Brand Manager

Role Overview

Our client, a growing company in the pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare industry, is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Brand Manager to lead the launch and development of a new product in the Kenyan market, with potential for expansion into other cities and African markets.

Budget: USD 3000 Gross per month

Key Responsibilities

1. Brand Strategy & Marketing Execution

• Liaise with the principal, local importer, distributors, chain pharmacies, and marketing agency to ensure effective brand execution.
• Work with the principal company to develop the marketing strategy, plans, and implementation approach for the Kenyan market.
• Coordinate with the importer, distributors, and marketing agency to ensure timely execution of marketing activities.
• Monitor implementation and provide feedback to relevant stakeholders to support achievement of sales and brand objectives.
• Work closely with the marketing/advertising agency on ATL and BTL activities, including TV, radio, sampling, and other consumer activation initiatives.

2. Distribution & Trade Development

• Lead the launch event and initiatives aimed at securing distribution and retail support for the brand.
• Engage and negotiate with pharmacy, supermarket, and other retail buyers to secure brand listings, visibility, and displays.
• Drive expansion of brand distribution, prioritizing key cities and high-potential channels in collaboration with distributor sales teams.
• Develop initiatives to strengthen in-store visibility and promotional execution.

3. Brand Growth & Demand Generation

• Analyze brand positioning, consumer insights, market trends, and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities.
• Translate brand strategy and consumer insights into effective go-to-market plans and marketing initiatives.
• Lead creative development and campaign execution to engage target audiences and drive consumer action.
• Develop and monitor key brand performance indicators, sales estimates, pricing, and cost parameters.
• Measure and report on marketing campaign performance, KPIs, and ROI.
• Continuously monitor the market, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape and recommend appropriate actions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business, or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification, MBA, or relevant professional marketing qualification would be an advantage.
• Proven experience as a Brand Manager, Marketing Manager, or in a similar commercial marketing role.
• Experience in pharmaceuticals, OTC, consumer healthcare, or FMCG is highly preferred, particularly experience with international/global brands.
• Proven experience in launching and growing new products/brands, preferably from pre-launch planning through market entry and post-launch optimization.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing brand and marketing strategies.
• Experience in product launches, go-to-market strategy, and demand generation.
• Experience identifying target audiences and developing effective marketing campaigns.
• Understanding of business development, distribution, and trade marketing.
• Experience working with marketing/advertising agencies, distributors, and other commercial partners.
• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven and commercially oriented approach.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Good understanding of the Kenyan consumer, market dynamics and competitive environment, with awareness of broader African market trends.
• Knowledge of current marketing trends and best practices.