Activation Manager

Activation Manager

Crick Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Inspired Pet Nutrition

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.
  • 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.
  • Other info: Opportunity for permanent role and a fun workplace where you can bring your dog!

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

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Activation Manager 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.
Inspired Pet Nutrition

Contact Detail:

Inspired Pet Nutrition Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Activation Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the brands under Inspired Pet Nutrition. Understanding their unique selling points and target audience will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience with grocery retailers. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples of successful activation campaigns you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss how you measured ROI and optimised performance, as this will demonstrate your commercial acumen.

✨Tip Number 4

Show your passion for pets during the application process. Whether it's through personal anecdotes or knowledge about pet care, connecting on this level can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Activation Manager

Campaign Management
Retail Media Planning
Customer Engagement Strategies
Relationship Building
Performance Tracking and ROI Measurement
Project Management
Commercial Acumen
Creativity
Insight Analysis
Digital Promotions
FMCG Experience
Brand Activation
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in activation campaigns, project management, and working with FMCG brands. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and engage shoppers.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for pets and how it aligns with the company's mission. Discuss your creative approach to marketing and provide examples of successful campaigns you've led.

Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your commercial acumen and relationship-building skills. Mention any experience you have with retailer media plans and how you've optimised performance in previous roles.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired Pet Nutrition

✨Showcase Your Creativity

As an Activation Manager, creativity is key. Prepare examples of past campaigns you've executed that demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and engage shoppers effectively.

✨Understand the FMCG Landscape

Brush up on your knowledge of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Be ready to discuss trends, challenges, and how you can leverage insights to drive brand growth in this competitive market.

✨Build Strong Retailer Relationships

Highlight your experience in building and maintaining relationships with retailers. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've used to enhance brand visibility and engagement at retail locations.

✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills

The role requires strong project management abilities. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and optimal performance.

Activation Manager
Inspired Pet Nutrition
Location: Crick
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