Minimum bachelor's degree and 5 years of brand strategy experience within consumer food products.
Experience in sweeteners, nutrition, coffee, beverages, or ready-to-drink consumer categories.
Prior Sales experience or a proven track record of partnering with Sales and presenting directly to customers.
Strong understanding of consumer-packaged goods, category management, and brand-building principles.
Ability to synthesize data and insights into clear, actionable growth strategies.
Excellent communication, presentation, collaboration, and leadership skills.
Responsibilities
Lead brand strategy, annual planning, and execution for assigned brands and categories.
Develop and implement consumer-led marketing, positioning, innovation, packaging, and activation strategies.
Use consumer, customer, category, and competitive insights to identify growth opportunities and inform decisions.
Partner with Sales to develop customer strategies, selling stories, presentations, and commercial plans.
Present to customers as a strategic partner alongside the Sales team, when needed.
Collaborate cross-functionally to bring programs, innovation, and go-to-market initiatives to market successfully.
Monitor business performance and adjust strategy to achieve financial and brand objectives.
Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external agency partners.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) plan with company match for retirement savings.
Paid time off and holidays to promote work-life balance.
Professional development opportunities for career growth.
Collaborative office culture with a focus on innovation.
Full Job Description
Brand Strategy Manager
Heartland Food Products Group is seeking experienced, strategic, Senior Brand Managers to lead key consumer food and beverage categories. This role offers the opportunity to shape brand strategy, innovation, commercial execution, and long-term category growth.
Senior Brand Managers support category groups:
Sweeteners: Splenda, Equal, Whole Earth, and Swerve
Nutrition, Coffee & Ready-to-Drink: SlimFast, Java House, and Ready-to-Drink categories
Position Summary
The Brand Manager will own the development and execution of brand and category strategies that drive sustainable growth. This role will partner closely with Sales, Insights, Innovation, Finance, Operations, and external partners to translate consumer and customer needs into actionable plans. Reports directly to Senior Brand Strategy Manager for the category.
The ideal candidate combines strong consumer brand strategy experience with commercial acumen, and the ability to partner effectively with Sales in customer-facing settings.
Key Responsibilities
Lead brand strategy, annual planning, and execution for assigned brands and categories.
Develop and implement consumer-led marketing, positioning, innovation, packaging, and activation strategies.
Use consumer, customer, category, and competitive insights to identify growth opportunities and inform decisions.
Partner with Sales to develop customer strategies, selling stories, presentations, and commercial plans.
Present to customers as a strategic partner alongside the Sales team, when needed.
Collaborate cross-functionally to bring programs, innovation, and go-to-market initiatives to market successfully.
Monitor business performance and adjust strategy to achieve financial and brand objectives.
Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external agency partners.
Qualifications
Minimum bachelor's degree and 5 years of brand strategy experience within consumer food products.
Experience in sweeteners, nutrition, coffee, beverages, or ready-to-drink consumer categories.
Prior Sales experience or a proven track record of partnering with Sales and presenting directly to customers.
Strong understanding of consumer-packaged goods, category management, and brand-building principles.
Ability to synthesize data and insights into clear, actionable growth strategies.
Excellent communication, presentation, collaboration, and leadership skills.
This role is 100% in office at our Carmel, Indiana Corporate headquarters.
