INABA FOODS (USA), INC.

This role is responsible for both product marketing and general management activities, including the development and launch of marketing plans, growth initiatives and new products, product and packaging optimization, supporting customer presentations, analyzing market performance, budget development and P&L management, product life-cycle management, and project management. The position works with cross-functional teams and collaborates with our Global Corporate office based in Tokyo, Japan and provides regular business updates to Executive Management.

The position is located in Torrance, CA. In office role.

Duties and Responsibilities

Consumer Marketing Management

Implementation of Global Brand Strategy provided by and partnered with our Global Headquarters.

Provide leadership in planning and executing marketing plans through:

• Collaboration and Implementation of marketing programs that drive growth and enable attainment of sales and profit targets
• Understanding brand equity and competitive advantage
• Identifying pet category opportunities and white space
• Assisting with the management of brand positioning and strategy across all retail environments
• Develop a deep understanding of the pet category and the different retail environments (Food, Drug, and Mass, Pet Specialty, and e-commerce)
• Develop a complete understanding of the brand and individual SKU performance in the market
• Provides input on packaging and new product development
• Evaluating results of marketing programs and making optimization recommendations
• Anticipate, identify, and analyze pet category trends and opportunities to maximize Inaba’s competitive position
• Ongoing analysis and market-facing activities include:

1. Data analysis to understand category/SKU results and trends, competitive performance, and consumption trends
2. Turn data into actionable insights to improve brand performance
3. Sales and customer interaction to understand customer needs and opportunities
4.  Sourcing and sharing competitive intelligence

Product Management

• Partnering with our Global Corporate office and Sales Leadership to lead and assist in the development, maintenance, and overall management of assigned product segments to maximize sales growth and profit potential, including:

1. In partnership to launch new products and line extensions
2. Product life-cycle management, including SKU rationalization
3. Development and maintenance of product line go-to-market strategies – merchandising, assortment, pricing, and shelving
4. Financial Management – Understand budgets and business plan objectives and ensure delivery of financial goals through ongoing tracking and analysis.
5. Review of product, customer, and category plans to optimize the ROI for marketing investments

Strategic Planning

• Lead development of the strategic and marketing plan for Inaba USA and Canada
• Prepare for and participate in ongoing joint sales & marketing planning
• Development of the annual marketing plan in collaboration with our Global Corporate office

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bilingual Japanese preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related field required, Master’s preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a brand management role, preferably within the pet category at a CPG company
• Ability to understand brand architecture and drive growth
• Command of understanding and interpreting syndicated data from IRI or Nielsen
• Demonstrated financial acumen
• Strong communication skills and ability to effectively present to and lead large group discussions
• Demonstrated leadership, taking initiative, and delivering results
• Channel the entrepreneurial spirit and have a growth mindset
• Ability to collaborate with and lead teams
• Ability to be an engaged and contributing member of the Inaba Foods USA culture
• Strong desire to win as a team
• Able to thrive in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Ability to lead and facilitate key customer interactions
• Demonstrated success in managing and directing change
• Ability to influence others through analysis and presentation
• Strong PC proficiency to include Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Possible travel required up to 25%

Inaba Foods (USA) Inc. is an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY employer and all qualified candidates are considered for employment with LEG without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. The Company will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the local “Fair Chance” Ordinance(s).

INABA FOODS (USA), INC.