Brand Manager - Fixed Term Contract in London

ABOUT NICHOLS
We’re Nichols - the home of Vimto, and there is no other business quite like ours! We have been making life taste better since 1908. Every day here is bursting with flavour – from the loved brands we’re proud to share with the world, to the energy, ambition and innovative ideas that fizz through our teams. As well as our refreshingly different Vimto taste, our varied brand portfolio spans the still, carbonated, post‐mix and frozen drinks categories – so you will find us in your local supermarket, pub and leisure outlet. We also work with the UK’s leading food manufacturers to provide a truly unique range of products that everyone loves. At the heart of everything is our rich family heritage, an unrelenting ambition to keep innovating, and a true pride in who we are. This is a place where you can be yourself, speak up, and get stuck in. We celebrate the wins, cheer each other on and keep things fizzing with positivity. From leaders who listen to teammates who’ve always got your back, it’s work that feels as good as it tastes! Nichols is where serious fun meets real opportunities – and where work tastes better.

About the Opportunity
We are looking for an Interim Brand Manager on a fixed term contract (12‐14 months) commencing from Feb 2026. The role will be responsible for a specific product portfolio of soft drinks within the wider Nichols PLC branded portfolio; developing and delivering brand and comms plans that support in the delivery of profitable growth. The role will support in the creation and development of the 1‐3 year brand plans for the route to market. This role will also contribute to the strategy, development and delivery of our consumer and customer marketing plans, trade media, customer sell‐ins and brand activations. It will also manage the marketing budget and monthly reporting based on area of responsibility. This role will also assume responsibility for NPD related projects end to end and supported by the team where appropriate. In addition to this, it will also be responsible for monthly performance monitoring and in‐market and customer insight. Dealing with a range of relationships both internally and externally the role will ensure our brand building integrity is protected whilst delivering plans that inspire customers to support the long‐term strategic agenda and drive engagement with their consumers. Working directly with key commercial and category stakeholders, this role will ensure the delivery of category leading brand plans, differentiated activations, and the use of insight to drive shopper engagement and conversion within customer environments.

The Role Will Include:

• Acting as the Nichols PLC brand champion within the company and to external stakeholders.
• Driving profitable brand growth across portfolio areas of responsibility, in line with our Group Strategy and Happier Future Strategy in conjunction with colleagues across multiple disciplines.
• Support on the annual brand planning process across areas of responsibility.
• Manage the implementation of the consumer brand plans, ensuring all activity is completed on time, to budget and is in line with the brand guidelines and brand positioning. To work in close consultation and partnership with the Nichols PLC sales, operations team and external agencies as appropriate to implement the plans.
• Monitor and report on brand performance through analysis of market data (in conjunction with category team) and sales data (using internal data sources) and recommend remedial action as required.
• Support on the creation and delivery of the innovation pipeline for each brand and act as the project leader, ensuring the timely and successful launch of product development / NPD projects to market.
• Propose requirements for qualitative and quantitative research and write research briefs, analyse results and recommend course of action.
• Oversee the management and implementation of all relevant brand websites/ website pages.
• Manage the strategy and implementation of social platforms in line with brand/ corporate guidelines.

About You
At least 2 years’ experience working as a brand manager in a reputable FMCG business (preferably Food and Drink) or equivalent senior marketing role. Channel experience working in the UK Grocery retail sector and ideally working in the 'Out of Home' market including Leisure, Pubs/Bars/Restaurants, Hotels, Catering. Evidence of leading and delivering brand strategies and plans. Evidence of developing and managing a customer plan and strategy. Experience of working with a stage & gate innovation process and leading cross‐functional teams to deliver new product development projects from ideation to launch on time and to budget essential. Experience of briefing external agencies and assessing creative responses in line with agreed brand positioning/ objectives. Experience of managing the delivery of through‐the‐line consumer facing communication campaigns including creative development & media / comms planning. Agency relationship management, mainly in the areas of trade (shopper and PR) and consumer marketing e.g. research, media, comms and design. Demonstrate commercial awareness e.g. Pricing/promotional strategies. Project management and strong organisational skills essential.

Does this sound like something you’d like to pour your energy into? Apply today and help us continue to make work taste better.

Benefits of Working With Us:

• 25 days holiday (with opportunity to buy extra each year)
• Annual Bonus
• Save as you Earn Share Scheme
• Option to join our private medical cover scheme
• Holiday home stay
• Your birthday off work
• 1 day a year off work to volunteer in the community (you choose when and where)
• Help yourself to our drinks and slush drinks when at one of our sites
• Staff shop with discounts on our products

Apply now if you want a taste of a new career and join Nichols – Where work tastes better. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and are learning what this means every day. We are striving to ensure we are building more diverse teams, we are at our best when we bring together our different life experiences, ways of thinking and individuality. Any job offer is subject to an individual’s Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas.