A brand manager is responsible for creating and executing a marketing plan to increase brand awareness and sales of a product or service. They work with advertising agencies, design firms, and other vendors to create campaigns to reach the target market and achieve desired results.
Brand managers must be able to think creatively and critically, as they are responsible for developing new ideas and assessing their effectiveness.
They must also be able to effectively communicate their ideas to others, as they will need to collaborate with various professionals to bring their vision to life.
What does a brand manager do?
A brand manager is responsible for developing and managing a brand’s reputation. They do this by working with different departments within the company, such as marketing, to ensure that the brand image is consistent and positive.
Brand managers also work with advertising agencies to create campaigns that will promote the brand in a positive light. In addition, brand managers often research how customers feel about the brand and what they would like to see from it in the future.
For example, I recently worked with a Brand Manager of a software startup to conduct a large voice of customer survey.
Role of a Brand Manager
The role of a brand manager is constantly evolving as the needs of businesses change. However, the core responsibilities of a brand manager usually remain the same. These include:
- Developing and managing the reputation of a brand.
- Working with different departments within the company to ensure a consistent brand image.
- Researching to understand how customers feel about the brand
- Creating campaigns that will promote the brand in a positive light.
How much does a brand manager make?
Brand managers can make a good salary. The salary range for a brand manager is between $90,000 to $101,000 per year, according to Salary.com.
However, salaries can vary depending on experience, education, and location. For example, brand managers in New York City tend to make more than those in other parts of the country.
Brand manager skills
The skills required to become a brand manager vary depending on the company and the specific role. However, some skills are essential for all brand managers. These include:
-Communication: Brand managers need to be able to communicate effectively with different teams within the company and with advertising agencies and other partners. They also need to be able to articulate the goals and objectives of the brand to others.
-Analytical: Brand managers need to analyze data to understand how customers feel about the brand and what they want from it. They also need to be able to interpret this data to make decisions about the future of the brand.
-Strategic: Brand managers need to be able to develop strategic plans that will help the brand achieve its objectives. They also need to be able to adapt these plans as required. And respond to changes in the market or the needs of the customers.
-Creative: Brand managers need to be able to come up with innovative and creative solutions to problems. They also need to think outside the box to develop campaigns and initiatives that will engage customers and promote the brand in a positive light.
-Organized: Brand managers need organization skills to manage multiple projects. They also need to keep track of deadlines and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.
-Leadership: Brand managers need to lead and motivate teams of people. They also need to work with other departments within the company to ensure everyone is working towards the same goal.
Brand manager training and certifications
There are certification programs for brand managers.
- Association of International Product Marketing & Management: Certified Brand Manager™
- Sales and Marketing Certifications Institute (SMCI): Certified Brand Manager
- eCornell: Brand Management Certificate
How to become a brand manager
To become a brand manager, you will typically need a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field. Many brand managers also have experience in marketing or advertising before being promoted to this role.
Some brand managers start as brand strategists or brand coordinators before being promoted.
In these roles, they gain experience conducting research, developing marketing plans, and working with different teams within an organization.
Direct experience is essential for becoming a successful brand manager.
Others pursue a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in marketing. A graduate-level education can give you the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role.
After working as a brand manager for a few years, you can consider leaving the corporate environment to become a brand consultant.
You can read out article, “How to become a marketing consultant,” if you want to learn more about becoming a consultant.
If you are interested in becoming a brand manager, look for opportunities to gain experience in marketing or advertising.
Wrapping up – What does a brand manager do
Brand managers must have various skills including communication, analytical, strategic, creative, and organizational skills. They also need to be able to lead and motivate teams.
Additionally, brand managers may pursue certification programs to develop their skills further.
Brand management is an exciting and challenging field. If you have the skills and experience needed to succeed in this role, consider pursuing a career as a brand manager.
