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Join us as: Brand Manager - UI
Function: Marketing
Reports to: UI Personal Care Marketing Manager
Scope: Southern Africa
Location: Durban (La Lucia Ridge Office) / Johannesburg (Katherine Street Office)
Terms & Conditions: Full time
ABOUT UNILEVER INTERNATIONAL (UI):
Unilever International is the global business unit within Unilever that focuses on serving niche markets, emerging channels, and new geographies. We operate as a fast-paced, entrepreneurial arm of Unilever, driving growth through innovation and agility. Our mission is to make Unilever brands available to every consumer, everywhere, by unlocking opportunities beyond traditional markets. Joining Unilever International means working in a dynamic environment where you will collaborate with global teams, manage iconic brands, and deliver impactful strategies that shape the future of consumer goods.
JOB PURPOSE
The Brand Manager will be responsible for driving brand growth and executing marketing strategies for key brands in South Africa, including Lux, Rexona Clinicals, and Axe Deodorants. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities, a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, and expertise in digital and BTL marketing. A key focus will be strengthening brand performance and delivering impactful marketing initiatives in collaboration with regional and global teams.
WHAT YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE
Brand Strategy & Growth:
Develop and execute brand strategies to deliver market share and profitability targets.
Lead brand growth initiatives for key brands in South Africa, in collaboration with global teams.
Innovation & NPD Management:
Support and manage new product developments (NPDs) across relevant brands.
Ensure timely execution of product launches and marketing campaigns.
Marketing Campaigns:
Plan and deliver integrated marketing campaigns across digital, social media, and BTL channels.
Monitor campaign performance and optimise for maximum ROI.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
Work closely with global brand teams, local marketing, sales, and supply chain to ensure seamless execution.
Manage agency relationships for creative development, media planning, and activation.
Market Analysis & Insights:
Analyse market trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions.
Prepare regular performance reports and recommend corrective actions where needed.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED
EXPERIENCES & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.
5–6 years of experience in brand management with proven success in FMCG or personal care categories.
Strong expertise in digital marketing, social media campaigns, and BTL activations.
Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
SKILLS
Strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
Creativity and innovation in marketing execution.
Strong communication and influencing skills.
Data-driven decision-making.
Leadership
You are energized by delivering fantastic results. You are an example to others – both your results and your resilience. You are constantly on the lookout for better ways to do things, engaging and collaborating with others along the way. As an individual you are the one responsible for your own wellbeing and delivering high standards of work. You must also focus on the Consumer and what they need. You are humble and have your head up, looking around to interpret evidence and data smartly, spot issues and opportunities to make things better.
Unilever behaviours
CARE DEEPLY: We care deeply about how consumers experience our brands every day, everywhere; about our people’s growth and development and our impact on the planet. We care about our performance, to a point where it hurts when we don’t win. It is not just about being nice or avoiding honest conversations about performance and opportunity.
FOCUS ON WHAT COUNTS: We ruthlessly prioritize what really, really matters, allowing us to do better on fewer things. We set clear and stretching goals and recognize maximum performance impact. It is not about reducing ambition or effort or running after the ‘new and shiny’.
STAY THREE STEPS AHEAD: We think boldly and creatively to make breakthroughs in performance. We are always curious and confident, anticipating and staying ahead of consumer needs and external trends to beat the competition. It is not taking our eye off the ‘here and now’.
DELIVER WITH EXCELLENCE: We deliver everything we do with excellence and pace. We take personal ownership and hold each other to account – always finding a way to do what we’ve said we will do. It is not about analyzing the inevitable roadblocks, admiring the problem or tolerating mediocrity.
Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We are intentional in employing the best talent that reflects the demographics of our country and which will help build representation of currently under-represented groups. We therefore invite applications from all candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. When appointing potential candidates, the South African Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation will be considered.
We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. If you are applying as a foreign national, please note that you may be requested to provide supporting documents supporting this.
Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.