Brand Manager

Introduction

Job Description: Brand Manager – Africa (Brand Portfolio) Location: Pretoria, South Africa (Office-based, Full-time)

Reporting Structure: South African Brand Management / Export Function

Geographic Scope: East Africa & West Africa (Southern Africa is managed separately within the SA structure)

Role Overview & Purpose The Brand Manager – Africa is responsible for driving and supporting the growth of leading FMCG brands across East and West Africa. This role does not involve direct brand ownership; instead, it centers on portfolio coordination, translating South African marketing strategies into locally relevant execution, and serving as the vital operational link between local SA brand teams, export divisions, distributors, and regional agencies.

Note on Candidate Consideration

Due to the occasional international travel required into various African markets and specific operational/field environments, male candidates are preferred for this position. However, candidates do not require prior African market experience to apply, as regional alignment and market orientation will be provided.

Key Responsibilities Market & Business Development: Spot growth opportunities and drive brand expansion across target African territories.

Strategy Localisation: Adapt South African marketing strategies and brand architecture to ensure cultural and market relevance in destination countries.

Campaign Execution: Oversee the end-to-end execution of regional marketing campaigns, including above-the-line (billboards), below-the-line (in-store activations), and local media executions.

Portfolio Coordination: Align and coordinate portfolio rollout schedules across multiple regions simultaneously.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Act as the central point of contact between internal SA brand management teams, export managers, third-party distributors, and external creative/media agencies.

Commercial Monitoring: Track and report on sales performance, pricing structures, promotional efficiency, and competitor activity across designated markets.

Strategic Input: Gather market insights and consumer feedback to inform South African brand plans, line extensions, and product launches.

Field Support: Assist with trade visits, sales briefings, marketing budget tracking, and promotional alignment in country.

Key Challenges & Operating Environment Operating within regions with variable or limited marketing and retail infrastructure.

Balancing brand consistency with necessary local adaptations.

Managing multiple cross-border stakeholders and partner channels without direct reporting authority.

Periodic international travel to key East and West African markets.

Requirements & Experience Qualification: Relevant tertiary qualification (Degree or Diploma in Marketing, IMM, Communications, or Business Management).

Experience: 1–5 years of FMCG marketing experience at an Assistant Brand Manager or Junior Brand Manager level.

Market Knowledge: Prior exposure to African markets is advantageous, but not required.

Mobility: Valid passport and willingness/ability to travel internationally into African markets as required.

Core Competencies & Skills Execution & Drive: Practical, hands-on, and execution-focused mindset with high accountability.

Project & Time Management: Strong organizational and multi-country coordination capabilities.

Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and influencing skills across cross-cultural teams.

Commercial Acumen: Sound understanding of FMCG commercial drivers, including sales performance, margins, and promotional ROI.

Adaptability: Ability to tailor strategies and navigate dynamic, emerging retail landscapes. Duties & Responsibilities

We're Hiring: Brand Manager – Africa (Fragrance Portfolio)

Join Amka and help grow our Fragrance portfolio across East and West Africa. This is an exciting opportunity for a junior FMCG marketer with a passion for African markets and brand execution.

Key Responsibilities: - Adapt and execute marketing strategies across African markets. - Coordinate portfolio rollouts and product launches. - Work closely with South African brand teams, export teams, distributors, and agencies. - Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and sales performance. - Support trade marketing initiatives, forecasting, and campaign execution. Minimum Requirements: - Degree or Diploma in Marketing (IMM or equivalent). - 1–2 years' FMCG experience in an Assistant Brand Manager role. - Exposure to African markets or a strong understanding of regional market dynamics. - Excellent stakeholder management, coordination, and organisational skills. - Commercially minded with a hands-on, execution-focused approach.

Some travel within Africa will be required.

If you're ready to grow your marketing career across the African continent, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today!

Desired Experience & Qualification

The minimum requirements for the role are

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Marketing (e.g. IMM or equivalent).
• 1–2 years' experience in an assistant brand manager role within FMCG .
• Exposure to African markets or an understanding of African market dynamics.
• Strong coordination and organisational skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness with an execution-focused mindset.
• Willingness to travel within Africa.
• Based in or willing to work full-time, office-based in Pretoria .

Package & Remuneration

Pension Medical Aid Performance Bonus