Brand Analyst, Innovation

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:

The individual in this position will be responsible for assisting the Innovation team on specific projects and activities in support of the business. The responsibilities will involve supporting Associate Brand Managers (ABMs) and Brand Managers (BMs) in both strategic and operational marketing work

Key Activities / Responsibilities:

*The Innovation Brand Analyst position supports ABMs and BMs across all Chocolate innovation projects and pipeline development to get a holistic introduction to marketing and opportunity to build a diverse skillset

Business development responsibilities:

* Ideation support and coordination - Support coordinating with agencies (including AI partners) through RFP and set-up, and ensuring all deliverables are received

* Assist in project management (with BM and ABM) and collaborate with cross functional partners including R&D, engineering, brand teams, finance, and operations

* Pipeline fill management: Manage records of previously tested concepts with possibility of leading projects through early-stage gate process while also leading renders, initial creative with third party agencies

* Weekly business tracking - Analyzing IRI data to assist in understanding performance of recent Hershey and competitive Innovations and key drivers of performance, informing the need for actions to address business opportunities or risks to be applied to upcoming innovations. Assisting with ad hoc retail business analysis on an ongoing basis.

* Initiative trackers: Provide assistance in updating initiative trackers (ex. Design updates for Innovation, DME Innovation spends, all other Innovation specific program management)

* Utilize trend tracking via third party tools like Innova/Datassentials, interact with Flavor Houses to access their robust databases of trends, and monitor internal metrics stay on top of other social media product trends

Strategy and Communication responsibilities:

* Ad hoc support for Senior Leadership team: (ex. Brand Planning materials, Tableau dashboard builds, or ECDF projects) while also assembling IBM materials monthly (data collection, analysis, preparation of IRD/Brand updates)

* Sales communications: Support the development of sales communication updates with oversight from the brand management team

* Drive support of RCC process with ABM(s) on Chocolate Innovation team and their respective brands

Skills / Competencies:

* Strong analytical ability; able to use multiple sources of data and put together data visualizations

* Strong verbal and written communication skills

* Strong marketing, finance, and commercial understanding and intuition

* Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks effectively

* Active learner; ability to learn quickly

* Willingness to take on responsibility and accountability

* Ability to collaborate with cross-functional business units

* Problem solving attitude

* Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI); ability to learn new systems

* Willingness to be a part of a team that works hard and has fun

Education: Bachelor's degree required (preferably Business, Commerce)

Experience: Marketing experience preferred. Analytical and project management experience is a plus. Experience with food and beverage flavor development also a plus.

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