Brand Team Lead- Houston Market

Compensation: DOE $1,200–$1,400 weekly | Full-Time Contract

Contract Period: July through December 2026 (6 months)

Schedule: 40 hours/week (Team Lead) + 29 hours/week BA support budget (July–August 2026 only) to allocate across the team

ABOUT THE ROLE

We're looking for a dynamic, results-driven Team Lead to manage our Houston market for Gorilla Energy. This full-time contract role requires someone who can build and manage a team, develop strategic marketing initiatives, and establish a strong brand presence in the Greater Houston metropolitan area.

In addition to your own 40 hours per week, you will manage a 29-hour weekly BA support budget during the peak July–August 2026 window that you allocate across your Brand Ambassador team to power sampling, events, retail activations, and guerrilla initiatives. You decide how those hours are deployed each week to maximize market impact during the critical summer push.

ABOUT GORILLA ENERGY

Gorilla delivers great-tasting energy drinks packed with functional benefits—fueling the next generation of doers and risk-takers determined to make their mark. Powered by our proprietary Gorilla Ultimate Energy Blend, each can is infused with Natural Caffeine, Taurine, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Guarana, Ginseng, L-theanine, and B vitamins—all working together to enhance energy and focus. With 200mg of Natural Caffeine for a sustained, balanced boost, Gorilla Energy comes in five bold flavors: Ultimate, Mango Coconut, Watermelon Melon, Cherry Berry, and Kiwi Strawberry.

KEY RETAIL ACCOUNTS

This market is anchored by activations, sampling, and merchandising support across the following priority retail partners:

• Kroger

• HEB

• Buc-ee's / Brake Time

• Timewise

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Market Strategy Development & Execution

• Create comprehensive market schedules and manage implementation of all marketing initiatives

• Develop and execute both short-term and long-term market strategies across the Greater Houston metropolitan area

• Drive activations, sampling, and brand presence across priority retail accounts (Kroger, HEB, Buc-ee's / Brake Time, Timewise)

• Lead guerrilla marketing efforts in high-value locations including construction sites, trade schools, skate parks, music venues, and fitness centers

• Build and maintain relationships with local fitness influencers, businesses, blue-collar and oil & gas workers, skaters, and music scene professionals

• Target key Houston neighborhoods including Downtown Houston, Midtown, Montrose, The Heights, Galleria/Uptown, Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and Pearland

• Identify and capitalize on event opportunities including University of Houston and Rice University events, Houston Rockets and Astros game-day activations, local festivals, and Houston's diverse music and food scenes

• Educate potential customers about what makes Gorilla Energy different from competitors

Team Management & BA Hours Allocation (July–August 2026)

• Source, interview, and onboard Brand Ambassadors (BAs)

• Ensure all team members complete required background check

• Manage a team of Brand Ambassadors and train them on Gorilla Energy product knowledge

• Strategically allocate the 29-hour weekly BA support budget during July–August 2026 across the team to maximize coverage of sampling activations, retail demos, events, and field initiatives

• Build weekly BA schedules, track hours against the 29-hour weekly cap, and ensure every hour drives measurable market impact

• Schedule and manage team activities effectively across Houston's diverse communities and retail footprint

Inventory & Equipment Management

• Manage and organize storage unit for product and promotional materials

• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate restock of product and promotional items

• Maintain equipment in good working order in Houston's humid Gulf Coast climate

• Ensure proper storage and handling of all company assets

Reporting & Communication

• Maintain detailed documentation of all market activities and retail account performance

• Create comprehensive recaps after events and major activations

• Report on market performance, BA hours utilization, and provide strategic recommendations

• Communicate effectively with company leadership and your BA team

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience in marketing, event management, or team leadership

• Strong understanding of the Greater Houston metropolitan area

• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills

• Proven ability to develop and execute marketing strategies

• Experience managing teams and allocating labor hours/budgets in a fast-paced environment

• Valid driver's license with clean driving record

• Knowledge of energy drink market and consumer trends

• Ability to work effectively in Houston's climate (especially humidity and summer heat)

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Existing relationships within the Houston fitness, construction, skating, or music communities

• Established relationships with key retailers in market (Kroger, HEB, Buc-ee's / Brake Time, Timewise)

• Experience with guerrilla marketing campaigns

• Background in fitness, sports, trades, skating culture, music/events, or related industries

• Knowledge of University of Houston, Rice, and surrounding campus areas

• Event planning and coordination experience

• Beverage or CPG marketing experience

• Familiarity with Houston's unique neighborhoods and diverse demographic distribution

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit your resume along with:

• A brief overview of your relevant experience in the Houston market, including any prior work with the priority retail accounts listed above

• Your proposed first-month strategy for market penetration

• A sample weekly BA hours allocation plan for the July–August 2026 peak window, showing how you would deploy 29 hours across your team for maximum impact