JOB SUMMARY:

Founded in 1996 by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a pioneering California brewing company located on the California coast. Led by Brewmaster Matt Brynildson, our state-of-the-art breweries in Paso Robles, Buellton, and Venice, produce a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers and wild ales, including 805 beer, Mind Haze, Hypnosis, Union Jack, DBA, and Cali-Squeeze.

The Brand Manager is responsible for managing, developing and leading the brand strategies and product development lifecycle for Cali-Squeeze, as well as the marketing plans that deliver volume growth and profitability. A master storyteller with strong understanding of California culture, the Brand Manager is also a proven ability to bring products to market and drive consumer engagement, and sales. The Brand Manager for Cali-Squeeze lives and breathes California culture and exemplifies the brand lifestyle with an understanding of how to connect with multiple consumers across various demographics with a specific focus on the 21-35YO consumer.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specifically, the responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

• Serve as the brand champion ensuring authentic brand positioning at all touchpoints
• Manage product lifecycle plans based on industry trends, consumer behaviors, and market whitespace to ensure long-term dynamic growth of Cali-Squeeze brands
• Plan, implement, and execute successful consumer and trade marketing programs, including strategic brand planning, market positioning, pricing, promotion, and advertising
• Set brand planning calendar, coordinate cross-functional activities and planning processes, manage timelines, and ensure timely completion of all deliverables
• Establish and maintain brand and marketing budgets as well as support P&L management
• Utilize consumer and industry insights, including Neilsen, IRI, and others, to illuminate product innovation opportunities and create marketing programs that drive growth
• Collaborate with sales team for specific strategies with key partners
• Work with brewing teams to drive product innovation, testing, and trial of Cali-Squeeze products
• Work with FWBC creative groups to build world-class packaging and campaigns that position the brand authentically to target drinkers
• Work with FWBC’s media agencies to develop and manage advertising campaigns and media plans to drive sales lift, consideration, and awareness
• Lead tracking and analysis of brand campaign performance, identifying risks & opportunities, and reporting back to company findings and plans
• Work cross-functionally with other departments within the marketing team across social, digital, merchandising, shopper marketing, and experiential marketing groups to drive portfolio priorities to successful activation
• Work with merchandising and creative teams to create successful point-of-sales marketing efforts for trade activation
• Oversee strategic partnerships, including merchandising, apparel, and product placements
• Management of earned media strategies in concert with FWBC public relations and influencer teams to drive awareness, third party validation, and brand fame
• Work with experiential marketing teams to develop local, regional and grassroots marketing strategies that drive sampling, and cultural connectivity in priority markets
• Represent brand at top events, cultural moments, market visits, distributor, and retail meetings
• Attend ad campaign photo and video shoots

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required
• Five years’ experience in marketing, brand management, or digital marketing across consumer products or beverage/alcohol brands
• Outstanding communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills – exceptional attention to detail
• Cross-functional team leadership and participation
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and keynote (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Regular travel for top market visits, photoshoots, ad campaigns, and events
• An expertise in creating and managing culturally iconic brands
• Intimate knowledge of consumer insights and turning them into actionable plans
• Experience in product innovation and positioning of brands that connect to consumer lifestyles
• Track record of launching multi-channel brand campaigns
• Analytical skills - ability to measure performance and effectiveness within the brand platforms
• Polished organizational skills with the ability to manage time and multiple projects
• Forward-thinker who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions
• Master relationship builder focused on developing brand, athlete, celebrity, and other partnerships that expand the cultural reach of Cali-Squeeze
• Self-starter and team-oriented player with an infectiously positive “whatever it takes” attitude
• A thirst for knowledge and desire to learn

What Firestone Walker Offers:

• Competitive pay rate for an experienced individual with the right skills
• An excellent benefits package including:
  • 100% paid premiums for employee including medical, dental, vision & life insurance
  • Accrued Sick Leave (rate of 13 days per year)
  • Accrued Sick Leave (48 hours per year)
  • 401 (k) retirement plan including company paid profit sharing & 4% matching
  • 9 paid holidays per year

Please submit your cover letter and resume with your work experience when applying.

Firestone Walker is an Equal Opportunity Employer.