📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Assistant Brand Manager - Naturally Sweet
🔹 Company: Valeo Foods
🔹 Location: Wallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (2/3 days per week in office)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 19, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Assisting in the development and implementation of brand strategies
- Contributing to the growth and success of the brand through a tailored training program
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong focus on change and innovation
- Collaborating with various stakeholders and teams across Valeo Foods UK
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking to gain experience in marketing, with a focus on brand management and strategy.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assist in the development and implementation of brand strategies that align with the company's vision and goals
✅ Contribute to the growth and success of the brand through a unique and tailored 1-year training program, gaining experience in Marketing, Business Intelligence, Research & Development, and Category teams
✅ Shape, align, and plan brand strategies, demonstrating strong leadership and analytical thinking
✅ Embrace change and create initiatives that drive results, showcasing a strong 'Personal Best' mindset
✅ Interact successfully with different stakeholders, demonstrating strong presentation skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, ever-changing environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience in marketing or a related field
Required Skills:
- Strong leadership skills to shape, align, and plan brand strategies
- Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to create and embrace change, with a strong 'Personal Best' mindset
- Strong presentation skills, both written and verbal
- Proven track record of creating change that shapes thinking and delivers results
- Emerging experience in the full marketing mix, from insight generation to delivery and measurement
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the food industry or related sectors
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: While relevant experience is valuable, this role is designed to provide a comprehensive training program for early-career professionals.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £25,000 - £30,000 per annum (based on industry standards for entry-level marketing roles in the UK)
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
- Matched pension scheme
- Death in service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Canteen
- Retailer discount platform
- Staff discount
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexible hybrid working arrangements (2/3 days per week in the office)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level marketing roles in the UK. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Valeo Foods UK operates in the competitive food production industry, with a focus on branded consumer goods. The company's portfolio includes well-known brands such as Kettle Chips, Rowse Honey, and Matthew Walker puddings.
Company Size: Valeo Foods UK is a mid-sized company with 1,001-5,000 employees, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
Founded: Valeo Foods UK was founded in 1993 and has since grown to become a leading player in the UK food industry.
Company Description:
- Valeo Foods UK is the creative force behind an array of beloved brands, spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition
- The company's portfolio reflects its commitment to quality and diversity, with products ranging from indulgent snacks to honey and puddings
- Valeo Foods UK offers a unique opportunity to work with iconic brands and contribute to their ongoing success
Company Specialties:
- Brand management and marketing
- Product development and innovation
- Category management and sales
- Manufacturing and supply chain
Company Website: www.valeofoods.co.uk
ASSUMPTION: Valeo Foods UK's diverse portfolio and commitment to innovation make it an attractive employer for marketing professionals seeking to gain experience in brand management and strategy.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for early-career professionals seeking to establish themselves in the marketing field, with a focus on brand management and strategy.
Reporting Structure: The Assistant Brand Manager will report directly to the Chief Marketing Officer, Michael Inpong, and work closely with various teams across Valeo Foods UK.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with 2/3 days per week required in the office (Wallingford, Oxfordshire) and the remaining days working remotely.
Growth Opportunities:
- The tailored 1-year training program offers the chance to gain experience in multiple teams and disciplines
- Strong performance in this role may lead to opportunities for advancement within the marketing department or other areas of the business
- Valeo Foods UK's commitment to employee development and growth makes it an attractive choice for ambitious professionals
ASSUMPTION: This role provides an excellent starting point for early-career marketing professionals seeking to build a strong foundation in brand management and strategy.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Valeo Foods UK's Wallingford office offers a modern, collaborative work environment with on-site amenities such as a canteen and retailer discount platform.
Office Location(s): Moreton Avenue, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9DE, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Wallingford is a historic market town located in the heart of Oxfordshire, offering a mix of rural and urban living
- The town is well-connected by road and public transportation, with easy access to London and other major cities
- Wallingford's picturesque setting and vibrant community make it an attractive place to live and work
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexible hybrid working arrangements (2/3 days per week in the office)
ASSUMPTION: The Wallingford office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with easy access to amenities and transportation options.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- First-round interview with the hiring manager, Michael Inpong
- Final-round interview with the senior leadership team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Leadership and communication abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Valeo Foods UK's values
- Understanding of the food industry and relevant market trends
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the food industry and Valeo Foods UK's portfolio of brands
- Prepare examples of your problem-solving and leadership abilities, showcasing your capacity to drive change and deliver results
ATS Keywords: Brand management, marketing strategy, stakeholder interaction, change management, problem-solving, target setting, presentation skills, fast-paced environment, dynamic, leadership, analytical thinking, full marketing mix
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their relevant skills and experiences, as well as their enthusiasm for the role and the company's portfolio of brands.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Google Data Studio, Tableau)
- Marketing automation and CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce, Marketo)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant software and tools is essential for success in this role, as the Assistant Brand Manager will be expected to create and analyze marketing materials, manage projects, and collaborate with various teams.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passion for our brands and products
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and continuous improvement
- Accountability and results-driven approach
- Respect and integrity in all interactions
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Collaborative and team-oriented culture
- Focus on innovation and continuous learning
- Results-driven approach, with a strong emphasis on delivering measurable outcomes
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate your passion for Valeo Foods UK's brands and products in your daily life or work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully collaborated with a diverse team to achieve a common goal?
- How do you approach continuous learning and personal development in your current role or studies?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider how their personal values and work style align with Valeo Foods UK's company culture and values, as this is essential for success in the role and the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment may be challenging for those who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
- The role requires strong leadership and analytical skills, which may be demanding for early-career professionals
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration with remote team members
- The food industry is highly competitive, with constant changes in consumer preferences and market trends, which may require adaptability and flexibility
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider their personal strengths and weaknesses in relation to the demands of this role and the industry, and be prepared to address potential challenges proactively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to entry-level or junior brand manager positions in other food production or consumer goods companies
- However, Valeo Foods UK's unique portfolio of brands and commitment to innovation set it apart from other employers in the industry
- This role offers a tailored training program, providing early-career professionals with a comprehensive introduction to brand management and marketing strategy
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles in other companies to better understand the market and competitive landscape, and to identify opportunities for growth and development within their careers.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand strategy for a new product launch, including market research, target audience identification, and positioning
- Analyzing sales data and consumer trends to identify opportunities for brand growth and innovation
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and execute marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness and engagement
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experiences and projects, demonstrating their ability to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world scenarios.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role contribute to the overall marketing strategy for Valeo Foods UK?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the marketing department and the wider organization?
- How does Valeo Foods UK support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in hybrid or remote working arrangements?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does Valeo Foods UK foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, and what role does this play in the Assistant Brand Manager's responsibilities?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company, and their commitment to driving success in the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the SmartRecruiters job posting
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role, demonstrating your understanding of the food industry and Valeo Foods UK's portfolio of brands
- Prepare examples of your problem-solving and leadership abilities, showcasing your capacity to drive change and deliver results
- Follow up with the hiring manager, Michael Inpong, one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
