Head of Brand Architecture and Innovation

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.

Responsibilities

• 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. Lead the team to ensure flawless launch execution by defining brand experience guidelines and aligning them with local growth plans. Oversee the performance and development review process within the team, including individual development and career planning.
• 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. Provide clear consumer and business rationale behind all recommendations. Challenge the team to optimise spending efficiency and effectiveness while extracting the best value from suppliers and agencies. Promote sustainability in product development and ensure compliance with environmental and social responsibility goals.

Qualifications – Essential

• 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
• Clarity of thoughts and ability to engage and recommend
• Experience working with finance team (P&Ls, long‑range sales forecast & inventory planning)
• Experience working with leading creative agencies and ensuring highest standard in delivery

Qualifications – Desired

• International experience, working in a market or region, with an understanding of market/consumer dynamics
• Experience within premium/luxury Spirits or other luxury sectors
• Interest for innovation and new technologies
• Interest in new material and packaging development
• Travel may be required

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills – ability to build strong working relationships and work in teams
• Can combine strategic brand approach while being accountable for multiple projects
• Capable of challenging and influencing across a broad range of stakeholders
• Combine strategic analytical skills with creative eye

Benefits

• Private medical insurance, critical illness cover and an optional healthcare cash plan and dental insurance.
• 28 days annual holiday, employee pension, share incentive plan, family care, season ticket loans, free mortgage advice, payroll giving and more!
• Access to gifts and discounts, including an allowance each year to spend on our brands in our staff shop and employee discounts from a range of high street retailers.
• Events, employee‑run networks, a culture of flexibility and trust and tools to help you focus on wellbeing and mental fitness.

We will assess your application for this role based on your skills, experiences and achievements, not your gender, age, ethnic or educational background or any other such factors.