Head of Category Team Hot Drinks in Camberley

At Ecotone, we are a purpose-driven company with a clear mission to propose an alternative food model that prioritises organic and plant-based solutions, all with the aim of protecting Biodiversity. We believe that through sustainable practices and ethical decision-making, we can contribute to a healthier planet and a more equitable future. Our commitment to human rights, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, as we work to create a positive impact both in the workplace and in the world around us.

As part of our CSR commitments, we conduct business in alignment with Ecotone’s mission “Food for Biodiversity” and values, actively contributing to our commitment to sustainable and ethical practices.

Job Purpose: The European HOT DRINKS Head of Category is in charge of developing a strong innovation and renovation pipeline that will contribute to the brand and category growth. They will act as a brand guardian across communications and communication rollout, being passionate about brands as well as having a clear consumer/shopper point of view. They will be one of the key points of contact for the Hot Drinks category from the factory, third-party suppliers, and the local marketing teams.

Responsibilities include:

• Global innovation pipeline development & implementation of new big bet game-changing innovation projects.
• Working with the Global Communication Lead to roll out communications plans and measurement across all markets.
• Maintaining brand consistency and simplification across all touchpoints, especially global packaging, which will positively impact brand growth and GM%.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Innovation: Leading development & implementation of a strong 3-year Innovation and Renovation Pipeline. Identifying untapped consumer needs or market gaps & converting into clear range recommendations & new concepts.
• Lead development and implementation of new Global ‘Big Bet’ Game Changing category Innovation Projects looking at new categories and formats to step change brand growth.
• Lead development and implementation of global tea category flavour strategy and define pipeline for next 3 years.
• Management of 1 x direct report – global innovation project manager.
• Strong experience of innovation P&L management & development to ensure all new projects are commercially viable and will positively impact brand growth and GM%.

Comms: Contributing to the development of effective global brand communications.

• Working alongside the new Global Communications Lead to drive and champion consistent brand identity across Europe through communications & supporting with rollout of any new global communications assets.
• Supporting Head of Hot Drinks on measurement of ROI across the global communications landscape to ensure consistency and identify ‘playbook’ of what media drives value for the business.
• Work with the global creative lead to develop & step change communications plans and toolkits to launch new innovation platforms.
• Lead rollout and implementation of new Clipper / Cupper Brand Portfolio Architecture across markets to ensure delivery by Sept 2025 and consistency across all markets.
• Working with the Global Insight manager to analyze multimarket data to bring latest insights and learnings into the global team.

Responsible for communicating and collaborating across a multi-functional/cross-country team whilst good at managing matrix structure and influencing key stakeholders. Identifying and delivering ways to reduce complexity and minimize costs.

Scope of Responsibilities: Europe – Role will focus on 2/3 countries and with transversal projects across 6 markets & international.

Thinking Environment: Ability to innovate/bring fresh ideas, challenge/critique, optimize/adapt plans and forward plan whilst working within a complex matrix structure team and influencing key stakeholders to gain alignment on decisions.

Functional skills:

• Uses various sources of market data (quant, qual, social listening) to simplify/clearly articulate opportunities/threats on the category/brand and develop action plans.
• Able to build strong relationships cross-functionally and across markets to drive growth.
• Lead the ideation, development & execution toolkit of innovation based on market data and trends to create innovation aligned with the brand values.
• Able to build compelling brand stories to support innovation/renovation/comms sell-ins internally & externally to the trade.
• Understands the consumer value drivers to develop either cost-out or value-in projects.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to engage positively & influence/persuade key stakeholders.
• Critical thinking to simplify data/analysis to develop clear and concise brand/channel strategies.
• Strong analytical skills – agility with data from various sources to drive conclusions into action.
• Strong narrative ability with clear communication.

Background and Education:

• Marketing degree and/or 8-10 years’ experience in various marketing roles - brand and communications.
• Multi-country and/or working in a matrix (preferred).
• Hot Drinks (tea, coffee) experience (preferred).

Job requirement:

• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Additional languages (ideal but not mandatory).

Our ideal person will:

• Love brands, understands the importance of brand positioning/USP and how to build great campaigns/innovation concepts.
• Demonstrate clear critical thinking and building strong narratives which influence and persuade.
• Engage the business and generate buy-in to the brand vision/innovation strategy.
• Be able to work as part of a cross-functional project team and bring the team together.
• Understand the relevance of customer marketing and how to use it as part of the overall marketing mix.
• Work with suppliers, engaging them as part of the brand team, to deliver on time, on brand.
• Self-starter with proactive approach and be able to work as a team player as well as work autonomously, with a ‘can-do’ and ‘keep it simple’ attitude.
• Organiser and influencer with the ability to build trust and credibility, delivering to short deadlines and across multiple projects all at once.
• Ability to influence key stakeholders.
• Interpret research and data.
• Excellent communicator and inspiring, confident presenter.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on both people and the planet, we invite you to apply and help us build a sustainable, inclusive future.