Brand Specialist

Position Summary:

Supporting brand growth is a key responsibility of the Brand Specialist, achieved through assisting in product innovation from ideation to market support and contributing to the execution of marketing plans. They help analyze brand performance and market insights to provide input on strategic direction, assist in developing marketing tools, and learn best practices within the team. They also participate in team development and learning opportunities.

What you will do:

Brands Product Development

• Supports the identification of product gaps and opportunities within brand portfolios, collaborating with Category teams on sourcing activities.

• Coordinates project management of new branded product initiatives, working with cross-functional teams from concept through launch.

• Collects and analyzes product performance data to contribute to the development of brand and business recommendations.

• Develops and maintains brand and product expertise to serve as a knowledgeable resource for assigned categories.

Brand Marketing

• Develops and distributes relevant sales tools for assigned brands under guidance.

• Supports the development and execution of customer-facing marketing plans and tools to support brand growth initiatives.

• Assists in the planning, executing, and maintaining brand booths for Food Shows.

• Gathers feedback from regional teams to inform the development of relevant marketing tools.

Brand Performance

• Monitors key brand health metrics and assists in the preparation of performance reports.

• Tracks new item performance against defined metrics and flags potential issues or opportunities.

• Assists in tracking and reporting on the effectiveness of marketing tactics.

Brands Team

• Participates in training and coaching activities for Brand Specialists to help enhance their skills and team contributions.

• Assists in continuous improvement activities and supports collaborative efforts within the Brands team.

• Performs other duties as assigned; may focus majority of work in one area of the Brands Team support or work more broadly on various activities in support of brand growth.

When you will work:

• Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.

• Hybrid Work Schedule: 4 days in office, 1 day from home.

What you will bring to the table:

• Three or more years of previous experience in brand, product, or category management with one year of project management experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Busines, Marketing, or related field preferred.

• Knowledge of category management and product lifecycle management.

• Proficient analytical skills to analyze and interpret data related to industry trends, pricing, margin performance, customer needs, etc.

• Ability to inject creativity, fresh thinking, and new perspectives, and generate imaginative ideas.

• Ability to motivate others and influence direction without explicit authority.

• Proficient communication skills with internal stakeholders, vendors, and customers.

• Positive and creative problem-solver, eager to experiment.

• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail

• Able to create compelling brand visuals and presentations

Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words "Accommodation Request" in your subject line.

All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.

Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug tests.