Brand Manager
Company
Premium Spirits & Beverage Company
Location
Japan
Employment Type
Full-time
Overview
A growing beverage company is seeking a Brand Manager to oversee multiple brands within its spirits portfolio. This role will be responsible for developing brand strategies, executing marketing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, supporting commercial teams, and driving portfolio growth across both on-premise and off-premise channels.
The position requires a strong understanding of the spirits industry, brand management expertise, and the ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute brand and portfolio strategies to drive sustainable growth
Create and manage annual marketing plans, budgets, and promotional calendars
Lead marketing campaigns and brand-building initiatives across multiple channels
Manage relationships with brand owners, suppliers, and key business partners
Collaborate with sales teams to develop effective sales tools, education programs, and activation strategies
Support on-premise and off-premise marketing activities to increase brand visibility and consumer engagement
Monitor brand performance, pricing, distribution, and depletion trends
Analyze market data, competitor activity, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities
Prepare performance reports and provide strategic recommendations to stakeholders
Manage multiple projects and priorities while ensuring alignment with business objectives
Requirements
Minimum 3 years of experience in brand management, trade marketing, or portfolio management within the spirits or beverage alcohol industry
Proven experience managing multiple brands and priorities simultaneously
Experience working with brand owners, suppliers, or external business partners
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales, pricing, distribution, and depletion data
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
Strong project management and organizational abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working for a spirits distributor or importer
Experience managing premium or luxury spirits brands
Knowledge of both on-premise and off-premise sales channels
Experience developing brand education and training programs
Core Competencies
Strong understanding of the spirits industry and premium brand positioning
Ability to create compelling brand stories and marketing strategies
Data-driven decision-making and analytical thinking
Budget management and commercial planning
Strong relationship-building and influencing skills
Ability to work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders
Work Environment
Dynamic and entrepreneurial beverage industry environment
Close collaboration with sales, marketing, suppliers, and commercial partners
Opportunity to manage a diverse portfolio of spirits brands
Exposure to both strategic planning and market-facing activities
Travel Requirements
Regular travel within local markets
Participation in customer events, activations, and industry functions
Occasional evening and weekend work required for brand events and on-premise activations
Ideal Candidate Profile
Passionate about spirits, beverage culture, and brand building
Commercially minded with strong execution capabilities
Comfortable managing multiple brands and stakeholder relationships
Analytical yet creative in developing growth strategies
Self-motivated and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Strong collaborator with excellent communication skills