholders Schwan Stabilo Cosmetics.

Adequately share product knowledge through ongoing product training sessions, and drive product growth within these agency agreements with external customer opportunities. 

Have sound knowledge of buying business processes, development processes, competitor analysis, margin calculations, consumer protection act & industry product legislation.

Ongoing client relationship/ key account management.

Marketing & Brand management: maintain company digital and social platforms, website content, website business enquiries, online adverts, digital deals (One day Only & Take a lot), social media trafficking. 

B2B Marketing: Ad agency management: brief in requirements, project manage and track ATL & BTL initiatives. 

B2C Product marketing: content & pack copy creation, product photoshoots, artwork approval process, traffic and checking for accuracy.

Import Buyer & Category Manager
October 2016 to June 2018

Sourcing, developing and introducing product cosmetic product options to suit client market requirements

Responsible for all import cosmetic purchasing activities and cost analysis of empty cosmetic packaging, input componentry and finished product.

International cosmetic brands represented Baralan International & Schwan Stabilo Cosmetics 4

Buying conducted in the following countries amongst others China, Taiwan, Italy, India, Germany, Czech Republic, USA & France.

Activity chain includes, but not limited to purchase requisitions, verifying purchase orders, inventory management, managing foreign accounts payable, coordination of air & sea shipping methods, customs & clearing documentation, manage control of deliveries within project timelines.

Identifying and meeting suitable suppliers/manufacturers for new products and trends.

Work closely with R&D laboratory in terms of packaging compatibility and stability pertaining to particular raw materials or active ingredients in bulk. 

Negotiating prices, quantities and delivery time-scales.

Compile quarterly or annual pricing cost analysis, and implement price increase due to material cost increases or exchange rate fluctuations, where necessary.

Coordinating & communicating order entry, processing, status updates, ETA and deviations on consignments.

Communicate order status to client and Sales Business Unit team to align with deadlines. 

Ensure all ISO standards and methods are adhered to with tracking product development, samples and approvals on projects.

Coordinate and manage the entire repeat order process for existing projects, ensuring proper BOM’s are provided and any necessary COAs or MSDS’s.

Source suitable and relevant cosmetic offerings to suit client development briefs.

Secure all approvals and signoffs from clients, and communicate internally as needed. 

Ensure proper tracking and maintenance of accurate records on all transactions.

Communicate internally and externally on a required basis, any changes, modifications or additional requirements or deviations. KAM – Key Account Manager:

Behave as a brand ambassador and represent of the company’s manufacturing and product offering. 

Act as a professional representative with the objectives to maximize sales volume and gross margin for all product lines.

Compile presentations of new and innovative new product development concepts, and pitch to client accounts in order to grow business opportunities. 

Follow new product development process working synergistically with R&D, and within clients’ demographic, target market and budgetary requirements. 

Attend weekly and monthly client meetings to address development and operational matters.

Manage client order process, required inventory to meet contract manufacturing requirements, service delivery and problem solving.

Attendance at weekly internal production meetings to monitor and track manufacturing status of goods. 

Implement quarterly or annual price increases across client SKU’s.

Ensure all ISO standards and methods are adhered to with tracking product development, samples and approvals on projects.

Keep record of client documents, correspondence and QC retains and standards.

Key Performance Areas

• Marketing and operations/ office administration functionality.
• Advertising coordination – print and digital avenues for SMME capacity.
• Management of communications with customer & marketing channels.
• Database management, tracking of sales closure and growth development.
• Advertising and marketing material sourcing and implementation.
• Monitor trends & conduct on-going research surrounding target market and opportunities fordevelopment.
• Management spectrum – staff and administration, general marketing liaison management.
• Responsibility for managing budgets for expenditure and monitoring/ tracking against objectives.
• Admin tasks – purchase orders, cost estimates, quotes, invoicing, financial controls, creditors and debtors.
• Management of marketing facets; negotiation of rates, booking of advertising space, POS material, sourcing suppliers, marketing communication, sales presentation folders.
• Draw up strategic plan and performance objectives to execute company marketing objectives.
• Sourcing of promotional and marketing material through suppliers.
• Report up to senior management on execution of job functions and projects.
• Develop relationships with existing clients and potential clients.
• Serve as a PR contact for the company.
• Conceptualise and execute complete company re-brand liaising with designer, web company, marketing companies and third-party contractors.
• Designing, production and approval of brochures and advertising material for all campaigns and selected target markets.
• Compilation and presentation at Management forums iro business results. (Quarterly reports, monthly & weekly reports).
• Project presentations to large scale customers & corporations such as FNB, Power Construction, IFS South Africa and Body Corporate / Property groups – Trafalgar Property Group, Raslouw Glen Estates.
• Upgrade marketing, administration systems and documents to align with industry and sector norms

