📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Brand Manager
🔹 Company: Valeo Foods
🔹 Location: Pontefract, Wakefield, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Brand Management
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-17
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading brand plans for a category group, covering both Valeo-owned and retailer-owned brands
- Stewarding initiatives within brand plans and contributing to their development
- Strong analytical thinking and excellent presentation skills
- Collaborating cross-functionally and working with board-level stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, with the ability to balance both tactical execution and long-term planning.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Hit or beat budget targets for the category group
✅ Lead and steward initiatives within brand plans
✅ Prepare strong monthly reports on initiatives (board-level standards)
✅ Contribute to building a "Valeo Brand Building Framework" and ensure its consistent use
✅ Lead the quarterly update on initiatives and contribute to the annual strategy review
✅ Ensure marketing budget compliance and optimization
✅ Collaborate effectively with various teams and stakeholders
✅ Represent brands externally, especially with retailers
✅ Oversee and inspire the "Consumer is Boss" plan, maintaining regular consumer connections
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and cross-functional collaboration.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in brand management, with a proven track record of creating change and delivering business results
Required Skills:
- Strong leadership and analytical thinking skills
- Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Proven experience in the full marketing mix, from insight generation to delivery and measurement
- Experience interacting with board-level stakeholders and collaborating with sales
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the food production industry
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in brand management, with a focus on strategic planning and execution.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £45,000 - £60,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a Brand Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the UK)
Benefits:
- Excellent career opportunities
- Matched pension scheme up to 10%
- Death in service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Retailer discount platform
- Staff discount
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Brand Manager with the required experience level in the UK.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Valeo Foods UK operates in the competitive and dynamic food production industry, with a focus on branding and marketing.
Company Size: Valeo Foods UK has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: Valeo Foods UK is part of the larger Valeo Foods Group, which was founded in 2010.
Company Description:
- Valeo Foods UK is the creative force behind an array of beloved brands, spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition
- The company's portfolio includes iconic brands such as Kettle Crisps, Rowse Honey, and Matthew Walker puddings
- Valeo Foods UK offers an exciting array of products and experiences, with a focus on bringing people together and delighting taste buds
Company Specialties:
- Brand management and marketing
- Product development and innovation
- Retailer collaboration and partnerships
Company Website: www.valeofoods.co.uk
ASSUMPTION: Valeo Foods UK's focus on branding and marketing provides opportunities for creative and strategic thinkers.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level of the brand management career path, with opportunities for growth and development.
Reporting Structure: The Brand Manager reports directly to the Head of Marketing and works closely with cross-functional teams, including sales and insights.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the possibility of occasional hybrid work arrangements for specific projects or meetings.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Senior Brand Manager or Marketing Manager role
- Expansion into new markets or product categories
- Development of leadership and management skills
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the brand management function.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Valeo Foods UK's headquarters is a modern, purpose-built facility with a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
Office Location(s): Pontefract, Wakefield, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Pontefract is located in the West Yorkshire metropolitan county, with easy access to major transportation links
- The area offers a mix of urban and rural living, with a variety of housing options and amenities
- Wakefield has a rich history and cultural scene, with numerous attractions and events throughout the year
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexibility for specific project needs.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Valeo Foods UK is dynamic and collaborative, with a focus on driving results and innovation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the HR team
- Face-to-face interview with the Head of Marketing and a member of the marketing team
- Final interview with the HR Director and the Head of Marketing
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Presentation and communication skills
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Problem-solving and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your brand management experience and relevant skills
- Prepare examples of your strategic planning and execution in previous roles
- Research Valeo Foods UK's brand portfolio and be prepared to discuss how you would approach marketing for specific brands
ATS Keywords: Brand management, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, marketing mix, consumer insights, budget compliance, cross-functional collaboration, brand stewardship
ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Valeo Foods UK is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Mailchimp)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for brand management and marketing functions.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passion for our brands
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and continuous improvement
- Customer focus
- Integrity and accountability
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivery
- Adaptable and open to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate passion for Valeo Foods UK's brands in your daily work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver a project?
- How do you approach continuous learning and improvement in your role?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Valeo Foods UK's company values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple brands with varying priorities and objectives
- Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day tactical execution
- Working with diverse stakeholders, including retailers and internal teams
- Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the brand management role and can be overcome with strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Brand Manager vs. Senior Brand Manager: The main difference is the level of experience and the scope of responsibility. A Senior Brand Manager may oversee multiple brands or categories, while a Brand Manager focuses on a specific category group.
- Brand Manager vs. Marketing Manager: A Marketing Manager has a broader scope, overseeing multiple brands and categories, as well as marketing channels and campaigns. A Brand Manager focuses specifically on brand strategy and management.
- Career path: Brand Manager → Senior Brand Manager → Marketing Manager → Director of Marketing → Vice President of Marketing
ASSUMPTION: This role is a stepping stone in a career path focused on brand management and marketing.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a brand plan for a new product launch, including market research, target audience definition, and marketing mix strategy
- Reinvigorating an established brand by identifying growth opportunities and implementing a strategic plan to capitalize on them
- Managing a brand's social media presence, including content creation, community management, and engagement tracking
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and strategic thinking required for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Valeo Foods UK support the growth and development of its brand management team?
- Can you describe the dynamic between the marketing team and other departments, such as sales and insights?
- How does Valeo Foods UK approach innovation and product development?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Valeo Foods UK measure the success of its brand management efforts?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the company culture, team dynamics, and performance metrics for this role.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your brand management experience and relevant skills
- Prepare examples of your strategic planning and execution in previous roles
- Research Valeo Foods UK's brand portfolio and be prepared to discuss how you would approach marketing for specific brands
- Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
