How to become a Brand Manager
Brand Manager
A brand manager works closely with an individual brand and creates its image, ethos and marketing procedures. The job involves works with the sales, production and marketing departments to ensure that the brand is developing.
Being a brand manager is a varied role. The job will involve working with sales, production, marketing, and financial teams to create a brand that is in line with its strategy and to present it to the public in an engaging way. Brand managers must have a clear image of the brand’s ethos and message, and revisit this often. It is essential for people in this career to define the USP well and make sure that the brand is related to this in the public spectrum.
Research is a huge part of a brand manager’s role, and brand managers should keep a frequently updated analysis of competing brands and their marketing techniques. It is also important to constantly evaluate the target audience and ensure that their needs are being met, as well as studying how the product can appeal to a broader range of people without losing its USP.
Depending on the size of the company, brand managers may find themselves working on social media and traditional marketing; if it is a larger company, they are likely to oversee dedicated staff in these departments. Likewise, brand managers will need to keep up to date with production processes and be involved when required. They may also need to calculate budgets, and be in charge of outreach and finding suitable networking opportunities with related brands.
Brand managers should be excellent verbal and written communicators, have professional time management skills, be great with budgets and have a flair for deep analysis. It goes without saying that people in this career should have a broad understanding of the brand that they are promoting and a passion for marketing it.
Brand managers are often business or marketing graduates who have then taken on a graduate job in the marketing field. By the time they become a brand manager, they will typically have a few years’ work in the discipline and have acquired and demonstrated the brand manager skills listed above.
What degree is most commonly held by a Brand Manager?
- BA / M of Marketing
- BA / M of Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
- BA / M of Marketing/Marketing Management, General
- MBA
Career Transportability across Countries
What is the Salary of a Brand Manager?
| Experience | Average salary | year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU$ | UK£ | US$ | ||
| Brand Executive | $74,000 | £43,693 | $80,000 | |
| Brand Manager | 1-4 Years | $98,000 | £55,982 | $102,500 |
| VP of Branding | 5+ Years | $134,000 | £73,732 | $135,000 |
What skills are needed to become a Brand Manager?
- Marketing
- Marketing Strategy
- Management
- Social Media
- Brand Management
- Social Media Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Marketing Communications
- Microsoft Office
- Customer Service
- Leadership
- Sales
- Advertising
- Project Management
- Strategy
- Market Research
- Microsoft Excel
- Brand Development
- Public Relations
- Event Management
- Teamwork
- Strategic Planning
- Product Development
- Retail
- Time Management
Suggested Brand Manager Courses
The Secret Power of BrandsUnderstand the role of brands and brand management in the modern world and start developing your career in the sector
Create a Social Media Marketing CampaignLearn to plan and launch a successful social media marketing campaign with the Institute of Coding and the University of Leeds
Social Impact in Business: How to Build a Brand that MattersLearn how to identify your brands authentic purpose and build a socially-driven and ethical business from the inside out
Introduction to Strategic Brand Management with Advertising WeekBuild practical skills in brand management and discover the importance of effective brand strategy and image
Get Started With Digital MarketingWhat is digital marketing and why is it so valuable to businesses in todays world Find out with Coventry University Online
Digital Skills: Digital MarketingLearn about some of the different digital marketing strategies and techniques that are available for businesses to use
Suggested Microcredentials
Business Management: Marketing Principles and PracticeDevelop your marketing skills and knowledge to help you make better business decisions and achieve your professional goals
International Marketing: Intercultural Communication ManagementLearn how to manage the international marketing for global brands and services and navigate cultural sensitivity in business
Need even more evidence about why you should learn on FutureLearn?
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The Secret Power of Brands
Understand the role of brands and brand management in the modern world, and start developing your career in the sector.Show course overview -
Create a Social Media Marketing Campaign
Learn to plan and launch a successful social media marketing campaign with the Institute of Coding and the University of Leeds.Show course overview -
Social Impact in Business: How to Build a Brand that Matters
Learn how to identify your brand’s authentic purpose and build a socially-driven and ethical business from the inside, out.Show course overview -
Introduction to Strategic Brand Management with Advertising Week
Build practical skills in brand management and discover the importance of effective brand strategy and image.Show course overview