Description

WHAT THIS ROLE WILL BE DOING:

The Brand Strategy Manager is responsible for setting the strategic direction, positioning, and long-term vision for Wausau Supply's proprietary manufactured brands. This role focuses on the "why" behind brand decisions-ensuring each in-house brand has a clear purpose, differentiated message, and data-backed growth plan. The Brand Strategy Manager will lead Associate Brand Managers assigned to proprietary brands collaborates extensively with the brand enablement team, marketing capabilities team, insights team, sales, product management, and other cross-functional partners to drive brand performance and portfolio health.

This role utilizes market research, consumer insights, competitive intelligence, and trend analysis to identify opportunities, steer innovation, and shape strategic priorities for Wausau Supply's owned brands.

Duties to include (but not limited to):

- Develop long-term brand strategies, positioning frameworks, and growth roadmaps for proprietary manufactured brands.

- Conduct and interpret market research, category analysis, and consumer insights to guide brand direction and innovation opportunities.

- Lead Associate Brand Managers; set priorities, provide coaching, and manage workflow for in-house brand portfolio.

- Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure brand strategies align with company goals, customer needs, and product roadmaps.

- Build compelling brand narratives and value propositions grounded in research and insights.

- Collaborate with marketing capabilities, creative, and digital teams to ensure execution aligns with strategic intent.

- Monitor portfolio performance, brand health metrics, and market trends; translate findings into strategic recommendations.

- Manage brand architecture, naming conventions, and guidelines for proprietary product lines.

- Present insights and strategic recommendations to leadership and cross-functional teams.

- Manage budgets and allocate resources for research, strategy development, and testing initiatives.

A Brand Strategy Manager will possess and/or demonstrate the following abilities/skills:

- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate data into brand direction.

- High analytical capability with experience in research interpretation and insight generation.

- Excellent leadership and mentoring skills; ability to guide Associate Brand Managers.

- Strong communication and storytelling abilities to champion brand vision.

- Ability to collaborate with diverse internal teams at both strategic and tactical levels.

- Skilled in market analysis, segmentation, and competitive assessments.

- Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives.

- Creative problem-solving with a future-focused mindset.

Education / Experience:

- Required: Degree in Marketing, Business, or relevant experience (3+ years).

- 3-5 years of experience in brand management, product marketing, or strategic marketing.

- Experience with manufactured or proprietary brands preferred.

- Background in B2B and B2C environments preferred.

Working Demands / Physical Requirements:

- General office conditions with continuous sitting and heavy computer usage.

- Occasional short-term out-of-town travel.

- Overtime may be required during key strategic planning periods or major initiatives. Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Reports to:

Director of Marketing

Conclusion:

A Brand Strategy Manager exemplifies the high standards of Wausau Supply and operates with integrity, ownership, and a strategic mindset. As an ESOP owner, this role acts with accountability and long-term thinking. The Brand Strategy Manager's primary mission is to shape the future of our proprietary brands through insight-driven strategy, strong leadership, and a deep passion for building category-leading brand experiences