Brand Manager – BBU – Nairobi, Kenya – AstraZeneca

Brand Manager – BBU – Nairobi, Kenya – AstraZeneca

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• Position: Brand Manager, BBU Portfolio
• Company: AstraZeneca
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Type of Job: Full-time
• Reporting to: Senior Marketing Director
• Application Deadline: November 4, 2024

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About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a globally recognized, science-driven biopharmaceutical leader focused on advancing medicine through the discovery, development, and commercialization of groundbreaking prescription medications for some of the world’s most serious diseases. As one of the top pharmaceutical companies worldwide, AstraZeneca provides a work environment that champions diversity, collaboration, and a strong commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.

At AstraZeneca, employees are empowered to push the boundaries of science, guided by an entrepreneurial spirit that aligns with our mission to make a meaningful difference for patients and society. Here, you’ll experience an inclusive culture that promotes shared values, continuous development, and a dedication to excellence.

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Role Overview

As the Brand Manager for AstraZeneca’s BBU Portfolio in Nairobi, you will play a critical role in driving the success of our oncology and rare diseases therapeutic area. This is a high-impact position where you will apply strategic medical expertise, scientific leadership, and relationship management skills to create and implement a cohesive brand strategy, ensuring differentiated brand positioning and increased market share.

This role involves on-site work at our Nairobi office, providing the opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams, engage with key opinion leaders, and establish relationships with healthcare providers to address unmet medical needs.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Marketing Leadership
   • Lead the development of a cohesive brand marketing strategy that aligns with global LEX (Launch Excellence) principles, focusing on optimizing product performance.
   • Develop and monitor brand performance metrics to ensure alignment with AstraZeneca’s strategic goals, including market share growth and financial objectives.
2. Market Analysis and Sales Forecasting
   • Conduct in-depth analyses of market conditions, patient journeys, and sales forecasts to strategically position AstraZeneca products in Kenya and broader Sub-Saharan markets.
   • Monitor brand and market performance, initiating timely interventions to maximize brand impact.
3. Brand and Marketing Plan Execution
   • Develop robust brand plans and strategies, ensuring seamless execution with cross-functional teams to meet short-, medium-, and long-term goals.
   • Provide continuous market feedback and adapt strategies based on customer insights and evolving healthcare needs.
4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
   • Establish and sustain strategic relationships with Key External Experts (KEEs), payors, diagnostic specialists, and other critical stakeholders to foster AstraZeneca’s brand visibility and credibility.
   • Collaborate with AstraZeneca’s Sales, Medical, and Access teams to create integrated solutions that meet healthcare provider and patient needs.
5. Financial Budgeting and Control
   • Oversee the marketing budget, including forecasting, monitoring, and adjusting expenditures to optimize resource allocation and brand development.
   • Provide quarterly financial reports to track spending and align budgeting with strategic priorities.
6. Innovation and Best Practices
   • Cultivate an innovative mindset within the marketing team, introducing creative solutions that reinforce AstraZeneca’s brand values.
   • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration by sharing learnings and best practices across teams and regions.

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Qualifications and Skills

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. Experience: Minimum of 2 years in commercial marketing and brand management, with a focus on prelaunch and commercialization, ideally within the pharmaceutical industry.
3. Regional Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of the pharmaceutical market in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
4. Strategic Planning: Strong capacity to create and execute comprehensive marketing strategies.
5. Scientific Knowledge: In-depth scientific understanding of oncology and rare diseases to inform effective brand messaging and patient-centered marketing.
6. Project Management: Proficient in managing complex projects from inception through to completion.
7. Customer Focus: Strong commitment to meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
8. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
9. Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital marketing tools.

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Company Culture and Values

AstraZeneca is a Top Employer in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, with additional certifications across Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Senegal. We are committed to creating a workplace where innovation, teamwork, and diversity are celebrated, ensuring a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth.

Our values revolve around integrity, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes. At AstraZeneca, you will find a collaborative culture that prioritizes lifelong learning, making it an ideal place for professionals who are passionate about contributing to the future of healthcare.

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How to Apply for the Brand Manager Position

Ready to make an impact in a company committed to advancing healthcare? Apply today by clicking the link below before November 4, 2024. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing your potential fit within our team. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• TELEGRAM CHANNEL

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for the Brand Manager Role

1. Develop a Strong Understanding of the Brand’s Vision and Mission

Before applying, delve deeply into the company’s vision, mission, and brand values. Align your application with these aspects to show you resonate with the brand’s ethos. Review the company’s website, social media, and recent news articles to get a sense of its identity.

