Senior Brand Manager (France) – temporary to cover maternity leave

We are proud to be the largest family‑owned and family‑run wine importer in the UK. Since 1964, we have built an award‑winning portfolio of premium wines, representing progressive and fiercely independent wineries from around the world. Our wines are proudly supplied to some of the UK’s leading restaurants and retailers.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Senior Brand Manager to lead and develop a portfolio of wine brands within our dynamic marketing team. This is a strategic and hands‑on role where you will shape brand vision, drive growth and profitability, and ensure our French brands are positioned for long‑term success in the UK wine market. You will work closely with brand owners, internal teams, and external agencies to deliver successful and compelling brand strategies. This role requires the postholder to build strong relationships internally and externally whilst mentoring colleagues and contributing to the success of the wider marketing department.

Key Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Brand Strategy and Growth: Develop and deliver strategic brand plans based on consumer insights and market understanding. Manage and grow a portfolio of wine brands to achieve sales, distribution, and profit targets. Ensure brand strategies align with global brand owner objectives and company goals. Monitor performance metrics including volume and A&P spend, implementing corrective action when required.
• Marketing and Activation: Create and implement brand plans across key channels including Multiple Off‑Trade and Grocers. Lead above‑the‑line marketing plans across all brand touchpoints. Ensure clear, consistent brand positioning and messaging across all communications. Collaborate with Trade Marketing to deliver strategic and innovative initiatives.
• Stakeholder and Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with brand owners and external agencies including PR partners. Influence internal commercial strategy to ensure brand objectives are achieved. Support commercial pitches, marketing projects, and agency management. Work closely with the Events team to ensure successful execution and measurable ROI.
• Leadership and Team Contribution: Support and mentor marketing colleagues while fostering team cohesion. Provide support to the leadership team within the marketing division. Contribute to departmental projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Brand Representation: Represent Berkmann Wine Cellars at tastings, events, promotions, and industry competitions. Work with press and media to raise awareness of our brands and portfolio. Travel within the UK and internationally to wineries when required.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

• Significant experience in brand management, ideally within the wine, drinks, or FMCG sector.
• French language skills, both written and verbal, are advantageous but not essential.
• Proven success in driving brand growth, distribution, and profitability.
• Strong experience influencing senior stakeholders internally and externally.
• Deep understanding of the UK wine market, competitors, and consumer behaviour.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering results.
• Degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (desirable).
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to inspire teams and influence stakeholders.
• Strong analytical capability with experience using market data (e.g. Nielsen, TGI).
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced commercial environment.

Working Pattern: This is a full‑time role, working 37.5 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:30pm. However, given the nature of our clients in the hospitality sector, flexibility is essential – evening and occasional weekend work will be required to support customer needs, events, and tastings. Some activities may also involve international travel, so a valid passport is necessary.

Work Location: This is a hybrid role where you will be required to work in head office at least 3 days a week.

Offer: Salary is up to £55,000 per annum, dependent on experience, plus bonus (pro rata) based on the achievement of KPIs. 25 days annual leave rising to 26 days after 5 years’ service and 27 days after 10 years’ service, plus bank holidays. Company pension. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme. Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay. Contribution to Dental Costs. Generous staff discount on our wine. A bottle of wine on your birthday and Berkmann anniversary.

We cannot consider your application if you do not have the legal right to work in the UK. You must also satisfy the required knowledge and experience criteria detailed above. Equal consideration will be given to all candidates, irrespective of their gender, race, disability, marital status, religion, age or sexuality.