Head of Brand Architecture and Innovation in London
Head of Brand Architecture and Innovation

Head of Brand Architecture and Innovation in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Pernod Ricard

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead brand strategy and innovation for a premium spirits portfolio.
  • Company: Join Pernod Ricard, a global leader in the spirits industry with iconic brands.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, 28 days holiday, and employee discounts.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of luxury spirits while promoting sustainability and creativity.
  • Qualifications: 15+ years in marketing with strong leadership and analytical skills.
  • Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive culture focused on wellbeing and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.

We are Pernod Ricard, a leading company in the global spirits industry. We own 16 of the world’s top 100 Spirits Brands and hold one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry with 240 premium brands available in over 160 countries.

This position sits in our Chivas Brothers business. At Chivas Brothers, our 1,600-strong team across 27 sites is committed to upholding the heritage of Scotch and ensuring its sustainable future, as well as opening it up to new audiences across the globe.

The Head of Brand Architecture & Innovation will report to the Brand Architecture & Activation Director, Specialty Whisk(e)y and will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the strategic vision for the Speciality Whisky portfolio. This position is accountable for overseeing the entire portfolio management, range development and innovation pipeline across the Scotch Single Malt brands and Irish Speciality brands, ensuring alignment with the portfolio vision, consumers, and market needs.

In addition to the existing responsibilities, the role will encompass the following:

  • Leadership: In conjunction with the Brand Architecture director, plan and craft the long-term portfolio strategy and lead the development of a 36‑month pipeline in partnership with key functions and drive market teams.
  • Take a lead role in critical range architecture value strategy projects, such as portfolio simplification and optimisation, pricing strategies, range sales forecast and long term allocation strategies.
  • Foster collaboration with drive market, global Innovation hub, insights, strategy, blending and inventory teams to define consumer‑centric and culturally relevant pipelines, brand assets and opportunities.
  • Bring to life the NPD pipeline and deliver the projects as per expected quality standards and timings.
  • Collaborate with drive markets monthly to answer their needs when it comes to local innovation and asset development.
  • Act as a brand guardian, ensuring that new products and marketing initiatives are deeply rooted in the brands’ DNA.
  • Manage range architecture budget and become a trustworthy partner of CBL finance team.
  • Identify and adopt best practices to enhance programs/assets and inspire local markets.

Team Management: Manage, develop, coach, and recruit direct reports, leveraging their strengths and addressing development areas through consistent, direct, and constructive feedback. Ensure strict adherence to project goals, timelines, and budgets, overseeing project coordination among external agencies, internal teams, and drive Markets.

Brand Management: Together with the Brand Architecture Director and other Head of leaders, assume ownership and accountability for the overall portfolio strategy. Continuously challenge the team to deepen consumer insights and transform them into actionable strategies and initiatives.

Sustainability and Responsible Innovation: Promote sustainability in product development and ensure compliance with environmental and social responsibility goals.

Could be right for you if you:

  • University educated (Master’s in business/Marketing preferred)
  • 15+ years marketing experience
  • Track record of cross‑functional team leadership and generating best‑in‑class marketing / NPDs with outstanding creative outputs
  • Ability to manage a complex product portfolio
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesise
  • Experience working with finance team (P&Ls, long range sales forecast & inventory planning)
  • International experience, working in a market or region, with an understanding of market/consumer dynamics
  • Interest for innovation and new technologies
  • Travel may be required

Our mix of benefits: For your health, we offer private medical insurance, critical illness cover and an optional healthcare cash plan and dental insurance. Our lifestyle benefits options include 28 days’ annual holiday, your employee pension, share incentive plan, family care, season ticket loans, free mortgage advice, payroll giving and more!

We have regular events in our very own office bar, employee-run networks, a culture of flexibility and trust and a variety of tools and resources to help you focus on your wellbeing and mental fitness.

Conviviality: the Pernod Ricard Way: We’re committed to diversity and inclusion. People are at the heart of everything we do at Pernod Ricard and are the foundation of our collective spirit as Créateurs de Convivialité. We promote diversity and inclusion throughout our business and supply chain.

Head of Brand Architecture and Innovation in London employer: Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture centred around conviviality, collaboration, and sustainability. With a commitment to employee growth through comprehensive benefits, including private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, we empower our team to thrive in a dynamic environment. Located in London, our state-of-the-art office fosters creativity and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the spirits industry.
Pernod Ricard

Contact Detail:

Pernod Ricard Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Brand Architecture and Innovation in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Pernod Ricard. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you an interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for brand innovation! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your ideas on how you’d elevate their whisky portfolio. Be bold and creative!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Research common questions for senior marketing roles and practice your responses. We want you to sound confident and knowledgeable about the spirits industry.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Pernod Ricard family.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Brand Architecture and Innovation in London

Strategic Brand Management
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
New Product Development (NPD)
Portfolio Management
Consumer Insights Analysis
Project Coordination
Budget Management
Sustainability Practices
Interpersonal Skills
Analytical Skills
Creative Problem-Solving
Market Dynamics Understanding
Stakeholder Engagement
Innovation and Technology Awareness
Packaging Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Brand Architecture and Innovation role. Highlight your relevant experience in brand management, innovation, and team leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with our vision for the Speciality Whisky portfolio.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the spirits industry and how you can contribute to our brand's future. Be sure to mention any innovative projects you've led that align with our goals.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical skills, don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to synthesise data and insights. Give examples of how you've used analytics to drive marketing strategies or product development in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pernod Ricard

✨Know Your Brands

Before the interview, dive deep into Pernod Ricard's portfolio. Familiarise yourself with their key brands like Chivas Regal and Jameson. Understanding their heritage and market positioning will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their brand architecture.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Brand Architecture & Innovation, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed projects, fostered collaboration, and driven innovation. Highlight your strategic thinking and how it aligns with the company's goals.

✨Emphasise Consumer Insights

Pernod Ricard values consumer-centric strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've transformed consumer insights into actionable marketing initiatives. Bring specific examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful product developments or range extensions in your previous roles.

✨Discuss Sustainability Initiatives

With a focus on sustainability, it's crucial to show your understanding of responsible innovation. Prepare to talk about any past experiences where you've promoted sustainable practices in product development or marketing. This will resonate well with Pernod Ricard's commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Head of Brand Architecture and Innovation in London
Pernod Ricard
Location: London

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>