Head of Category Team Hot Drinks in London

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 the Ecotone's mission Food for Biodiversity and values actively contributing to our commitment to sustainable and ethical practices.

Location: Camberley (UK)

Job Type: Full-Time

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. Also acting as a brand guardian across communications and communication roll out, they will be passionate about brands as well as having a clear consumer/shopper point of view. They will be one of the key points of contact of the Hot Drinks category from the factory, 3rd 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 touch points especially global packaging.
• 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.
• 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%.
• Contributing to the development of effective global brand communications.
• Supporting Head of Hot Drinks on measurement of ROI across the global communications landscape.
• Working 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.
• Responsible for communicating and collaborating across a multi-functional / cross country team.
• 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.

Key Competencies & Background:

• Uses various sources of market data 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.
• Able to build compelling brand stories to support innovation / renovation / communications sell ins internally & externally to the trade.
• Strong project management skills.
• Effective written verbal communication & presentation skills.
• Ability to engage positively & influence / persuade key stakeholders.

General skills:

• Strong analytical skills agility with data from various sources to drive conclusions into action.
• Strong narrative ability with clear communication.
• Ability to build effective relationships.
• Problem solving.

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. Frequent travelling. Additional languages (ideal but not mandatory).

Co-operation & Influencing: Working together as one team. Pulls networks and communities together in order to achieve the right outcome.

Agility: Adapting to new situations: quickly taking decisions. Ability to act at pace: change direction when required.

Responsibility: Changing our world for the better through CSR: living our culture. Does not shy away from tough decisions or conversations.

Entrepreneurship: Running the business as if it were your own. Finds a better way.

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 team together.
• Understand the relevance of customer marketing and how to use 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.
• 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.