Illinois Tool Works

Brand Manager - Appearance Brands

Illinois Tool Works • $95K — $115K *
Houston, MN 55943In-Person
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years in Consumer Product Marketing or Brand Management; MBA preferred.
  • Experience in the automotive aftermarket; familiarity with DIY appearance, maintenance, or performance products is a plus.
  • Strong background in brand management and product innovation from inception to launch, including portfolio management.
  • Proficient in analytical skills using POS data and syndicated research tools (e.g., IRI/Circana, Nielsen).
  • Hands-on knowledge of P&L management, pricing, and budget fundamentals.
  • Experience in leading cross-functional teams and communicating effectively with senior stakeholders and retail customers.
  • Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.

Responsibilities

  • Understand target consumers' needs and desires to inform brand and product decisions.
  • Drive the new product pipeline by developing innovation briefs from consumer insights and assess concept viability.
  • Collaborate with Consumer Insights Manager on research to validate innovation concepts and monitor brand health.
  • Lead cross-functional teams through product development, from concept definition to commercialization.
  • Monitor market trends and competition to identify innovation opportunities and manage portfolio optimization.
  • Work with Sales to understand retail dynamics and create compelling presentations for brand strategy.
  • Support the Senior Brand Manager in directing creative teams and developing marketing assets, including ecommerce content and packaging updates.
  • Assist in annual P&L planning and monitoring brand financial performance against strategic goals.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Collaborative work culture that values cross-functional teamwork.
  • Potential for travel to enhance industry and market knowledge.
  • Flexible work environment with reasonable accommodations available.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Summary:

This role supports the brand strategy and execution for Rain-X and Black Magic - ITW Global Brands' flagship automotive appearance lines spanning glass care, car wash, tire care, and wheel care. Reporting to the Senior Brand Manager, the position drives brand growth through sharp consumer understanding, rigorous market analysis, and disciplined product stewardship - from new product development and line extensions through portfolio lifecycle management.

The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of delivering measurable results and the leadership ability to collaborate effectively across Finance, R&D, Creative Services, Supply Chain, Sales, and Channel Marketing teams.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop a deep understanding of target consumers - their needs, attitudes, purchase triggers, and unmet jobs-to-be-done - to serve as the consumer's voice in all brand and product decisions.
  • Drive the new product pipeline by translating consumer and market insights into clearly defined innovation briefs; evaluate concept viability in partnership with R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance to build a commercially sound innovation roadmap.
  • Partner with Consumer Insights Manager to design and execute qualitative and quantitative research that validates innovation concepts, measures brand health, and informs strategic decision-making.
  • Lead cross-functional teams through the full product development cycle - from identifying market white space and defining product concepts through stage-gate milestones, commercialization, and launch - for both new products and core line improvements.
  • Continuously monitor market trends, competitive activity, POS performance, and consumer insights to surface opportunities for innovation and portfolio optimization; identify growth, renovation, and rationalization candidates and manage the discontinuation of underperforming SKUs.
  • Partner with Sales to develop a strong understanding of key retail customers and channel dynamics; create compelling brand sell-in materials for line reviews and attend retailer meetings to present brand strategy and support new product introductions.
  • Support the Senior Brand Manager in directing external agencies and internal creative teams; assist in the development of marketing assets including A+ ecommerce content, demo videos, packaging copy, and digital/web updates.
  • Partner with the Senior Brand Manager on annual and long-range P&L planning, monitoring brand financial performance against plan and supporting the development of strategies to drive revenue and margin growth.
  • Monitor the brand marketing budget, tracking spend against plan, optimizing resource allocation, and evaluating ROI to inform future investment decisions.


Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of Consumer Product Marketing and/or Brand Management experience with MBA preferred
  • Automotive aftermarket experience preferred; familiarity with DIY appearance, maintenance, or performance product categories is a plus.
  • Solid command of brand management principles and product innovation, with a proven track record of developing new product opportunities from consumer insight through commercial launch, including line extensions and portfolio renovation.
  • Strong analytical skills with experience leveraging POS data and syndicated research (IRI/Circana, Nielsen).
  • Knowledge of P&L management including pricing, margin analysis, and budget fundamentals.
  • Demonstrated experience aligning and leading cross-functional teams across R&D, Supply Chain, Sales, and Finance; excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to senior stakeholders and key retail customers.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of time.


The position is based in our Houston, TX offices and must work in that location.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

This job description should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this position. Incumbents are required to perform other related functions as assigned.

About Illinois Tool Works

ITW is an industrial manufacturing company that specializes in the fields of industrial machinery, engineering, operations, sales, marketing, finance, and accounting. It's in deep-sea oil rigs, aerospace technology, bridges and wind turbines, healthcare, the spaces in which they live and work, the cars they drive, and the mobile devices they rely on. It was founded in 1912 and headquartered in Glenview Nas, Illinois.

Illinois Tool Works Careers

Join the dynamic team at Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a global leader in diversified manufacturing, where innovation and excellence drive us forward. ITW offers unparalleled job opportunities, fostering a culture of growth and leadership in the industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Illinois Tool Works, you will be part of a professional community that thrives on creativity and innovation. Our employees are equipped with the skills needed to succeed and are provided with endless opportunities for professional growth. Engage in work that matters, with projects that transform industries and enhance futures.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a seasoned professional position, ITW offers a range of career paths across various departments. Our team benefits from a supportive and diverse working environment where every member’s contribution is valued.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation leads to revolutionary solutions in industries worldwide. At ITW, you will work alongside industry experts to develop new ideas and strategies that keep us at the forefront of technological advancements. Your career at ITW will be marked by a continuous journey of growth and leadership.

Develop Your Skills

With ITW’s commitment to professional development and diversity training, you will enhance your skills through targeted training programs and workshops. These opportunities not only boost your career but also ensure you stay competitive in the job market.

Be Part of Our Culture

ITW is dedicated to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity, encourages innovation, and fosters leadership. Our team is our greatest asset, and we believe in providing them with the benefits and resources they need to succeed both professionally and personally.

Networking and Professional Growth

Expand your professional network through ITW’s global presence and collaborative work environment. Engage with professionals across different sectors, gaining insights that can lead to significant career advancements. Our networking events and professional groups help you connect with key industry leaders and peers.

Join Our Team

Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on the ITW Careers page. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest industry trends, company news, and career tips by following our careers blog. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails, tailored to your preferences and career goals. Explore the opportunities at Illinois Tool Works today and discover how your expertise can help shape the future of our company and the industries we serve. Join us in our mission to achieve excellence through innovation and leadership.
Learn more about Illinois Tool Works
Size
45,000 employees
Market Cap
$68.1 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$2.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$12.5 billion
NASDAQ
ITW
* Ladders Estimates

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