Full-Time

Brand Manager

Innovation

Posted on 9/26/2025

Yerba Madre

Yerba Madre

Direct-to-consumer yerba mate beverages

Compensation Overview

$120k - $150k/yr

+ Bonuses + Commission + Variable pay

Oakland, CA, USA

Hybrid

Hybrid role; on-site 2 days per week in Oakland, CA.

Category
Growth & Marketing (1)
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field. MBA preferred.
  • 4-6 years of experience in brand management and innovation within the CPG industry (Food & Beverage experience preferred).
  • Innovation/consumer insights experience required.
  • Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting syndicated data (Nielsen, IRI, SPINS, etc.) and consumer insights.
  • Experience collaborating on successful new product launches, contributing across the process from concept to commercialization.
  • Ability to think strategically while delivering with attention to detail.
  • Comfortable working in and contributing to cross-functional teams (Marketing, Sales, R&D, Operations, Finance).
  • Clear and collaborative communicator with strong presentation and project coordination skills.
  • Curiosity and passion for the beverage industry, innovation, and emerging trends.
  • Willing to travel 25% of the time to support business objectives and new product development.
Responsibilities
  • Partner with teams to design and lead qualitative and quantitative research that uncovers meaningful insights to guide innovation, marketing strategy, and product development.
  • Collaborate with insights partners to analyze syndicated data (Nielsen, IRI, SPINS, etc.) and share trends, opportunities, and competitive performance with cross-functional teams.
  • Identify white space opportunities and emerging trends to help shape brand and product strategy.
  • Monitor competitive activity, including product launches, pricing strategies, and promotional programs.
  • Translate research findings into clear, actionable recommendations and share insights with stakeholders in an engaging, collaborative way.
  • Review industry reports and publications to highlight trends and summarize key takeaways for the team.
  • Contribute to developing consumer-centered brand positioning, product concepts, and packaging strategies aligned with business goals.
  • Partner across teams to support the full product development process — from concept through commercialization — ensuring projects stay on track and deliver impact.
  • Collaborate with R&D, Operations, and agency partners to bring new products to market efficiently and effectively.
  • Work with Design to co-create packaging that elevates the brand and inspires consumer interest.
  • Partner in developing new product launch plans, ensuring alignment across functions on messaging, positioning, and activation.
  • Support the launch of 3–4 new product initiatives annually, coordinating processes from concept to shelf.
  • Help manage project timelines, workback schedules, and team collaboration to drive successful execution.
  • Guide projects through the stage-gate process, building consensus and securing support at key milestones.
  • Partner with the Commercial team to inform accurate forecasts and distribution strategies.
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain and Operations teams to ensure readiness for production and launch.
  • Work with Finance to align on P&L goals and ensure new products support sustainable growth.
  • Contribute to the development of the annual brand plan, aligning around key growth objectives and strategies.
  • Track brand health metrics and support maintenance of KPI dashboards, including market share, sales performance, and engagement.
  • Partner with the marketing team (digital, social, PR, agencies, etc.) to provide consumer and market insights that inform integrated campaigns and activations.
  • Support execution of product-related partnerships, sponsorships, and influencer programs that build visibility and consumer connection.
Desired Qualifications
  • MBA preferred.
  • Experience with Yerba Mate or beverage category is not specified but implied by role; no other explicit desirable items listed.

Yerba Madre sells yerba mate beverages with organic fruit juices in the United States and Canada, offering both still and sparkling options. Their products include high-energy canned drinks, sparkling cans, and dried yerba mate, sold directly through their online store. The caffeine comes from yerba mate leaves, which are blended with fruit juices to create refreshing, naturally energizing beverages. The company also builds community through Ambacebador programs that encourage customers to connect and share experiences. Yerba Madre differentiates itself by emphasizing organic ingredients, a direct-to-consumer model, and a commitment to sustainability with the aim of a regenerative, net-positive impact on people and the planet. Its goal is to provide natural energy alternatives that support health-conscious consumers while fostering community and environmental responsibility.

Company Size

N/A

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Sebastopol, California

Founded

1996

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • $200M annual sales with nationwide retail in Whole Foods and 10,000 stores.
  • Watermelody rolled out to H-E-B, Kroger, Sprouts, Amazon in 2025.
  • LTO strategy launches summer flavors engaging superfans in 2026.

What critics are saying

  • Rebrand confuses consumers, erodes shelf space against competitors in 3-9 months.
  • Retail expansion cannibalizes DTC margins via H-E-B, Amazon in 6-12 months.
  • Organic costs inflate, squeeze margins as inputs rise in 12-24 months.

What makes Yerba Madre unique

  • Rebranded from Guayakí in May 2025 to emphasize regenerative yerba mate mission.
  • Market-driven regeneration model funds rainforest restoration via sales since 1996.
  • 12,000-member Ambacebador community co-developed Watermelody flavor in 2025.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Mental Health Support

Paid Medical Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation

Company News

Prepared Foods
Aug 26th, 2025
Yerba Madre Launches Watermelody, First Seasonal Release Under Rebrand

Yerba Madre launches Watermelody, first seasonal release under rebrand.

PR Newswire
May 2nd, 2025
Guayakí Yerba Mate Rebrands As Yerba Madre, Deepening Its Regenerative Mission And Honoring Indigenous Partnerships

SEBASTOPOL, Calif., and VENICE, Calif., May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Guayakí Yerba Mate, the pioneer of regenerative yerba mate beverages in North America, is rebranding as Yerba Madre™, a new name that reflects a deepened commitment to people and planet, and the ancestral roots of yerba mate

INACTIVE