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Boots Retail USA, Inc.

Senior Brand Director, No7

Boots Retail USA, Inc., New York, NY


ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a Senior Brand Director, you will lead the development and strategy for the Americas, aligned with the Global strategy, and work to deliver ambitious growth goals. The role will encompass delivery across all levers and channels (including those not owned by WBA). You will also represent your category as a member of the Marketing Leadership Team (MLT) for the Americas.

This role will be responsible for the development, planning and execution of the brand/s strategy and Integrated Activity Plan (IAP) for the Americas, including but not limited to integrated marketing programs, commercial programs (promo strategy, training/education approach, eventing and activation, price strategy, etc.), She/he will act as a strategic partner to Global Marketing (located in London, UK), with respect to brand and product roadmap, new product development and innovation.

This is a key role in the organization and is a strategic business partner to Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, the Global team in the UK and importantly to our owned retail partner Walgreens. The role will focus on delivering all identified profitability and sales objectives for while directing the brands' marketing activities.

You will be responsible for delivering significant value growth through the development of:

  • A breakthrough marketing strategy


  • An ambitious commercial plan
  • A world class innovation pipeline
  • A high performing, cross functional team


KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead the full strategic development of the brand for the Americas in both owned & non-owned retail. This will encompass working closely with owned retail teams, the Americas 3rd party commercial team & of course the local and global brand teams within market.
  • Define and implement the Local brand strategy and develop the marketing and brand activation plans aligned with both the Local business development objectives and the Global brand vision
  • Develop and align the 3YP for the Brands as well as the 12month IAP defining the annual plan to deliver in year goals.
  • Particular attention needs to be paid to the evolving Route to Market (RTM) and channel mix, as we continue to see DTC and digital channels become more critical to our long-term ambitions and success.


  • Define and coordinate product launch strategy, brand calendars and initiatives from initial launch strategy through to pricing strategy, promotional and in-store execution through to post-launch follow up in order to achieve brand visibility, high sell through and substantial in-store ranking within the market
  • Ensure brand deliverables and timings are met by coordinating and working closely together with Sales, Customer Marketing, Category Management, Merchandising, Finance, CP&I and Operations teams
  • Provide guidance, in conjunction with Sales and Demand Planning, for existing and new products forecast
  • Develop and deliver an innovative marketing strategy to drive awareness, cultural resonance and penetration while further developing the unique DNA of the brands, working with local retail and brand teams to deliver
  • Develop and monitor annual A&P budgets to ensure we maximize resources. Produce a quarterly review of sales and expenses to provide Budget comparison; periodic formal Brand Reviews, Brand Presentations, in collaboration with CP&I


  • In partnership with the Digital Center of Excellence, define and execute media plans including Paid, Owned and Earned in line with brand priorities and guidelines - maximizing efficiency and deliverables
  • Create Retailer and Retail Store specific programs and support strategies
  • Spearhead creation and execution of all exclusive marketing programs unique to each retail account, such as special events, exclusive product launches, or exclusive marketing programs
  • Work with creative agencies, Merchandising, and Commercial teams to create high-quality and flawless execution at point of sale
  • Analyze competitive data through NPD/Consumer Insights to determine overall impact of programs and generate ideas / needs for programs moving forward


  • Conduct various analysis i.e. sell through, profitability, etc. to assess the performance of brand and activity and make any necessary recommendations for follow up action plan
  • Analyze impact of tests or changes in merchandising, event, media and program mix to determine effectiveness
  • Lead, motivate and develop a cross functional team to deliver on the business ambitions


SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Candidate must be an entrepreneurial, organized, brand leader with a strong sense of accountability. She/he must be able to work well within a matrixed organization to inspire, align and deliver. The ideal candidate must be prepared to get involved in all aspects of the business with a true "hands-on" approach. An energetic, natural communicator with strong ability to plan, present and implement integrated brand plans, brand ecosystems and innovative activation programs. This individual must have a strong sense of team spirit and be able to work with all other functions (Sales, Customer Marketing, Category Management, Merchandising, CP&I, Finance and Operations) to ensure timely and efficient implementation of strategic and tactical plans. The position requires organization, coordination and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

  • 15+ years of related work experience, MBA preferred
  • Beauty experience preferred, with demonstrated roles of growing responsibility and delivery


  • Team leader who can excel in ambiguous, fast-changing environment
  • Strives for excellence in execution: proactively seeks ways to improve personal and organizational effectiveness to meet current and future business needs
  • Demonstrates learning agility: ability to anticipate change, face reality, draw conclusions and swiftly mobilize to adapt to changing needs and demands
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects, priorities and deadlines
  • Able to spot, nurture and retain talented functional experts. Known for an ability to coach, educate and grow junior talent.


  • Proven track record of global beauty brand/product launches including brand strategy, development and implementation
  • Deep knowledge and insight of beauty brand innovation and development in an international setting
  • Position requires strategic thinking, creativity and thorough knowledge in all areas of marketing including the ability to develop and implement innovative marketing programs
  • Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities to manage highly complex categories, programs and retailer initiatives
  • Strong leadership skills and project management skills


  • Ability to influence across a broad range of stakeholders both internal and external
  • Experience of leading and influencing in complex organizations (working in matrix, global organizations of size and scale) and experience of leading an entrepreneurial business
  • Positive "can-do" attitude and style
  • Entrepreneurial; ability to drive forward with goals independently
  • Strong ability to develop and build cooperative working relationships and collaborate with all levels in the organization. Particular focus on listening to all the partners' perspective and synthesizing into one strategic direction.


  • High impact personal leadership, gravitas, conceptual and analytical thinking, high level of team-playing skills (naturally collaborative, clear thinking and broad in influencing styles to be able to maximize global thinking and acting locally)
  • Excellent written and oral communications, excellent presentation skills, interpersonal and team building capabilities with internal functional groups as well as with external partners


TRAVEL

10%

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

  • Delivery of overall Americas Financial Goals
  • Delivery of financial goals for brands within the category
  • Clear and aligned trade strategy by brand in place
  • Clear and aligned 3YP in place for category and brands
  • Clear and aligned IAP by brand in place


  • Brand programs delivered in full and on time for both owned and 3rd party partners
  • Brand topline and share growth


REPORTING LINES

Reports To: Executive Director of Marketing, Americas