Merchandising & Gifting Manager

Merchandising & Gifting Manager

Final date to receive applications: 30 January 2026

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Swansea HQ

Reporting To: Ethan Cooze

Compensation: £45,000 - £50,000 / year

🚀 Join Us in building a legacy brand! 🚀

Welcome to AU Vodka, where ambition and drive meets passion, and every idea has the power to transform the way we are disrupting and mixing up the drinks and spirits industry.

Are you ready for the challenge and to be part of something extraordinary? Here at Au Vodka, we're not just content with being the number one flavoured vodka brand in the UK, but we're spirit-ed in building & crafting a revolution. We're on a mission to redefine Vodka and inspire a new generation, disrupt, and build a truly global brand. Come talk to us and understand what's going down in Swansea.

In our fast-paced environment, creativity thrives, and challenges are seen as opportunities for growth. We believe in pushing boundaries, thinking outside the box, and challenging the status quo. If you're someone who thrives on innovation, collaboration, and making a real impact, then you've come to the right place.

At AU Vodka, we're not just offering you a job; we're inviting you to create, inspire, with other visionaries, grafters, and doers. Together, we'll shape the future and leave a legacy that transcends boundaries.

Are you ready to unleash your potential and be part of something bigger than yourself? Join us at AU Vodka, where every day there's any opportunity to #showyourmetal

We believe in creating a workplace where passion meets purpose, and where every individual feels valued and rewarded. Here’s what makes us stand out:

• 🌟
  Early Finish Fridays: Wrap up your week early and jumpstart your weekend because work-life balance matters.
• 🍳
  Freshly Made Meals: Enjoy the perks of an in-house chef crafting delicious, fresh breakfasts and lunches daily. Nourish your body while you focus on fuelling your career.
• 🏢
  State-of-the-Art Office: Work in a modern, thoughtfully designed workspace with convenient onsite parking—because your environment should inspire your best work.
• 🤝
  All Win Together, Lose Together Bonus: Celebrate our shared successes with a company wide bonus. We're in this together, through every triumph and challenge.
• 🎉
  Your Birthday, Your Day: Take your birthday off to relax, recharge, or celebrate however you want—because you deserve it.
• 🎈
  Epic Launch Parties & Events: From product launches to unforgettable team celebrations, we love to mix hard work with fun!
• 👶
  Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave: Welcoming a new family member is magical. Our enhanced leave ensures you have the support and time you need during this life-changing moment.

When you join us, you're not just taking a job—you’re stepping into a community that celebrates success, fosters growth, and values every individual.
Come be part of something extraordinary.

Role Purpose - The Merchandise & Gifting Manager is responsible for the end-to-end ownership of all branded merchandise and gifting, from concept and creative ideation through to sourcing, production, co-packing, delivery, and post-project review. This role ensures all merchandise and gifting is on-brand, commercially viable, delivered on time and within budget, and supports wider objectives across marketing, sales, activations, customers, partners, and internal teams.

1. Strategy, Ideation & Planning

• Own the merchandise and gifting roadmap, aligned to brand, marketing, sales and activation plans
• Proactively generate creative merchandise and gifting concepts (e.g. retail promotions, corporate gifting)
• Translate briefs into clear, costed options with recommendations (MOQs, lead times, COGS)
• Maintain awareness of market trends, materials, finishes, and innovative formats

2. Sourcing, Supplier Management & Negotiation

• Source, onboard and manage global merchandise and packaging suppliers
• Obtain and compare quotes, ensuring best value, quality, lead time and reliability
• Lead commercial negotiations on unit costs, MOQs, tooling, freight and payment terms
• Build long-term supplier relationships while maintaining competitive…