Key Performance Areas

• To identify new private label opportunities within Beauty. Then develop the products within the required legislative standards and financial targets thereby creating a competitive advantage to grow market share and overall profitability.
• Reviewing Private Label market trends; identify opportunities and conduct gap analysis, in line with good, better, best product principles in order to provide input into the development of the category operating plan.
• To source from local and international suppliers, prepare detailed briefs and ensure a fair tender process is followed to deliver innovation and increased profitability in Private Label.
• Planning, executing and monitoring product development projects according to the NPD Process in line with the critical path and project management skills to meet the category Private Label marketing objectives and GP targets.
• Responsible for quality, health and safety across all Private Label product development by adhering to legislation and NPD approval process to protect the Brand reputation and financial impact on the business.
• To develop creative Private Label products that have innovative attributes to ensure competitive advantage and create brand loyalty to increase market share and profitability of the Clicks Private Label share.
• To collaborate with the Private Label Brand Manager to develop brand strategies to align with the objectives and targets of the category operating plan for new product launches and reengineering of products.
• To brief and develop packaging, formulations and price/ profit proposals in line with the Brand strategy.
• To provide status updates on product development projects in order to ensure product launches are on time.
• To collate Private Label training material through suppliers for the Sales Management team to train into stores on new product launches.
• Collate information and score supplier capabilities against core criteria to assist with development and management of strategic supplier partnerships.
• Ensure Private Label profitability targets are met through effective cost price negotiations, margin and stock management prior to Private Label product launches.
• Ensure products are planned with Micro Space Planning and Shelf Space Planning in order to meet Merchandise objectives for product/ brand specific launches
• Establish adequate Marketing, PR, in-store POS and event excitement is generated surrounding product launches.
• Analysing and compiling reports to feed back to Senior Management on YTD sales and progress of Private Label products launched
• Develop packaging artwork copy and product claims utilising Technical and Research input.
• Conduct focus groups for pre-production product testing on sample groups
• Meeting and interdepartmental liaison with interdependent departments reliant on execution of the product development and launch process
• Compile and conduct presentations to key stakeholders on feasibility and ROI research for new product development.

Key Performance Areas

• Ensure monthly and yearly campaigns for specific product category meet Company objectives and support the business Sales strategy.
• Ensure product brands achieve their annual objectives and overall profit % contribution
• Review brand strategies and provide input into new & innovative strategies to capitalise on competitive environment, changing consumer needs and profile.
• Identify and introduce new & promotion lines for competitive edge and brand growth.
• Initiate Marketing development briefs: new product development and promotions and project management thereof.
• Manage Brand inventory: product rationalisation & phase-outs/ discontinuations
• Monitor and review performance of the brand: GP%, GSV & units.
• Bi-annually review price levels against competitors.
• Review cost of goods targets vs GP targets
• Conduct monthly post campaign analysis on successes or learning’s.
• Continuous review of actual costs vs budge: New product development process to ensure GP objectives of product, brand and campaign are achieved.
• Check and approve Bills of Materials (BOM’s)
• Liaison with Technical/ R&D department: Development processes, timelines & research.
• Monitor stock levels: Clear obsolete/ discontinued lines as well as excess promotional lines.
• Preparation & presentation of product launches
• Compile product communications. E.g out of stock, stock shortages or related matters.
• Market analysis & trends to enhance competitive edge.
• Supplier interaction: International trends & identify opportunities
• Identify activities to optimise sales growth & stimulate new markets
• Conduct market research: Promotional ideas, new product ideas, artwork design and campaign themes.
• Formulate creative briefs: New products, product upgrades/ re-launches and themed packaging, photography
• Develop artwork copy and product claims utilising Technical/ R&D input.
• Update pricelists and checking for accuracy.
• Attendance at quarterly regional meetings to present brand strategies and future strategies.
• Develop product and brand training information, training direction and input to assist Training Manager.
• Assist with training, field launches and workshops.
• Ensure that monthly and annual plan Gross Sales Value, GP % objectives are met.
• Ensure pricing mix includes a good mixture of high and low-price points in each month’s campaign.