Example: If applying for a Brand Manager position at a tech company focusing on sustainability, emphasize your passion for green technology and past experience driving eco-friendly initiatives. You could say, “My commitment to sustainability aligns with [Company]’s vision, as seen in my previous role where I led a project that reduced plastic use by 40% across all marketing materials.”

2. Highlight Relevant Experience in Brand Management or Similar Roles

A hiring manager will want to see that you have tangible experience in brand management, even if it’s from a different field. Use examples from past roles where you successfully managed brand development, increased brand awareness, or boosted customer engagement.

Example: “In my role as Assistant Brand Manager at [Previous Company], I spearheaded a social media campaign that increased engagement by 50% and expanded our online reach by 20%, directly aligning with our brand’s objective to connect with younger audiences.”

3. Showcase Your Strategic Thinking and Creativity

A successful Brand Manager needs to be both strategic and creative. Demonstrate how you combine these skills to develop innovative branding strategies that drive results. Highlight specific campaigns where you took a creative approach to solve a problem or seize an opportunity.

Example: “I created a content strategy that combined user-generated content with influencer partnerships to raise our brand profile among Millennials. This campaign led to a 15% increase in customer loyalty over six months.”

4. Demonstrate Expertise in Market Analysis and Consumer Insights

Strong Brand Managers rely on market analysis and consumer insights to shape their branding strategies. Share examples of how you’ve leveraged data to understand consumer needs and preferences, showing you’re analytical and data-driven.

Example: “Through market analysis and consumer surveys, I identified a gap in the eco-friendly packaging market. Leveraging this insight, I launched a sustainable product line that boosted our brand reputation and increased sales by 25%.”

5. Emphasize Communication and Leadership Skills

Brand Managers work with cross-functional teams, and clear communication is essential. Show how you’ve led teams, managed projects, or collaborated effectively across departments to drive brand success.

Example: “I led a cross-departmental team to rebrand our flagship product, coordinating with marketing, sales, and design to ensure a cohesive approach. My ability to communicate the rebranding vision effectively led to a seamless transition, and we saw a 30% sales increase post-launch.”

6. Highlight Digital Marketing and Social Media Savvy

Digital and social media platforms are critical for brand-building. Detail your expertise in managing digital marketing strategies, understanding analytics, or using social media to grow brand engagement.

Example: “As a Digital Brand Specialist, I leveraged Instagram and Facebook to launch a user-generated content campaign, engaging over 10,000 users. This campaign increased brand visibility by 40% and improved brand sentiment among our target demographic.”

7. Show Evidence of Strong Project Management Skills

Brand Managers often juggle multiple projects at once, requiring top-notch organizational and time-management skills. Share examples where you effectively managed complex projects from start to finish.

Example: “I managed the launch of our annual brand awareness campaign, coordinating across five teams to stay on schedule and within budget. This project required me to handle tight deadlines and monitor KPIs, which ultimately resulted in a 50% increase in brand awareness within our target market.”

8. Illustrate Your Adaptability and Willingness to Innovate

The market is constantly evolving, and a Brand Manager must adapt quickly. Provide examples of how you embraced change, adapted strategies, or introduced new ideas that proved successful.

Example: “When our primary marketing channel faced regulatory changes, I pivoted to a digital-focused approach, increasing content output on emerging platforms like TikTok and generating 300% more engagement than traditional media.”

9. Demonstrate Quantifiable Successes and ROI in Past Roles

Brand Managers are ultimately responsible for driving growth, so make sure you provide concrete, quantifiable results from your previous work. This could be in terms of sales growth, audience engagement, or any other relevant metric.

Example: “Through a targeted brand campaign focusing on seasonal promotions, I increased our product sales by 40% during peak season, resulting in a $500,000 revenue boost over the previous year.”

10. Show a Passion for the Industry and a Continuous Learning Mindset

Employers look for candidates passionate about the brand and willing to stay updated with industry trends. Mention relevant certifications, industry events you’ve attended, or any proactive learning initiatives to show your dedication.

Example: “I recently completed a certification in digital brand management to stay updated with the latest social media algorithms and advertising best practices. My proactive approach ensures I can adapt quickly to industry shifts and apply fresh insights to our brand’s strategy.”

Each tip focuses on showcasing relevant experience and expertise while positioning yourself as a proactive, insightful candidate who will make a meaningful contribution to the brand. Tailoring these examples to your experience will present you as a well-rounded, valuable applicant. Good luck!

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Equal Opportunity Statement

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity, representing a wide range of perspectives. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background, and are committed to complying with non-discrimination regulations.