Brand Creation and Innovation Manager

Brand Creation and Innovation Manager

London EC1R 4RR

Full time and temporary (to cover maternity leave)

About Us

Berkmann Wine Cellars is the UK’s largest family-owned and family-run wine importer, representing progressive and fiercely independent wineries since 1964. Our sister company, Spirit Cartel, has been shaking up the spirits industry since 2012, providing a gateway for new and exciting brands to enter the UK on trade market.

Now, with the launch of Cartel Brands in 2023, we are taking spirits innovation to the next level—challenging convention and creating standout brands that global spirits companies wouldn’t dare attempt.

We are looking for a dynamic Brand Creation and Innovation Manager to join the business on a temporary basis to lead the development and launch of new spirits brands from concept to commercialization. This is a unique opportunity to bring game-changing ideas to life, working across multiple disciplines to create the next big thing in the drinks industry.

The Role

As Brand Creation and Innovation Manager, you will be responsible for market mapping, justifying investment and managing the end-to-end brand development lifecycle. This hands-on role requires commercial acumen, creativity, and strong project management skills to deliver high-quality, disruptive products on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities (Include but are not limited to):

• Lead the development of new spirits brands from ideation to launch.
• Conduct market analysis and identify gaps for new product opportunities.
• Build and justify 5-year business plans, ensuring profitability and market positioning.
• Manage cross-functional teams, drawing on internal and external expertise.
• Oversee product design, sourcing of materials, and packaging development.
• Ensure all projects stay on track, meeting quality and financial expectations
• Bring radical, visionary concepts to life with a proactive, solutions-driven approach.

What We’re Looking For:

• Degree in a commercial discipline, preferably marketing.
• Proven experience in the drinks industry, ideally in spirits.
• A track record of successfully launching new products.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to create business plans.
• Excellent project management skills, with experience using project management tools.
• Knowledge of product design, engineering principles, and manufacturing processes.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills.
• A creative and fearless approach to brand innovation.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of the spirits industry. We think big, act fast, and create brands that leave a lasting impact. If you’re ready to challenge convention and bring bold ideas to life, we want to hear from you.

Working Pattern

This role is 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday and the core hours are 9:00 am to 17:30 pm with a 1 hour unpaid lunch break. You will need to work the hours necessary in order to complete the work to a high standard and to meet the deadlines. The company is currently operating a hybrid working pattern, you will be expected to work at least three times a week in our head office in Clerkenwell, London, this may increase in the future.

How to Apply

This is a key role for our business, therefore if you are interested in applying for the vacancy please submit your CV to vacancies@berkmann.co.uk We cannot consider applications from anyone who does not have the right to work in the UK, however, equal consideration will be given to all candidates, irrespective of their gender, race, disability, marital status, religion, age or sexuality.

Please note that we review CV’s as they are received and this may result in the interview process commencing whilst the advert is still ‘live’.

Offer

The appointed candidate will be given the below package:

• Competitive salary of up to £55,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Company pension
• Contribution to dental costs
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 26 days after 5 years’ service and 27 days after 10 years’ service) plus bank holidays
• Generous staff discount from our wine portfolio

No Agencies Please – We thank you for your interest in working with Berkmann Wine Cellars, however, we have our own internal HR and Recruitment team who support our recruiting needs. We will not pay fees or acknowledge any CV's supplied to Berkmann Wine Cellars unless you have been briefed on the role by a member of our HR Team. Thank you for your understanding in advance.