Brand and Channel Growth Manager (3 Years Experience, FMCG, Beauty & Wellness)

About Markato

Markato is one of the fastest-growing distribution and brand marketing companies in Asia, serving as the exclusive distributor for trending brands such as WELLAGE, ILSO, LILYEVE, BB LAB, and more. We are driven to be a tech-led disruptor in the FMCG industry, dedicated to introducing a new generation of innovative brands to consumers across Asia. Operating in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment, Markato is backed by Lightspeed, a leading global VC.

Job Summary

This role offers a unique combination of strategy, sales, and marketing responsibilities with unparalleled exposure and growth opportunities. The Brand and Channel Growth Manager will take charge of launching and growing exciting brands in new markets, developing an all-rounded set of skills. As a key player in a fast-growing startup, you will have a high degree of business ownership from the outset, a steep learning curve, and a unique dual-mandate: to both execute with rigor and continuously innovate and build better ways of doing business.

Key Responsibilities

• Budgeting: Allocate the annual budget effectively across various workstreams, carefully monitor expenditures, and manage costs to ensure maximum efficiency and adherence to financial targets.
• Retail channel management: Work closely with channel partners on developing and executing effective sales and promotion planning, managing the day-to-day operations of initiatives to maximize in-store conversion rates, and building and maintaining strong relationships with key partner stakeholders.
• Marketing coordination: Collaborate with internal marketing teams and external partners to plan and execute targeted marketing campaigns and communications designed to grow brand awareness and drive retail sales, ensuring seamless coordination with Retail Channels to maximize the return on marketing investments.
• Forecasting and supply chain planning: Conduct detailed sales and inventory forecasting, working closely with internal supply chain teams and retail partner logistics to ensure stock sufficiency in all stores, minimize out-of-stock situations, and optimize purchasing from suppliers.
• Supplier management: Manage and nurture relationships with suppliers and Brand Principals, coordinating business and stock planning, overseeing new product development and launches, providing regular performance updates, and conducting strategic contract and pricing negotiations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in Marketing, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of two years of demonstrated experience in brand marketing and/or key account management is essential.
• Prior experience within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Retail sectors is a significant advantage.
• A strong passion for and understanding of Asian Beauty trends, particularly Korean, Japanese, and Chinese beauty brands.
• Must exhibit a strong sense of ownership and be a proactive self-starter capable of working independently.
• Proven ability to approach challenges with strong analytical skills and conceptual problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional skills in communication, public presentation, and negotiation are critical for success in this role.
• Highly organized, demonstrating excellent time management capabilities to handle multiple priorities effectively.
• Fluency in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin is required.
• Energetic, creative, proactive, and committed to maintaining a consumer-centric approach in all initiatives.