Head of Category Team Drinks

At Ecotone, we are a purpose-driven company with a clear mission to propose an alternative food model that prioritizes organic and plant-based solutions, all with the aim of protecting Biodiversity. We believe that through sustainable practices and ethical decision-making, we can contribute to a healthier planet and a more equitable future. Our commitment to human rights, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, as we work to create a positive impact both in the workplace and in the world around us.

Camberley (UK)

Full-Time

The European HOT DRINKS Head of Category is in charge of developing a strong innovation and renovation pipeline that will contribute to the brand and category growth. Also acting as a brand guardian across comms and communication roll out they will be passionate about brands as well as having a clear consumer/shopper point of view. They will be one of the key points of contact of the Hot Drinks category from the factory;

3rd party suppliers and the local marketing teams. Responsibilities include global innovation pipeline development & implementation of new big bet game changing innovation projects, working with the Global Communication Lead to roll out communications plans and measurement across all markets, maintaining brand consistency and simplification across all touch points especially global packaging, all which will positively impact brand growth and GM%.

• Innovation:
  Leading development & Implementation of a strong 3 year Innovation and Renovation Pipeline. Identifying untapped consumer needs or market gaps & converting into clear range recommendations & new concepts
• Lead development and implementation of new Global ‘Big Bet’ Game Changing category Innovation Projects looking at new categories and formats to step change brand growth.
• Lead development and implementation of global tea category flavour strategy and define pipeline for next 3 years
• Management of 1 x direct report – global innovation project manager
• Strong experience of innovation P&L management & development to ensure all new projects are commercially viable and will positively impact brand growth and GM%
• Comms:
  Contributing to the development of effective global brand communications
• Working alongside the new Global Communications Lead to drive and champion consistent brand identity across Europe through comms & supporting with rollout of any new global communications assets
• Supporting Head of Hot Drinks on measurement of ROI across the global communications landscape to ensure consistency and identify ‘playbook’ of what media drives value for the business.
• Work with the global creative lead to develop & step change communications plans and toolkits to launch new innovation platforms
• Portfolio Management & Packaging
• Lead rollout and implementation of new Clipper / Cupper Brand Portfolio Architecture across markets to ensure delivery by Sept 2025 and consistency across all markets
• Working with the Global Insight manager to analyze multimarket data to bring latest insights and learnings into the global team
• Responsible for communicating and collaborating across a multi-functional/ cross country team whilst good at managing matrix structure and influencing key stakeholders
• Identifying and delivering ways to reduce complexity and minimize costs

Europe – Role will focus on 2/3 countries and with transversal projects across 6 markets & international.

Ability to innovate/bring fresh ideas, challenge/critique, optimize/adapt plans and forward plan whilst working within a complex matrix structure team and influencing key stakeholders to gain alignment on decisions.

• Uses various sources of market data (quant, qual, social listening) to simplify/clearly articulate opportunities/threats on the category/brand and develop action plans
• Able to build strong relationships cross functionally and across markets to drive growth
• Lead the ideation, development & execution toolkit of innovation based on market data and trends to create innovation aligned with the brand values
• Abl…