Brand Manager

Brand Manager – Fixed Term Contract About the Opportunity

We are looking for an Interim Brand Manager on a fixed term contract (12-14 months) commencing from Feb 2026. The role will be responsible for a specific product portfolio of soft drinks within the wider Nichols PLC branded portfolio and will develop and deliver brand and communications plans that support profitable growth.

• Acting as the Nichols PLC brand champion within the company and to external stakeholders.
• Driving profitable brand growth across portfolio areas of responsibility, in line with our Group Strategy and Happier Future Strategy in conjunction with colleagues across multiple disciplines.
• Support on the annual brand planning process across areas of responsibility.
• Managing the implementation of the consumer brand plans, ensuring all activity is completed on time, to budget and is in line with the brand guidelines and brand positioning. Working in close consultation and partnership with the Nichols PLC sales, operations team and external agencies as appropriate to implement the plans.
• Monitoring and reporting on brand performance through analysis of market data (in conjunction with the category team) and sales data (using internal data sources) and recommending remedial action as required.
• Supporting the creation and delivery of the innovation pipeline for each brand and acting as the project leader, ensuring the timely and successful launch of product development / NPD projects to market.
• Proposing requirements for qualitative and quantitative research and writing research briefs, analysing results and recommending course of action.
• Overseeing the management and implementation of all relevant brand websites/ website pages.
• Managing the strategy and implementation of social platforms in line with brand/ corporate guidelines.

• At least 2 years’ experience working as a brand manager in a reputable FMCG business (preferably Food and Drink) or an equivalent senior marketing role.
• Channel experience working in the UK Grocery retail sector and ideally working in the ‘Out of Home’ market including Leisure, Pubs/Bars/Restaurants, Hotels, Catering.
• Evidence of leading and delivering brand strategies and plans.
• Evidence of developing and managing a customer plan and strategy.
• Experience of working with a stage & gate innovation process and leading cross‑functional teams to deliver new product development projects from ideation to launch on time and within budget.
• Experience of briefing external agencies and assessing creative responses in line with agreed brand positioning/ objectives.
• Experience of managing the delivery of through‑the‑line consumer‑facing communication campaigns including creative development & media / comms planning.
• Agency relationship management, mainly in the areas of trade (shopper and PR) and consumer marketing e.g. research, media, comms and design.
• Demonstrated commercial awareness e.g. pricing/promotional strategies.
• Project management and strong organisational skills.

No matter where you work in our business you will be entitled to a range of amazing benefits, here is a snapshot of what we can offer you:

• 25 days holiday (with opportunity to buy extra every year)
• Save as you Earn Share Scheme
• Option to join our private medical cover scheme

• Your birthday off work.
• 1 day a year off work to volunteer in the community (you choose when and where).
• Help yourself to our drinks when at one of our sites.
• Staff shop with discounts on our products.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and are learning what this means every day.

We are striving to ensure we are building more diverse teams; we are at our best when we bring together our different life experiences, ways of thinking and individuality.

Any job offer is subject to an individual’s Right to Work in the UK.

Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas.

Associate

Full‑time

Marketing

Food and Beverage Services and Food and Beverage Manufacturing