At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a three-year commercial strategy for a major beverage supplier.
- Company: Join Carlsberg Britvic, the UK's largest multi-beverage supplier with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical options, generous holidays, and high street discounts.
- Why this job: Shape the future of beverages and make a real impact in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Extensive FMCG experience, strong stakeholder management, and data literacy required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your growth and success.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Hemel Hempstead – Hybrid role
Job Length: Permanent
Working Hours: Monday – Friday (37.5 hours per week)
Competitive Salary with extensive benefits:
- Monthly product allowance – alcoholic & non‑alcoholic options available
- Private Medical options
- Life Assurance
- Company bonus scheme
- Access to 24/7 GP services
- Enhanced pension contribution
- Generous holiday (inc bank holidays)
- Access to a range of high street discounts
Carlsberg Britvic is the largest multi‑beverage supplier in the UK and is home to some of the most iconic and popular beers & soft drinks, including Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, 1664, Poretti and Brooklyn to ale favourites such as Hobgoblin and Wainwright. For soft drinks, Carlsberg Britvic’s brands include J2O, Robinsons, Tango and London Essence along with the licence rights to the Pepsi portfolio in the UK including Pepsi MAX, 7UP, Lipton Iced Tea and Rockstar Energy. With a strong national footprint, the Carlsberg Britvic business includes 5 production facilities and 15 logistics depots servicing customers up and down the UK.
About this role
The Head of Commercial Strategy & Category Vision is responsible for leading the development of the three‑year commercial and category strategy for the business. With this agreed, they are then accountable for the translation of this into a compelling narrative (internally and externally), supporting the communication of this, and continuously reviewing the assumptions which underpinned this strategy to determine if it requires update of revision both in and at the end of the year. The Commercial Strategy & Planning team own the development of longer‑term strategic direction and vision of the business, including three‑year commercial strategies across the portfolio, price/value setting and guardrails, and both internal and external category narratives. This team are the centre for RGM activities, market insights and intelligence, and total category/ channel perspectives.
Role Responsibilities
- Manage the Commercial Strategy & Category Vision team
- Lead 3‑5 Year commercial strategy development & annual commercial planning, ensuring clear direction into brand and channel strategies & plans.
- Lead the development and maintenance of the company’s growth vision for total beverage, and cascade into commercially relevant category strategy for both internal & external audiences.
- Develop and maintain commercialised segment strategies e.g. cola, premium lager
- Act as priority customers’ "go‑to" expert for total beverages category vision & advice
- Lead identified internal strategic projects contributing to or resulting from the strategy development
Experience and Key Attributes
- Experienced in stakeholder management/influencing to achieve key business goals
- Extensive FMCG background, ideally across multiple categories and/or channels
- Demonstrable category management experience, including data literacy
- Clear experience of utilising consumer and shopper insights to develop compelling category plans
- Substantial commercial experience within FMCG industry, and ideally with Beer &/or Soft drinks experience
- Ability to develop & commercialise long‑term strategic plans & category thinking (ideally with P&L experience)
- Effective at prioritisation for self and team with excellent communication skills
- Tenacious and resilient when it comes to resolving business challenges and prepared to use judgement when the need arises
- Ability to prioritise and turn multiple sources of data into clear strategic insights, which translate into actionable commercial plans
- A strong understanding of insight processes and how this information can be used to create strategic recommendations across a variety of different channel clusters
- Intimately understands channel, brand and consumer mission dynamics
- A flair for storytelling, delivering key messages into logical and compelling structures
- Ability to build strong cross‑functional relationships and deliver trust/credibility
Application Process
We read applications continuously, and vacancies may be filled anytime, so please apply as early as possible.
Our commitment to diversity equity & inclusion
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences - including those of different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, religions, and socioeconomic statuses. We actively seek to create a safe and inclusive environment for all of our colleagues, where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and inclusive practices are embedded in everything we do. We are happy to support accessibility needs, to ensure a fair and equitable experience for all candidates, so please do let us know if you require adjustments during the recruitment process.
Interested in finding out more? Apply today and a member of the recruitment team will be in touch!
Head of Commercial & Category Strategy in Hemel Hempstead employer: Britvic Plc
Contact Detail:
Britvic Plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial & Category Strategy in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG industry, especially those who know Carlsberg Britvic. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into their brands and strategies. Show us you understand their market position and how you can contribute to their growth vision. Bring your A-game!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the job to come to you. Apply through our website and keep an eye on new openings. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of landing that dream role!
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your storytelling skills. When discussing your experience, frame it in a way that highlights your strategic thinking and how you've turned insights into actionable plans. We love a good narrative!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial & Category Strategy in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Commercial & Category Strategy role. Highlight your relevant experience in FMCG and how it aligns with our goals at Carlsberg Britvic.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: Since this role involves translating strategies into compelling narratives, don’t forget to demonstrate your storytelling flair in your application. Use clear examples that showcase your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Highlight Data Literacy: We’re looking for someone who can turn data into actionable insights. Be sure to mention any experience you have with data analysis and how you've used it to inform strategic decisions in your previous roles.
Apply Early!: We read applications continuously, so don’t wait until the last minute! Apply through our website as soon as you can to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Britvic Plc
✨Know Your Commercial Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Carlsberg Britvic's current commercial strategies and category visions. Familiarise yourself with their brands and market positioning. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Data Literacy
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to drive category management decisions in your previous roles. Be ready to explain how you turned insights into actionable plans, as this is crucial for the Head of Commercial & Category Strategy position.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
Since the role involves translating complex strategies into compelling narratives, practice telling your own career story in a way that highlights your achievements and strategic thinking. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your stakeholder management skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've influenced key business goals through collaboration and relationship-building, as this will be essential for leading the Commercial Strategy & Category Vision team.