They say that first impressions can last a lifetime. If you live your life by that motto, and value the importance of making a good impression, you’re sure to be a success in marketing as a brand manager.
In a nutshell, it’s your job to ensure that the appearance and integrity of the brand you work for is the best it can possibly be.
So, what will I actually be doing?
You’ll need to engage a variety of skills for this job, from research right up to design. Other tasks you’ll be expected to do include:
- Monitoring market trends
- Meeting with clients and various departments
- Carrying out consumer research
- Writing and presenting reports to clients and senior management
- Overseeing a team of junior staff
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Organising events, photo shoots and launch parties (definitely one of the perks)
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The nitty gritty
On paper, this looks like a job with regular Monday to Friday office hours, but in reality you will be expected to put in plenty of overtime and even some weekends - especially when major launch dates are looming. You won’t be too desk bound either as you’ll be liaising with lots of people from clients to designers.
When it comes to developing your career, you can hop from brand manager to senior brand manager to marketing director – or even into senior management, so there’s plenty of room for progression.
Money, money, money
The all important money question. Your wage will very much depend on the size of the brand you work for. Salaries are often in the range of £30k - £40k but can be as much as £50k plus bonuses.
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The good points...
It’s very satisfying protecting a brand you truly believe in - seeing it grow as more and more people become aware of it," says former brand manager Johanna who worked with brands such as French Connection and Orange. "It can be very well paid and is quite a glamorous job, depending on the size of the brand."
...and the bad
When a brand is damaged for whatever reason, the implications can be very bad for the business. As brand manager, this can be very stressful and you are in the firing line should this occur."
Is there study involved?
As with many marketing roles, there is no set entry route, but many brand managers have a degree or HND/HNC in business studies or marketing.
There are a number of professional marketing qualifications you can take to further your career. You will find details of courses from:
- Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
- Institute of Direct Marketing (IDM)
- Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM)
- Communication Advertising and Marketing Education Foundation (CAM)
Need additional qualifications? Find a course at our Learning Zone
OK, I'm interested... But is it really the job for me?
If you have most of the following qualities, you’ll make a great brand manager:
- Calm and confident
- Organised and thorough
- Excellent communication and presenting skills
- A great team leader
- Deep understanding of marketing principles
- Analytical
- Strong multi-tasking skills
