what is a brand manager?

As a brand manager, you manage a company's image. You are responsible for customers' perceptions of the business and the brand. Hence, you develop strategies to improve the brand's image and make the company's products recognisable. The role requires creativity, technical skills and business acumen to stay ahead of the competition.

Aside from inspiring enthusiasm for a company's product externally, you also build interest among employees. When employees are enthusiastic, they represent the brand positively, boosting customer loyalty with their customer service skills. Brand management involves implementing diverse strategies to build value and equity. You also identify the most effective digital marketing and communication tools for portraying a unique value proposition for the brand.

what does a brand manager do?

As a brand manager, you work alongside the marketing team to ensure the information they convey to the public resonates with the company’s brand messaging. After studying the audience and customer needs, you develop a brand tone and voice to use on various social media platforms to improve awareness. Brand managers create advertisements and marketing campaigns for the company. You also work with the production teams to ensure the product features and packaging matches the brand image.

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average brand manager salary

As a brand manager, you receive a remuneration package of approximately $100,000 per year. Brand managers in entry-level positions receive a salary of $85,000 annually. As your experience improves, your earnings increase gradually, and you can earn over $120,000 yearly.

what factors affect the salary of a brand manager?

Depending on their experience and qualifications, brand managers have diverse salaries. When you are new in the role, you have minimal experience, and your earnings are likely to be lower. Brand managers with experience and additional competencies receive a higher remuneration package.

The company size also influences your earnings. When you work in a large company, you are responsible for its brand image in various regions and countries. The scope of your role in large companies also increases your earning prospects. For instance, in large organisations, your job ranges from branding campaigns, advertisements and social media campaigns to print and television advertising. When you handle large projects, your salary is higher than brand managers working in junior roles or small start-up companies.

The location also influences the remuneration of brand managers. Working in metro areas increases your earning potential due to the high demand for the role and the high cost of living in those areas.

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types of brand managers

The types of brand managers usually depend on the employer they work for and the scope of their role. Some of the brand managers include:

  • personal brand managers: as a brand manager, you can assist prominent personalities in achieving their business and personal goals. You organise appearances and interviews to help them improve their brand image. You also strategise ways to increase their social media following and help them improve their skills.
  • product brand managers: as a product brand manager, you work with a company to increase a product’s awareness or introduce it to the market. Your job is to develop the best packaging and branding strategies to make the product attract attention. You work with production and marketing teams to streamline the product's brand messaging.
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working as a brand manager

Working as a brand manager involves improving a brand's public image and perception. Let's explore brand managers' duties, work environments and career outlooks.

Smiling female in meeting at the office.
Smiling female in meeting at the office.
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brand manager education and skills

Some of the educational qualifications of a brand manager include:

  • education: formal education is compulsory for becoming a brand manager, but some employers prefer qualifications in the field of communications. 
    A bachelor's degree in marketing improves your job prospects.
  • work experience: working as a brand manager requires work experience in marketing and communication. After completing your degree in marketing, you can secure an internship to learn the role's requirements. You also gain relevant experience in junior marketing or communications jobs. Typically, brand managers require experience of up to 5 years to excel in the role.

brand manager skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a brand manager include:

  • storytelling skills: as a brand manager, you create content and innovative campaigns that resonate with customers. Storytelling skills help you communicate with your audience and explain the product features.
  • multitasking skills: as a brand manager, you juggle marketing and advertising campaigns for various products. Multitasking skills help you handle multiple tasks without compromising the performance of any tasks. With multitasking skills, you oversee various aspects of brand marketing and create a cohesive identity.
  • interpersonal skills: having interpersonal skills helps you connect and collaborate with others. Since you work with various professionals, interpersonal skills assist with relationship management. Interpersonal skills make you a good listener and help you understand the needs of your audience.
  • flexibility: as a brand manager, you develop brands that resonate with the target audience. Due to the constantly changing market trends, you require flexibility to adapt to changes and stay ahead of the competition.
  • data analysis: as a brand manager, you gather and analyse information on your audience to ensure the brand offers value to customers. Analysing data helps you learn about competitors' products and customers' habits and preferences.
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FAQs about working as a brand manager

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a brand manager.

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