Learn what a brand manager does and how you can get a degree in brand management
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Brand managers discuss their strategy for
a new product.
Brand managers strive to create an instantly recognizable product image. Responsible for coordinating product presentation, a brand manager must figure out how to create a personality for a product or service that will convey the intent of the product while also being unique and inspiring consumer trust. This is a heady task that requires close attention to detail and a thorough knowledge of how customers think.
Typical daily tasks for brand managers include overseeing the creation of marketing campaigns for a product, monitoring competitors' advertising campaigns, and continually tweaking a product's packaging, look or image.
Many brand managers are employed by large companies that produce multiple products, such as a foods conglomerate. These companies create a series of brands and treat each as a mini-company, placing the brand manager in charge of each brand's success. Brand managers must possess exceptional insight into industry trends, consumer demands, and the broader world of marketing. Successful brand managers are creative, analytical thinkers who can work with "big idea" people and still manage minute details. As with other marketing positions, brand managers often function within a team, and thus must be able to communicate easily and work well with others.
Brand Management Career Path
| | Entry Level | Mid Level | Senior Level |
| Types of Roles | Assistant brand manager | Brand manager | Senior brand manager |
| Experience | 2 - 5 years | 5 - 10 years | 10+ years |
| Getting There | - Communications, marketing or related bachelor's degree
- Office skills
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Electronic and print media experience
- Budget management experience
| - All entry-level requirements
- MBA in marketing
- Successful track record as assistant brand manager
- Proven ability to anticipate new trends
| - All mid-level requirements
- Successful brand management experience within chosen field
- Strategic thinking skills
|
| Salary* | $73,000 | $84,000 | $96,000+ |
| Description | - Develop brand strategy
- Maintain brand image through promotional materials and product placement
- Maximize sales of assigned brand
| - Manage activities of assistant brand managers
- Research impact of potential changes to brand
- Implement major changes to brand that result in sales success
| - Provide marketing and placement leadership for a group of related products
- Manage large, globally-recognized brands
- Research competing brands and prepare subsequent strategy
|
* Depends on company size, specific job, and location
Sources: Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), Princeton Review, Salary.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Monster.com
Northeastern University - College of Business Administration
Northeastern offers its AACSB-accredited MBA program in a 100 percent online format. They are a world leader in practice-based education focused on expanding students' managerial skills and knowledge base.
Walden University
Walden University has unique and flexible online delivery models, world-class faculty and customizable programs which are all geared to help adult learners achieve their career goals.
