Brand Activation Manager, Absolut, Malibu, Kahlua

Position Summary:
An opportunity to work on an outstanding portfolio of brands, which significantly contribute to the overall volume and profitability of Pernod Ricard USA.  The portfolio of products include: Absolut Vodka, Malibu Rum and Kahlua Coffee Liqueur.  All three brands have a strong innovation strategy and a trade advocacy force of over 130 individuals.  This role represents an opportunity to build and execute programming with a high level of impact and reach. 

The Brand Activation Manager will play a critical role on the headquarters marketing team as the bridge between strategic planning and market execution.  As a key representative of all 4 brands, this individual must be a highly skilled communicator with the business acumen to collaborate with an influence various cross functional stakeholders (i.e. PRUSA Sales, Field Activation, Chains Division, Brand Marketing, Finance, Senior Sales and Marketing Management, Operations and Support Agencies). 

The Brand Activation Manager is responsible for the delivery in market of “below the line” strategies and programs, in line with each brands strategy.  The Brand Activation Manager is also responsible for assisting the field sales team to ensure these programs are tailored to channels and market needs.  This role is also in charge of leading communication to the Chain Group and supporting the Chain Team.

Major Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Provide support and guidance to sales teams for the localization and market-level execution of brand plans.
• Ensure activation playbooks, priority calendars and selling tools are catered to relevant channels and subchannels; allowing for effective localization.
• Ensure upfront alignment with sales teams by integrating their feedback and needs early in the process, through regular communication and direct market field observation.
• Manage a portion of the priority market budgets across the portfolio in partnership with the Market Activation Managers and Directors.
• Ensure budget is optimized in each market to deliver against the annual plan objectives.
• Analyze performance of each program and derive learnings from it, in collaboration with Brand Marketing and sales teams.
• Define role, objectives, KPIs and priorities for sampling agency.  Monitor their activity and provide them with regular support and information on each brand’s priorities throughout the year. 
• Analyze competitors activations in collaboration with sales teams across different markets.

This role requires a deep understanding of the U.S. On-Premise and Off-Premise universe and dynamics, as well as wide knowledge of Adult Beverage brand activations in that channel.  You must have strong relationships, communication and influence with internal stakeholders, namely Brand Marketing teams, Division/Chains/Field Marketing and Sales teams, Digital and Prestige teams, as well as with external agencies.  This individual should have a working knowledge of digital marketing (social media, eCommerce, etc).

This position may travel up to 30% of the time.