Brand Activation Manager

About the position

Join the world-renowned Anheuser-Busch family, where passion meets innovation. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Brand Activation Manager to drive brand presence, sales, and consumer engagement for the Kona Big Wave brand in Lake of the Ozarks, MO. As a pivotal member of our team, you will lead the charge in ensuring Kona Big Wave remains at the forefront of the market by supporting a national sampling program. The Brand Activation Manager will oversee the execution of weekly on-premise and off-premise sampling events in key accounts. Candidates must be highly motivated and results oriented. With Advantage, you'll be a part of an established and fast-growing company driven by groundbreaking ideas and an innovative culture.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive activation strategies to achieve sales and brand objectives.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key accounts and the local wholesaler.
• Sell in brand programming to key accounts.
• Lead the planning and execution of brand activations, special events, sponsorships, and promotions.
• Manage all aspects of Brand Ambassador team including recruitment, training, scheduling, weekly event execution, and reporting.
• Provide guidance and support to the Brand Ambassador team to ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Local asset management - ensuring Brand Ambassadors are properly equipped with merchandise and materials needed to execute sampling events.
• Responsible for activation recaps, metrics, and overall event success.
• Manage local budget & budget reporting/reconciliation.
• Perform pre-calls and checklists in preparation for sampling events.
• Monitor event execution while ensuring all key brand KPIs are achieved.
• Submit program deliverables accurately and on time each week. Deliverables include but are not limited to expense reporting, weekly recaps, BA survey audits, time sheet approvals, etc.
• Knowledge of local nightlife/events and local alcohol beverage laws.
• Assist in the analysis of sales and market/territory data used to provide consultation and/or correction for under-performing accounts.
• Responsible for managing events in person.

Requirements

• Must be of legal drinking age (21+).
• 2 years of beverage company and/or distributor experience.
• Driving is an essential function of this job and therefore you must be able to maintain a valid/current driver's license.
• Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Must be able to travel to other markets for training(s).
• Access to a computer with Microsoft Office and home internet access.
• Must be proficient in Excel and PPT.
• Personal smartphone with the ability to communicate/report while in the field.
• Available to work 40+ hours per week, including nights and weekends.
• Prior experience with event production and management of teams of brand ambassadors, brand promotion, working with wholesaler and accounts, brand sampling preferred.
• Must be able to lift 40lbs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional demeanor and strong work ethic.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Organizational skills to meet weekly deadlines.
• Live in the market for full duration of the program.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Monthly auto & tech stipend.
• Opportunity for bonus and recognition.
• Training and Career Development with Advantage.
• Opportunity to represent innovative and fast-growing brands.
• Opportunity for professional development and career advancement within Anheuser-Busch.