Communications & Branding Manager - Agricultural Solutions

Objective of the Position:

• Contributes to the overall growth of BASF’s agricultural solutions business in India by leading the country branding efforts, Communications and Marketing Services initiatives. Wears the hat of a BASF brand guardian for India and owns the role of ensuring brand compliance in coordination with Regional Branding and Communications team.
• Responsible for steering the BASF brand, its value proposition, strategy, rules, and style across India in Agricultural Solutions. Educating countries on the proper brand communication and how product brands and category brands are properly developed and executed – upskill the countries’ brand management capabilities.
• Serves as an active member of the BASF agricultural solutions communications team in Asia Pacific, participates in select global calls and contributes to regional communications programs and activities. Collaborates with digital marketing, communications, and where relevant – Commercial excellence

Job Responsibilities:

• Owns the process for Brand management and marcom in BASF Agricultural Solutions for India
• As brand guardian, work with Regional / Global colleagues to establish proper brand adherence in the country. This includes the development and review of brand documents with clear brand guidelines and monitor the brand and marcom activities of the region. Ensure compliance of marketing activities are in line with BASF brand guidelines and leverages on the BASF brand instead of product focused branding.
• Responsible for leading the brand communications team for key brands in continually enhancing brand image; increasing brand awareness and providing after-sales support through advertisements, media, point-of sale. Along with crop managers plan marketing campaigns. – Crop / product wise. Manage end to end brand development as per BASF branding guidelines by coordinating and managing the complete value chain. Oversee the production of all print and electronic materials such as POP material, promotional brochures, website content
• Defines and develop a strategic framework of brand marketing and activities for the country in alignment with regional counterparts with a goal of improving efficiency and effectiveness. This includes clarity of spend, the budgets, split of marcom spend and strategic intent
• Organize relevant upskilling sessions with the aim of maintaining brand integrity across all company marketing initiatives and communications, and this includes BASF and selected campaigns, and product launches and promotions.
• Collaborate with key sub-regional marketing teams and influences the right behaviour and outcome in the country advance the BASF branding in their marketing efforts.
• Hands on responsibility for creating presentations, videos, content needed by the business. Manage and organize the country brand and marcom library – proactively coordinating the collection and creation of photos, videos and other visuals, and guiding regional and country teams on their effective use.
• Management of trademarks as per the BASF guidelines. Action for trademark infringements
• Supporting sales team with on ground marketing and promotional activities in coordination with respective Marketing and sales team
• Drive product launches with product manager to support business priorities and achieve sales goals. Adhering to the product launch process-Preparation, execution & Review.
• Support Event Management
   
• Evaluating and Managing vendors for Marketing services and events
• Lead country Risk Assessment & actions
• Leading the team effectively and guiding them on regular basis

Job Requirements:

• MBA / PGD Agribusiness Management or Marketing
• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in marketing / sales, brand management, either in agency or corporate environment. Experience working in a large multinational company with multiple stakeholders in various locations preferred. Experience in agriculture / chemical industry a plus
• Exceptional English language writing and with strong communication skills
• Strategic thinker with who can lead and take charge of projects. Project management and able to think broadly.
• Competency in managing Brand, and branding strategies.
• Excellent computer skills (MS Office). Hands-on experience with crafting required brand toolkits, manuals and marcom policies.
• Experience working closely with senior executives and diverse cultures. Strong interpersonal skills with ability to coach, guide and develop others.
• Excellent people and project management skills. Able to coach, guide and develop people
• High performing, mature and independent self-starter who can work well as part of a team