Brand Manager

Global objective of the role

The role of the automotive brand manager specifically focuses on developing and executing brand marketing programmes to grow the business and its profitability. The brand manager will oversee the franchise. And will report to the senior management team, including the CEO, meaning there is a lot of expectation attached to this role. As Brand Manager, you will be expected to work closely with the Aftersales Manager and the New & Used Car Sales Manager to ensure that all departments are meeting and exceeding both financial and business targets. The ability to build strong working relationships is crucial in this role, as you will be the point of contact between the brand and its retail network. You may be expected to attend brand launches and other events where the brand manager will be both an advocate and expert on the brand they are representing.

Being a senior role, we are looking for someone with experience and understanding of the automotive industry, including from a finance perspective. The brand manager will be expected to influence and negotiate with senior stakeholders, so only professional, experienced candidates with a proven track record will be considered.

The Brand Manager is expected to work some weekends depending on the needs of the business.

Automotive Brand Manager: Essential Duties

• Establishes marketing goals to ensure market share and profitability of products and/or services.
• Plans and oversees the dealership’s advertising and promotional activities, including print, electronic, and direct mail media.
• Conduct consumer and market research.
• Identify how our brand is currently positioned in the market.
• Design a research-based brand strategy.
• Develop and execute marketing campaigns aimed at communicating our brand message.
• Communicate our brand personality internally and align the company around foundational ideas.
• Lead marketing team members through campaigns.
• Measure and report on the success of marketing campaigns.
• Anticipate consumer trends and keep the brand up to date.
• Develops and executes monthly and annual marketing plans.
• Works with writers and artists; oversees copywriting, design, layout, paste-up, and production of promotional materials.
• Works with the marketing and sales managers to develop upcoming ad campaigns.
• Communicates marketing efforts to all dealership employees.
• Acts as liaison with the manufacturer regarding merchandise.
• Attends pertinent marketing/sales promotion meetings conducted by the manufacturer and dealer associations.
• Achieves a satisfactory profit/loss ratio and share of market performance.
• Researches, analyses, and monitors financial, technological, and demographic factors to capitalize on market opportunities and minimize the effects of competitive activity.
• Communicate with dealership employees to keep abreast of customer attitudes, demographics, buying habits, etc.
• Communicates with customers to determine their needs and interests.
• Evaluates market reactions to advertising programs, media placement, and merchandising policy.
• Seeks out and uses industry sources and consumer information.
• Tracks marketing results to be certain that marketing objectives are achieved within designated budgets. Takes corrective action when necessary.
• Attends monthly managers’ meetings.
• Maintains professional appearance.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Brand Manager Education Level, Skills, and Experience

The brand manager must have obtained at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant major and a few years of marketing experience prior to being hired; a post-graduate qualification or MBA is preferred. Strong leadership skills and excellent communication skills are also required to manage and work with a branding team. The brand manager must possess the necessary skills and knowledge of the Iraqi automotive market and must be aware of the latest market trends and consumer preferences.

Creativity

Branding is an instrumental way to distinguish the company from competitors. This requires insightful thinking as well as an aptitude for creative, out-of-the-box thinking. A good brand manager will offer innovative strategies and ideas to help your company stand out.

Trend Savviness

Brand managers must stay on top of industry trends in marketing and consumer psychology. They should be able to demonstrate their interest in the latest industry news and information.

Focus and Responsibility

It is not just enough to have good ideas. Brand managers need to be able to execute them. Since they will work with a variety of organizational functions to achieve their goals, they must be able to stay focused and be ready to take on multiple responsibilities.