Global Innovation Manager - The Balvenie - 6 Month FTC
Global Innovation Manager - The Balvenie - 6 Month FTC

Global Innovation Manager - The Balvenie - 6 Month FTC

Temporary 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative projects for The Balvenie, shaping the brand's future with creativity and strategy.
  • Company: Join a prestigious whisky brand known for its craftsmanship and premium experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, private healthcare, and a bonus plan.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work in a dynamic, cross-functional team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the luxury spirits industry while working on exciting innovation strategies.
  • Qualifications: Experience in innovation management and a passion for premium brands required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

As Global Innovation Manager for The Balvenie, you will lead the development of world‑class innovation propositions that reinforce the brand’s craftsmanship, create desirability, and deliver against long‑term financial and brand equity goals. You will help shape our innovation strategy as part of the 5‑year global plan, bringing forward innovative concepts rooted in consumer insight, industry trends, and The Balvenie’s signature storytelling. Working cross‑functionally, you’ll ensure each solution is executed to the highest creative, operational, and brand standards, supported by compelling campaign assets and rigorous post‑launch evaluation.

What We Can Offer You

  • Competitive salary and benefits designed to promote our employees' financial wellbeing.
  • Eligibility to participate in a bonus plan.
  • Generous holiday entitlement with an opportunity to ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ some holiday entitlement.
  • Private Healthcare and Doctor@Hand (remote GP service).
  • Defined contribution pension plan with employee contributions of either 4% or 5% of salary, and company contributions of 8% or 10% depending on the employee contribution.
  • Employee Assistance Programme offering practical support on everyday matters.
  • Life Assurance cover at a multiple of eight times your annual basic salary.
  • Product allocation to enjoy our fantastic portfolio of brands.
  • Cycle to Work scheme allowing you to hire a bike and make savings.
  • Opportunity to claim up to £1,000 per year for charity work.
  • Learning resources to help you be your best self.

Main Responsibilities

  • Own the end‑to‑end innovation pipeline for The Balvenie, from early concept development through to final delivery.
  • Identify consumer‑led opportunities, review global trends, and develop premium propositions that are distinctive, competitive, and aligned to brand strategy.
  • Coordinate the annual innovation development budget and oversee all creative approvals.
  • Ensure all materials meet brand standards, comply with legal requirements, and align with long‑term business plans and sustainability commitments.
  • Lead post‑campaign evaluation in partnership with Insight and Marketing Excellence teams, translating results into actionable recommendations for continuous improvement.
  • Champion the William Grant Way of Building Brands to ensure excellence across every execution.

Our Ideal Candidate

  • Strategic, innovative, and commercially astute marketer with a proven track record in Whisky or luxury spirits.
  • Experience in innovation management, NPD, packaging, or brand activation.
  • Ability to combine creativity with strong project management discipline.
  • Confident in navigating cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑impact solutions at pace.
  • Insight‑driven, passionate about craftsmanship and premium experiences.
  • Skilled at turning consumer needs into compelling brand propositions.
  • Comfortable shaping strategy, managing budgets, overseeing creative development, and evaluating performance.
  • Deep understanding of what makes an ultra-premium brand resonate.

This will be a 6 month Fixed Term Contract.

Global Innovation Manager - The Balvenie - 6 Month FTC employer: William Grant & Sons

At The Balvenie, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the luxury spirits industry. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday entitlements, and comprehensive health and wellness programmes, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth. With a commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability, working with us means being part of a brand that values excellence and empowers its team to make a meaningful impact.
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Contact Detail:

William Grant & Sons Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Global Innovation Manager - The Balvenie - 6 Month FTC

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to interview, bring along examples of your past work or innovative ideas that align with The Balvenie's brand. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your passion for craftsmanship.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for innovation roles and practice your responses. Make sure you can articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their long-term vision.

✨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 genuinely interested in being part of The Balvenie team.

We think you need these skills to ace Global Innovation Manager - The Balvenie - 6 Month FTC

Innovation Management
Consumer Insight Analysis
Brand Strategy Development
Project Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Budget Management
Creative Development
Post-Campaign Evaluation
Market Trend Analysis
Luxury Spirits Knowledge
Packaging Development
Brand Activation
Strategic Thinking
Commercial Acumen
Performance Evaluation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Craftsmanship: When writing your application, let your love for craftsmanship shine through. Share experiences that highlight your connection to premium products and how you’ve contributed to brand storytelling in the past.

Be Insight-Driven: Make sure to include examples of how you've used consumer insights to shape innovative strategies. We want to see how you can turn trends into actionable ideas that align with The Balvenie’s brand ethos.

Highlight Your Project Management Skills: Since this role involves managing complex projects, showcase your project management experience. Talk about how you’ve successfully led cross-functional teams and delivered high-impact solutions on time and within budget.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!

How to prepare for a job interview at William Grant & Sons

✨Know Your Craft

Dive deep into The Balvenie's brand story and craftsmanship. Understand their unique selling points and how they differentiate themselves in the luxury spirits market. This knowledge will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their values during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Innovation Skills

Prepare specific examples of past projects where you've successfully led innovation initiatives. Highlight your ability to identify consumer insights and translate them into compelling propositions, as this is crucial for the Global Innovation Manager role.

✨Understand the Market Trends

Stay updated on current trends in the whisky and luxury spirits industry. Be ready to discuss how these trends can influence The Balvenie’s innovation strategy. This shows that you're not just a candidate but a thought leader who can contribute to their long-term goals.

✨Be Ready for Cross-Functional Collaboration

Since the role involves working with various teams, prepare to discuss your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated different departments to achieve a common goal, demonstrating your project management skills and teamwork.

Global Innovation Manager - The Balvenie - 6 Month FTC
William Grant & Sons

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