At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and execute creative activation campaigns to engage shoppers and boost sales.
- Company: Join Inspired Pet Nutrition, an award-winning pet food manufacturer with a passion for pets.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid work, bonus scheme, and perks like free parking and discounted pet food.
- Other info: Opportunity for permanent role and a fun workplace where you can bring your dog!
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that connects brands with pet parents and drives impactful marketing.
- Qualifications: Degree preferred; experience in FMCG and strong project management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Thirsk or Crick | Fixed Term (until September 2026) | Hybrid
We’re excited to be recruiting an Activation Manager to bring our brands to life across our major retail partners. This is a commercially impactful role where you’ll shape, manage, and deliver standout activation plans that engage shoppers, elevate brand visibility, and drive category performance. You’ll plan and execute retailer media, promotions, POS and digital campaigns, ensuring brilliant activation both in-store and online. Working closely with Sales and Marketing teams, you’ll turn shopper insight into compelling execution that drives conversion. This is the perfect opportunity for someone creative, commercially astute, and energized by driving brand growth through exceptional activation.
About Us
INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an innovative, well-established, and award-winning pet food manufacturer employing over 1,200 colleagues across the UK and Europe. Our families of brands include Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butcher’s, Classic, Pro‑Nutrition, and Ultra Premium Direct, along with partner brands. Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel, and Crick produce a wide range of dry, wet, and baked foods enjoyed by dogs and cats worldwide.
Our Purpose: To Create Happiness
We’re on a mission to set a new standard of workplace happiness within the pet nutrition industry—one that looks like no other and feels like no other. Our culture is built on INSPIRED’s unique behaviours and colleague experience, creating an environment that excites, empowers, and puts people and pets at the heart of everything we do.
Key Accountability
- Plan and execute high-impact activation campaigns that engage shoppers and boost conversion
- Own retailer media plans, POS, coupons, and digital promotional activity
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key grocery retailers and media agencies
- Track and manage activation spend, measure ROI, and optimise performance
- Act as the link between Sales & Marketing, embedding shopper insight into all plans
- Lead activation delivery for Deployment Days and Brand Days, ensuring standout brand theatre
About You
- Degree calibre, with further business-related study advantageous but not essential
- Demonstrable experience in a similar activation or shopper marketing role within FMCG
- Experience working with major UK grocery retailers and their media planning ecosystems
- Commercially astute with strong influencing skills across internal and external partners
- Proven track record of delivering activation that drives brand and commercial growth
- Excellent project management capability with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
- Creative, energetic, and passionate about pets and brand connection
What are we offering?
- 8% employer pension contribution (3% employee via salary sacrifice)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Medicash plan
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Enhanced colleague discounts
- Free onsite parking
- Dog-friendly offices
- A wide range of wellbeing, lifestyle, and development benefits
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the colleagues and communities we serve. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected and able to be themselves at work. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We make hiring decisions based on talent, potential and the experience you bring. We are also committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring equitable access and opportunity for all. If you need any adjustments or support to take part in our recruitment process, please contact recruitment@ipn.co.uk.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Marketing and Sales
Industries
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
#INDHP
Activation Manager in Crick employer: Inspired Pet Nutrition
Inspired Pet Nutrition is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and passion for pets are at the forefront. With competitive salaries, a generous benefits package including a company bonus scheme, flexible working options, and opportunities for personal growth, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles. Located in the picturesque North Yorkshire or Northampton, the company offers a unique environment where you can bring your love for pets to life while enjoying perks like bringing your dog to work and discounted pet food.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activation Manager in Crick
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Inspired Pet Nutrition and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Inspired Pet Nutrition are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Inspired Pet Nutrition on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Inspired Pet Nutrition. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Activation Manager in Crick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Inspired Pet Nutrition. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Inspired Pet Nutrition:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Inspired Pet Nutrition’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired Pet Nutrition
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Inspired Pet Nutrition will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Inspired Pet Nutrition, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
