At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovative marketing plans and shopper insights for top whisky brands.
- Company: Join Whyte and Mackay, a leading global whisky brand from Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus, 35 days leave, and great perks.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the dynamic world of whisky marketing.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer marketing and strong data analysis skills.
Function: Commercial
Location: Head Office, St Vincent Street, Glasgow - Hybrid 2 days in office per week.
Contract: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract / Secondment
Role Reports to: Head of Category & Customer Marketing (UK)
Date vacancy will close: Friday, 3rd July 2026. Where we receive high numbers of applications we may close vacancies early. If you think this is the right opportunity for you please don't delay in applying!
Who we are
Born in Glasgow, made in Scotland and enjoyed around the world. Whyte and Mackay is home to a collection of multi-award-winning global whisky brands led by The Dalmore, Fettercairn, Jura and Tamnavulin. Our mission is to be a driving force in whisky, renowned for building brands that stand-out. Enabled by our brilliant community of 675 colleagues, reaching across 17 countries and counting. We're led by our values, continuing to grow and invest and looking for great talent to join our brilliant community.
What the opportunity looks like
The Category & Channel Activation Manager will work closely with the Head of Customer Marketing, the UK & Global brand team and the off trade commercial team to deliver best in class shopper insight and marketing plans across our key retailers & priority brands. This role will ensure there is a continuous improvement approach to the W&M retail shopper marketing plans supporting the delivery of increased distribution, visibility, and activation both in store and online.
- Deliver Best in Class Category insight to make positive change in accounts that drives mutual growth.
- Work with the Head of Customer Marketing, Brand Team and Commercial Team to develop stand out brand activation for chain retail both instore and online, supporting a shared agenda for excellence in execution and measurement across all activities.
- Ensure “shopper first thinking” across all solutions/presentations.
- Create, develop & drive key activations as outlined in the channel marketing plans.
- Identify opportunities within the channel/customer mix that we can own or exploit that enhances our standing with customers and drives future profitable growth.
- Deliver outstanding in outlet communications that positively influences shopper behaviour & product position on shelf.
- Through rigorous measure and evaluation identify best practice in promotional mechanics and activations and ensure W&M is at the cutting edge in terms of new thinking and fresh ideas around mechanics – in store and online.
Skills and experience that will help you be a success
- Proven experience in a similar Customer Marketing, Category, or Channel Activation role, ideally within FMCG and preferably the drinks category.
- A strong ability to translate data into clear, compelling shopper and category insights that influence customer decisions and drive growth.
- Solid understanding of the off-trade retail landscape, including both grocery multiples and convenience, with the ability to identify “what works” and turn this into commercially compelling propositions.
- Experience working across e-commerce and digital channels, with confidence to challenge and enhance online execution (including digital shelf and activation insights).
- A track record of delivering impactful, insight-led in-store and online activations that drive visibility, conversion, and brand performance.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across commercial, brand, and customer teams to align on shared objectives.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to bring ideas to life in a way that engages and inspires both internal teams and external customers.
- A proactive, growth mindset, always seeking out new opportunities, testing new approaches, and continuously improving execution through measurement and learning.
Why join us
We offer a competitive salary, bonus package, life assurance, competitive pension, excellent product allowance, 35 days annual leave, plus enhanced family friendly policies. Our Rewards & Benefits page has further information.
Category & Channel Activation Manager in Glasgow employer: SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION
Whyte and Mackay is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Glasgow, where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Category & Channel Activation Manager, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Join our passionate team and be part of a company that values your contributions while providing unique opportunities to shape the future of our award-winning whisky brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category & Channel Activation Manager in Glasgow
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We think you need these skills to ace Category & Channel Activation Manager in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Campaigns:In marketing-communications, it’s all about showcasing your ability to create impactful campaigns. Make sure to include any relevant projects you’ve worked on in your CV, detailing your role, the strategies used, and the results achieved. We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate their creativity and analytical skills!
Tailor Your Writing Samples:For a temporary role, we want to see your versatility and adaptability in communication. Include a couple of writing samples that align with our brand voice or reflect your ability to engage various audiences. This gives us a taste of what you can bring to the team at SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION from day one!
Show Off Your Digital Savvy:Digital marketing is a big part of marketing-communications, so make sure your application reflects your understanding of social media, SEO, and content marketing. Feel free to throw in any certificates you've earned in these areas—it shows your initiative and dedication to learning the latest trends!
Express Your Enthusiasm for the Short-Term Role:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in this temporary position at SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION specifically. Share what you hope to learn during your time with us and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects. We're all about passion and potential, so let that shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
As a candidate for a temporary marketing-communications role at SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION, your portfolio will speak volumes. Bring along samples of your best work—think campaigns you've managed, social media content, and any visuals. Be ready to talk through your creative process and the impact your work had on previous projects.
✨Understand the Latest Trends
We know the marketing-communications field moves at lightning speed. Make sure you brush up on the latest trends—such as digital storytelling or the effectiveness of influencer partnerships. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION you're not just up-to-date but also eager to innovate.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work on short timelines. Share examples from your past where you had to pivot a strategy or campaign swiftly to meet changing demands. This will reassure SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ready Your Communication Strategy
Be prepared for questions that assess your communication skills. You might get asked to pitch a marketing idea on the spot or create a quick content plan. This is your chance to shine and show how your unique perspective can solve problems for SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION, so think on your feet and don't hesitate to showcase your creativity!