Incentives Manager Jan 2011 – Jan 2013
Key Performance Areas

• Responsible for the reward and incentive portfolio for field distributor network.
• Identify and launch incentive promotions. Include elements of innovation, competitive edge and novelty
• Coordination of incentive promotions from concept to finishing point.
• Budget planning and management to support monthly incentive campaigns.
• Adhoc budget planning & management to support or drive additional company sales initiatives.
• Continuous review of actual cost versus budgeted costs for each incentive campaign.
• Incentive briefs and brief various incentive requirements to interlinked departments involved
• Procurement, Finance, Business information, Marketing (Design Team), Merchandising and Operations.
• Successful relationship management and integration between interlinked departments to ensure execution of incentive plans.
• Monthly inventory management: Ensure efficient stock control and preparation
• Report deviations to the Promotions Manager & Sales Director, and propose action plans
• Receive, check and process incentive tracking reports to dispatch incentive rewards timeously
• Compile and distribute timeous campaign/incentive communication documents to distributors
• Launch campaign in a creative inspirational manner & develop supporting print/ advertising material
• Compile and distribute weekly, monthly & quarterly campaign communications
• General communications to distributors regarding delays, changes
• Update course material for various incentive initiatives
• Keep all key partners (field distributors & HO Staff) informed of major innovations/ changes in strategies.
• Preparation & presentation of incentive concept launches
• Maintain acceptable incentive inventory levels. Implementing excess reduction strategies
• Ensure monthly and yearly incentive programmes meet company objectives and support Sales strategy.
• Post-analysis meetings. Identify key successes & learning’s of incentive campaigns.
• Supplier interaction & negotiation. Sourcing promotional items and products.
• Forecasting and planning 6-8 months in advance, in with Merchandising & Procurement timelines.
• Conduct research on incentive trends for target market (field distributor
• Provide information to Customer Services to assist with processing customer queries.
• Customer service focus to resolve field queries and complaints efficiently
• Assist with planning and execution of field events and attend Masterminds, Road shows, AD Summit conference and Sales Celebration.
• Extensive work and interaction with field distributors on a regular daily basis.
• Ensure field distributors receive samples of upcoming incentives 2 month s prior to campaign launch.
• Coordination of numerous deadlines. Project planning timelines to ensure incentives portfoliois executed timeously

Key Performance Areas

• Media liaison and coordination – advertising, sponsorships, functions and joint ventures
• Indentify and plan events or initiatives in order to drive revenue from concept to execution
• Website content management and communications
• Management of communications on social networking marketing channels
• Database management
• Advertising and marketing material sourcing and implementation
• Drawing –up of Press releases
• Sourcing of sponsorships or partnerships for marketing ventures & initiatives
• Monitor marketing trends & conduct on-going research surrounding target market
• Management spectrum – brand management skills, event management skills
• Hosting, co-ordinating and executing corporate hospitality functions & special events
• Responsibility for managing budgets for expenditure and monitoring/ tracking against objectives
• Admin tasks – purchase orders, cost estimates, quotes, invoicing, financial controls, creditors and debtors
• Management of marketing facets; negotiation of rates, booking of advertising space, POS material, sourcing suppliers, trade expo’s, sponsorship, marketing communication, conferences and events, research and development, product launches
• Draw up strategic plan and performance objectives to execute company marketing objectives
• Sourcing of promotional and marketing material through suppliers
• Report up to senior management on execution of job functions and projects
• Work with agencies and outside companies for complete execution on marketing task, objectives and functions
• Develop relationships with existing clients and potential clients
• Serve as a PR contact for the companies
• Planning, implementation and coordination events, promotions, PR and marketing initiatives and activities. Cradle-to-grave approach and method.
• Designing, production and approval of brochures and advertising material for all campaigns and selected target markets.
• Hiring of décor & merchandise, including quotations.
• Compilation and presentation at Management forums iro business results. (Quarterly reports, monthly & weekly reports).

