Associate Manager, Brand Marketing

Job Title: Associate Manager, Brand Marketing

Hiring Manager: Director, Brand Marketing (Drunk Elephant & Dr. Dennis Gross)

Brands: Drunk Elephant, Dr. Dennis Gross

Direct Reports: N/A

Company Overview:

Shiseido was founded in 1872 as Japan’s first Western-style pharmacy in the upscale Ginza district of Tokyo and is one of the oldest cosmetic companies in the world. With over 150 years of dedicated service, superior products and unparalleled technology, Shiseido’s mission is to identify new, richer sources of value and use them to create beauty in the lives and cultures of those it serves.

At Shiseido, we hold a traditional Japanese value of “Omotenashi”, the spirit of welcoming and care that cannot be translated in words. Through this spirit, we practice thoughtfulness, dedication to the needs of others and meticulous attention to every aspect of our products and service.

Job Summary:

The Associate Manager, Brand Marketing will support the development and execution of marketing strategies for Drunk Elephant and Dr. Dennis Gross in Canada. This role is responsible for driving impactful paid media programs, influencer campaigns, and sampling initiatives that build brand awareness, drive consumer engagement, and support business objectives.

Working closely with internal cross-functional teams, retail partners, agency partners, and global stakeholders, the Associate Manager will help bring brand strategies to life through best-in-class paid media programs, creator partnerships, and highly effective sampling initiatives.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Paid National and Retailer Media

• Lead the planning and execution of paid media programs, including retailer co-op media and national brand campaigns, ensuring alignment with brand priorities, product launches, and promotional periods.
• Manage retailer co-op media programs with key partners to maximize visibility within retailer ecosystems.
• Partner with media agencies to develop campaign briefs, evaluate media opportunities, and oversee campaign execution.
• Manage paid media budgets, timelines, and creative asset delivery.
• Monitor campaign performance and provide reporting, insights, and optimization recommendations to maximize return on investment.
• Identify new media opportunities to enhance brand visibility, consumer acquisition, and retailer support.

Influencer Marketing & Creator Partnerships

• Support the development and execution of influencer marketing strategies aligned with brand priorities and consumer trends.
• Identify, recruit, negotiate, and manage influencer and creator partnerships across multiple tiers and platforms.
• Conduct ongoing influencer discovery and manage creator relationships using influencer marketing platforms and social analytics tools.
• Lead influencer seeding and mailer programs, including creator selection, product allocation, shipping coordination, and performance tracking.
• Lead co-creation with Canadian creators to develop platform-native content that reflects brand tone, visual identity, and storytelling priorities.
• Develop campaign and creative briefs, managing contracts, content approvals, usage rights, production workflows, and execution timelines.
• Monitor and analyze campaign and content performance, providing insights and recommendations to optimize future partnerships and investments.

Sampling Program Management

• Lead the planning and execution of sampling programs across retailer, field, influencer, and DTC (DE.ca) channels.
• Develop annual and quarterly sampling plans aligned with marketing priorities, product launches, retailer programs, and key business initiatives.
• Forecast sample requirements and work closely with Supply Chain and global partners to ensure adequate sample inventory is available to support planned activities.
• Manage sample inventory levels, allocations, and distribution across channels.
• Track sample usage and inventory health, identifying opportunities to optimize investments and reduce excess and obsolete (E&O) sample inventory.
• Partner cross-functionally to proactively manage sample inventory risks, shortages, and aging inventory.
• Monitor the effectiveness of sampling programs and provide recommendations to improve reach, efficiency, and return on investment.
• Maintain accurate records of sample budgets, inventory allocations, and program performance

Reporting & Business Analysis

• Consolidate and analyze paid media, influencer, and sampling performance data.
• Track key performance indicators and provide actionable recommendations to improve future programs.
• Monitor competitive activity, industry trends, and consumer insights to identify opportunities and risks.
• Manage budget tracking, purchase orders, and invoice reconciliation across marketing initiatives.
• Develop presentations, business reviews, launch plans, and campaign recaps for internal and external stakeholders.

Special Projects

• Support and participate in special projects as assigned

Qualifications & Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in brand marketing, paid media, influencer marketing, social media, or related fields.
• Experience planning and executing paid media campaigns, including retailer co-op media, national media, budget management, and performance reporting.
• Experience managing influencer marketing programs, including creator sourcing, content development, campaign execution, and performance measurement.
• Strong understanding of TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, creator ecosystems, and platform-native content creation.
• Experience managing product sampling programs, including forecasting, inventory planning, allocation management, and E&O mitigation.
• Experience working with media, influencer, creative, and retail marketing agencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Exceptional analytical, communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in beauty, lifestyle, or consumer brands preferred.
• Bilingual English/French is considered an asset.

Trust 8 Competencies

Below is a list of Trust 8 Competencies designed to help employees at Shiseido Americas succeed as the company continues to evolve and innovate.

1. Think Big: Adapt a big-picture perspective. Deliver new values through creativity.

2. Take Risks: Embrace Risk, Practice “Trial and Error and Trial”.

3. Hands On: Consider Front-line realities when making decisions. Take the lead from end to end.

4. Collaborate: Leverage the diverse capabilities of colleagues.

5. Be Open: Create an environment that encourages everyone to speak up.

6. Act with Integrity: Be sincere and humble at all times.

7. Be Accountable: Commit to the goal. Take accountability for the execution.

8. Applaud Success: Create a culture that celebrates success.

We value the diversity of the people we hire and serve. Shiseido Canada is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise, so that suitable accommodation can be arranged. We can be reached at hr@shiseidoca.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.