Reports to: Licensing and Retail Business Process and Operations DirectorPosition OverviewThe Brand Alignment Manager plays a critical role on the Licensing & Retail team by ensuring that all Coca-Cola licensed merchandise sold at retailers worldwide is executed at the highest level, and that the TCCC trademarks, intellectual property and brand reputation are protected. Each Brand Alignment Manager works closely with cross-functional partners (including Licensees, Licensing Agencies, Licensing Team, Retail Merchandising Team, Design Team, Marketing Team, Strategy Team, Compliance Director, Legal/Trademark Counsel, Licensing Software Vendor, and Brand Teams) to manage the development and approval of all licensed merchandise and related marketing materials across a specific region and/or product category. They ensure that brand strategy, brand guidelines, design execution, trademark/legal requirements, and quality compliance standards are met across 80-100+ licensees, 2-3 licensing agencies, and 6,000-8,000+ product submissions each year in their individual area of responsibility in support of the overall Licensing & Retail business.Key Duties/Responsibilities
30% - Manage the development and 3-stage approval process (concept - prototype - final) for Licensing & Retail merchandise and related marketing materials across global regions/categories via the Brand Comply licensing management system. Responsible for resolving submission issues with licensees in addition to processing merchandise samples for submissions and/or long-term storage as needed.
25% - Provide direction to licensees regarding product execution, trademark protection, and product integrity standards. This includes advising licensees regarding proper style guide and trademark usage as well as quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and risk management guidelines. Act as liaison with legal counsel regarding intellectual property matters, and with Compliance Director regarding QA requirements.
20% - Maintain strong cross-functional relationships with internal and external partners (including Licensees, Licensing Agents Agencies, Regional Licensing Managers, Retail Merchandising Team, Design Team, Marketing Team, Strategy Team, Compliance Director, Legal/Trademark Counsel, and Brand Teams) regarding merchandise development.
15% - Act as the SME for products in their individual area of responsibility (e.g. region and/or category) and participate in regular business reviews with licensees and business managers regarding merchandise development.
10% - Actively participate in and develop materials for: Licensee Immersions, Partner Meetings, Global/Regional Licensing Summits, Business Reviews, Annual Business Planning Processes, and Licensing Software System Reviews/Improvements.
Functional Competencies & SkillsJudgement & Decision Making Ability:
Determine if merchandise falls within allowable strategic guidelines.
Determine potential brand and/or TM issues with the use of brand assets by licensees.
Identify licensed merchandise solutions for partners that align with Licensing & Retail revenue and brand goals.
In partnership with Compliance Director, assess product integrity standards and provide quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and risk management direction to licensees.
Provide expertise on merchandise development and execution to licensees and business managers team to identify trends and grow the business.
Communication Skills:
Collaborate with cross functional partners (External communication: Licensees, Licensing Agents; Internal communication: Regional Licensing Managers, Retail Merchandising Team, Design Team, Marketing Team, Strategy Team, Compliance Director, Legal/Trademark Counsel, and Brand Teams) to shape the development of merchandise sold globally in support of the overall Licensing & Retail business.
Provide direction to licensees and licensing agencies regarding product execution, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and trademark protection, including proper trademark usage, marking, and notice requirements.
Required Qualifications
Knowledge and understanding of product development, brand standards, TM use, legal guidelines, style guides and approved assets.
Knowledge of specific brand positioning and brand architecture of TCCC brands.
Knowledge of Legal requirements (including appropriate legal notification statements, trademark registrations, trademark search criteria, and print production requirements) for merchandise, packaging, advertising, and point-of-sale.
Knowledge of risk assessment, QA testing, and regulatory compliance standards preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively and provide clear direction.
Ability to interface effortlessly with cultures around the world and understand cultural nuances that may impact or limit the effectiveness of a program in global markets.
Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
Strong time management and organizational skills.
High level of flexibility and ability to self-manage
Good cross-functional project management skills.
Ability to establish priorities and accomplish objectives.
Strong problem solving, collaboration and relationship building skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Successful performance record
Education:Highschool Diploma or GED equivalent required.Bachelor's degree Preferred and/or Equivalent work experience.Related Work Experience:
Minimum of 5-7 year's work experience, preferably in a consumer goods or retail industry.
Knowledge of TCCC brands.
Licensing Industry, Retail Merchandising, and/or Product Development experience preferred.
Additional languages a plus (e.g. Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Cantonese or Mandarin)
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
