BRENT R. MACDONALD
**** * ******** ** ******, AR 72758
**************@*****.*** 479-***-****
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
Results oriented professional with a proven track record in Merchandising, Channel Marketing and Brand Marketing. Seeking an opportunity that will create new and exciting challenges utilizing my professional experience and educational background while providing opportunities for further personal development and growth.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Project Management Agency & Vendor Management Strategic Planning
P&L Management Client Relationship Management Presentation & Selling
EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Communications Multimedia, December, 2003
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Communications, Minor in Graphic Arts, August, 2000
• SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY, University Center, MI
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CONSULTING – CPG MARKETING OCTOBER 2010 – DECEMBER 2010
Provided consultative service to DS-IQ for the creation of a CPG targeted e-coupon tool
Acted as marketing expert lending experience and knowledge of the beer, wine & spirits category and consumer facing promotional activation
STUDIO SQUARED – BENTONVILLE, AR
Director of Business Development MAY 2010 ~ SEPTEMBER 2010
Embedded in Walmart Home office, lead on site efforts acting as liaison between Walmart Marketing and Vendor clients.
Identify new categories and products to leverage the Smart TV technology building new client business
Support Walmart Marketing creating presentation materials and a touch point to support discussions between Walmart Marketing and Vendor community
MILLERCOORS – CHICAGO, IL
Associate Brand Manager – Coors Family of Brands OCTOBER 2008 ~ MAY 2010
Reporting to the Brand Manager – Coors Family of Brands, Assisted in the development and implementation of portfolio promotions. Consistently collaborated with and leveraged internal and external support groups during all processes. Managed the development, communication and execution of national Thematic Programming. Managed all aspects of packaging initiatives from concept to execution for innovations and sponsorships. Contributed in the development, communication and execution of Consumer Pull Promotions.
Maintained knowledge of and contributed to Locally Relevant Promotional Activity for Coors Family of Brands.
Working with the innovations team, successfully lead the test launch of multiple new items directing agencies with the creation of all supporting marketing collateral in key test markets
o 24oz 3pk can launch with a budget of $70K
o Home Draft System launch with a budget of $700K
Successfully developed and executed national consumer promotion with total 360 marketing support to include retail programming, TV, Radio, digital and OOH media and a partnership with ESPN tied to the 2010 NFL Draft
Managed multiple national programs from conception to activation, supporting brand initiatives at retail for key occasions and sponsorships
o NFL national retail program for 2011 Super Bowl with budget of $1.5MM
o NASCAR national retail program with a budget of $800K
o Halloween national retail program with a budget of $100K
o Holiday/Christmas national retail program with a budget of $400K
Successfully managed retail national launch of the Cold Activated 12oz can innovation from concept to execution.
o Developed all national and retailer sell in materials and supporting point of sale with a budget of 1.5MM
o Received National Retail Program of the Year award 2010
MILLERCOORS – Bentonville, AR
Customer Marketing Manager November 2006 ~ October 2008
Reporting to the Sr. Director of Regional Key Accounts, responsible for development and implementation of customized national programming for MillerCoors Portfolio Brands at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. As a member of the Leadership Team, provided on going budget and financial analysis, managing the annual CMF budget of $1.5MM.
Managed imbedded dedicated agency Account Supervisor
Acting as a leader in the Supplier Community, successfully organized and managed multiple partner programs from concept to activation. Selected by Walmart Marketing department to lead development of partner programming against two key occasions.
o Received Supplier of the Quarter Q4 2008
Developed key customer relationships to allow marketing and agency teams to move quickly through all approval processes for national thematic POS elements, retailtainment and store level demo events.
Successfully activated multiple annual local events creating customer and consumer brand awareness, securing right of first refusal for exclusive sponsorship of three of the largest events in North West Arkansas including Bikes Blues & BBQ.
Developed and managed key internal relationships with brand teams to obtain incremental CMF funding and future support. Scheduled and administered Quarterly Brand Planning presentations creating transparency to account performance by Brand.
Supported Field Sales Leadership team by successfully creating and activating multiple regional programs against key occasions on an individual market level.
Creator and author of monthly publications (Walmart Team News Letter & Walmart COMAC Letter) to communicate business critical information to Customer, Distributor Sales Network, Senior Management and Field Sales Teams.
Demonstrated high level competencies creating and delivering business presentations to internal Brand Marketing teams, Distributor Sales Network, Sr. Management and Walmart/Sam’s Club Buyer and Marketing teams.
Developed and presented Annual Business Plans, new items and innovations and program concepts aligned with Walmart Style Guide to Walmart Buying Office and Marketing Departments.
Effectively managed multiple vendors and agencies through development and activation of store level events and programs delivering positive ROI on all programs activated.
Accurately managed CMF budget consistently within 5% of allocation while adhering to Sarbanes Oxly procedures and rules.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS – Bentonville, AR
Merchandising Manager May 2005 ~ November 2006
Reporting to the Merchandising Director, responsible for planning and execution of retail operations for Universal Studios Home Entertainment for multiple National Accounts including Wal-Mart, Circuit City and Best Buy. Ascertained Market Intelligence to assist account teams with driving sales opportunities. Identify opportunities to improve supply chain effectiveness at retail. Developed, fostered and maintained strong customer and vendor relations. Assessed merchandising execution of 3rd party merchandising vendors through field audits and score-card analysis to maximize sales and operational efficiencies.
Gathered Market Intelligence to manage vendors and provide key insights to sales teams.
Created and analyzed vendor score-carding to manage and improve 3rd party vendor compliance and execution at retail.
Created and implemented solutions and best practices acting as thought leader for 3rd party vendors.
Coordinated bi-annual planning and review sessions with Universal Studios customer teams and merchandising companies to ensure retail execution supports the corporate business plan.
Analyzed and monitored industry trends to consistently develop alternative execution strategies.
Regular Interaction with Sales, Customer Service, Marketing, RIM, and Creative Services to support cross departmental partnerships
SPAR GROUP INC – Auburn Hills, MI
Media Group Manager, Client Services March 2004 ~ May 2005
Reporting to the Media Director, manage and oversee the Media Program delivering exceptional service and results. Coordinate and lead the Media Team, ensuring the execution of all aspects of retail marketing and merchandising. Monitor quality and accuracy of the production and distribution of program materials, consistently meeting program deadlines. Analyze, trend, forecast, and present program improvements and financial progress to clients. Work closely with clients to create, organize and execute marketing materials and promotional strategies. Create key internal communications documents, merchandising instructions, questionnaires and dynamic marketing materials to support program initiatives. Work with clients, IT and Sales Team to design and improve service compliance reports. Act as liaison between clients and retail chains, achieving profitability goals and client satisfaction.
Managed a staff of (8) Account Supervisors
Provided tactical planning for new and existing client business including Warner Brothers, Universal Studios, Paramount, MGM, Columbia Tri-Star and FOX.
Developed and monitored internal incentive contests and recognition programs.
Conducted quarterly client business reviews, internal operations meetings and focus groups.
Assisted Sales Team by researching new business prospects and preparing presentation materials.
Developed and administered unique merchandising strategies for high visibility projects.
Acted as key contact for successful new VMI account roll-out in Circuit City.
Designed, produced and administered chain wide retail signing programs to maximize sales lift.