Brand Manager

What will you do?

Job Purpose

The Brand Manager is responsible for Glacier's brand strategy, brand governance, creative excellence, corporate identity and internal creative studio, ensuring that every Glacier touchpoint consistently reflects the brand's positioning, values and premium market presence. The role serves as a strategic partner to the Head of Marketing & Communications, shaping Glacier's brand narrative, visual identity, thought leadership positioning and brand experience frameworks.

While the role provides strategic oversight and governance across marketing initiatives, it does not own campaign execution or event delivery. Instead, it enables, guides and protects the Glacier brand while ensuring all output delivered through the Marketing function meets the highest standards of brand excellence.

Key Outcomes

Brand Strategy & Stewardship

• Support the development and execution of Glacier's long-term brand strategy.
• Protect and strengthen Glacier's market positioning and brand equity.
• Define and evolve Glacier's brand architecture, messaging hierarchy and brand frameworks.
• Conduct ongoing brand reviews to ensure consistency and relevance.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen brand differentiation and market presence.
• Act as the guardian of the Glacier brand across all channels and touchpoints.

Corporate Identity & Brand Governance

• Own Glacier's visual identity system and corporate identity standards.
• Develop and maintain Glacier's brand guidelines, toolkits and templates.
• Ensure consistent application of the Glacier brand across all internal and external communications.
• Review and approve high-profile creative executions.
• Partner with Communications, IMC, Digital and Events teams to ensure brand consistency.
• Drive compliance with brand standards across agencies and suppliers.

Creative Studio Leadership

Accountable for the performance and effectiveness of the internal creative studio.

• Leadership of the design function.
• Management of the Design Specialists
• Studio prioritisation and workflow management.
• Creative quality assurance.
• Design standards and best practices.
• Creative capability development.
• Asset management and version control.
• Ensure all creative output reflects Glacier's premium positioning and strategic objectives.
• Thought Leadership & Brand Storytelling
• Define Glacier's overarching brand narrative and storytelling approach.
• Partner with Communications to bring Glacier's thought leadership strategy to life.
• Identify opportunities for executive profiling and reputation building.
• Shape key brand messages and positioning frameworks.
• Support strategic content initiatives that elevate Glacier's voice in the market.
• Help translate complex business priorities into compelling brand stories.

Brand Experience Framework

While not responsible for event delivery, the role will:

• Define Glacier's brand experience principles.
• Ensure consistent application of the Glacier brand across signature events and experiences.

...

Strategic Brand Projects

• Partner with the Head of Marketing & Communications on strategic projects including brand evolution, positioning reviews, innovation initiatives, strategic partnerships, and future brand opportunities.
• Act as a trusted advisor on brand-related business decisions.

Agency & Partner Management

• Lead brand-related agency partnerships including Creative agencies, Design partners, Production suppliers, and Branding vendors. 
• Responsibilities include Strategic briefing, Quality control, Creative review, Brand alignment, and Performance management.

Brand Measurement & Insights

• Track and evaluate brand health indicators.
• Monitor brand perception and engagement.
• Conduct brand audits where required.
• Use market, customer and intermediary insights to inform brand strategy.
• Report on key brand metrics and strategic brand initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Marketing, Brand Management, Communications, Business Management, Commerce, Public Relations, or related discipline
• 7-10 years marketing and brand experience.
• 5+ years in a senior brand management role.
• Financial services experience preferred.
• Experience leading creative teams or studios.
• Strong agency management experience.
• Proven success in brand governance and brand transformation initiatives.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and executive leadership. 

Ideal Candidate

• The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and brand custodian who understands that brand is far more than a logo, event or campaign.
• They possess the commercial acumen to influence business strategy, the discipline to protect brand equity, and the creative leadership to elevate every touchpoint that represents Glacier.
• Most importantly, they can help Glacier build one of the most respected, differentiated and trusted brands in South African financial services.

Competencies

• Client-centric orientation and focus
• Cultivates innovation
• Collaborates
• Being resilient
• Drive optimal results
• Attention to detail, accuracy, following robust processes and procedures 
• Quality in delivery
• Leadership skills

Attributes

• Positive, enthusiastic attitude 
• Teamwork
• Ability to thrive under pressure
• Honesty, integrity, and respect
• Influencing and gaining commitment 
• Can do attitude
• Ability to work independently 

What will make you successful in this role?

Qualification and Experience

Knowledge and Skills

Personal Attributes

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping  our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. 

Our commitment to transformation