• Implement a system to manage USN promotions & brand ambassadors network including:
• In store consultants weekly booking, payments, incentives, performance reviews and calculating of ROI.
• PR Liaison, organization and coordinate of mall activations, forecourt promotions, PR and event initiatives with JV partners, Pharmacies & Retail outlets
• Prepare and execute In-store training and product development strategies to increase sales volumes.
• Analyze and report to management IRO In-store consumer/shopper activities, strategies and trends.
• Gathering, analyzing, collating and distributing intelligence reports and feedback surrounding company products, customers, competitors and other marketing related information aimed at stimulating growth & business.
• Commenced new website content development
• Responsibility for the managing budgets for expenditure
• Implementation of strategies to drive sales volumes in quieter sales periods, product specific strategies and whole product category strategies.
• Controlling & procuring of branding, POS & promotional items, including negotiating prices and quotes with suppliers.
• Ensure that Regional offices are aligned to Head Office wrt processes and operating systems.
• Constant liaison and guidance from Head Office role.
• Recruitment & management of Brand ambassadors/ promoters
• Monitor and report on Customer Service, PRO and Trade/ Field Marketing visits.
• Relationship building & interaction with various cultural groups through colleagues and staff.
• Managing inventory control.
• Interact with professional sports figures, USN sponsored. Utilise sports figures where possible for added marketing exposure and benefit.
• PRO, marketing and advertisement involvement surrounding the USN Body & Lifestyle Transformation Challenge through; and organization of filming & photo shoots, Assisting in marketing of the USN Body & Lifestyle Transformation Challenge, PRO duties, planning and executing the awards evening, Searching and obtaining for sponsors
• Coordination & organization of Corporate Health & Wellness Days for educational and product development purposes.
• Coordination, initiation and management of workshops with Colleges and Tertiary institutions to broaden product development and education to drive long terms sales volumes
• Assist Marketing Manager with ad hoc duties when required.
• Showcase a strong conceptual knowledge of the USN product range

• Source, plan and manage all Shopping Center events and marketing promotional activity
• Mall Accounts Managed : Eastgate, Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Fourways Mall & Cedar Square
• Brand management and marketing within Retail/ Shopping Centre Industry.
• Planning, implementation and coordination events, promotions, PR and marketing initiatives and activities. Cradle-to-grave approach and method.
• Designing, production and approval of brochures and advertising material for all campaigns and selected target markets.
• Hiring of décor & merchandise, including quotations.
• New business development and retention of existing business/clients.
• Project Management of initiatives from conception to execution.
• Below the line (BTL) advertising and marketing experience.
• Media contacts and liaison and press releases.
• Sponsorship deals & opportunities.
• Compilation and presentation at Management forums iro business results. (Quarterly reports, monthly & weekly reports).
• Contractual administration.
• Merchandising
• Achieve monthly sales target to increase income. Draw up budgets, monitor expenses.
• As Regional Manager manage 4 staff with full management functionality and implementation of operational procedures.
• Keep record of promotions, events and campaigns (documentation analysis & photographs).
• Ensure adherence to the OHS Act and Risk Management policies.
• Handling client briefs and portfolios.
• Experience with working with numerous FMCG products, automotive brands, cosmetics & beauty brands, technology & entertainment sectors and numerous others.
• Manage communications with strong customer service focus. Negotiation with clients and suppliers

Promotions Coordinator May 2005 – Jan 2007

• Booking of all promotional and PR initiatives within the Shopping Centre
• Daily admin tasks (invoicing, debt collecting, orders)
• Planning, implementation and coordinating of events, Promotions, PR and Marketing initiatives on smaller scale.
• Hiring of décor and merchandise, including quotations
• Acquiring new business through proactively sourcing new business opportunities
• Client liaison and customer relations
• Compile reports for Senior Management
• Minutes of meeting
• Provide assistance to Manager on adhoc tasks and functions.

• Overseas working holiday in Hancock in New York, NY state on American summer camps
• Looking after approximately 15 girls ages 13yrs on a daily basis
• Planning and managing gymnastics events and social activities

• Personal assistant to Sales Director & Managing Director
• Answering switchboard, screening calls, message handling
• Make appointments and manage diaries (travel arrangements, appointments etc)
• Attendance & leave registers
• Extensive excel & word documentation
• Operational tasks
• Logging service calls (following up on calls, arrange site inspections & call outs, customer Services)
• Flight, travel and conference arrangements
• Plan and arrange office social functions
• Admin management (invoicing, creditors, debtors, staff documentation, prepare proposals & presentations, manage files & databases)
• Taking of minutes of meetings
• Ordering of stock and telecommunications systems

• Held various temp vacancies held on an adhoc basis/ relief work
• Answering switchboard
• Screening calls
• Message handling
• Minutes of meetings
• Making appointments for technical field staff and sales reps
• Maintain attendance registers and leave registers
• General Word & excel documents on an adhoc basis
• Positions held at Itec West and ABI Coca – Cola