📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Own Brand Manager
🔹 Company: John Lewis Partnership
🔹 Location: Bracknell, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days in office)
🔹 Category: Retail
🔹 Date Posted: June 6, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic leadership of Waitrose Own Brand sub-brands or ranges
- Development and execution of brand strategies based on market analysis and consumer insights
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement to drive brand performance
- Project management of complex Own Brand projects from concept to post-launch evaluation
- Guardianship of brand identity, standards, and compliance with business policies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong project management skills, and the ability to influence and collaborate with diverse teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and champion the medium-to-long-term Own Brand business strategy to drive profitable growth
✅ Lead strategic planning cycles by identifying and evaluating commercial opportunities and propositions using market analysis, consumer insights, and trend forecasting
✅ Create and deliver impactful presentations to secure strategic alignment and sign off from leadership teams
✅ Drive strategic integration and execution of the Own Brand agenda within significant Waitrose events and key seasonal periods
✅ Act as the main guardian for the specific sub-brand or range identity, design, brand standards, and DNA
✅ Define & write packaging design briefs and input own brand priorities into marketing campaign briefs
✅ Monitor and run performance reports for the Own Brand portfolio, understanding and communicating drivers of performance
✅ Oversee and manage the Own Brand awards submission process to drive external recognition and validate brand excellence
✅ Own the day-to-day relationship with key third parties, leading and managing communication & relationships between Waitrose and relevant 3rd parties
✅ Strategic oversight and management of complex Own Brand projects throughout their lifecycle, from strategy development and planning through to delivery and post-launch evaluation
✅ Build strong relationships across Commercial and Customer teams for effective alignment, implementation & communication of Own Brands Plans and NPD
✅ Act as a central coordinator for Own Brand projects, fostering robust relationships and collaboration across multiple internal teams
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: Proven experience in Own Brand management or working closely with Own Brand portfolios in a business of significant size and complexity
Required Skills:
- Proven track record in developing and executing strategies and propositions, demonstrating strategic ownership and measurable business outcomes
- Experience in translating strategy into more detailed briefs and business plans
- Passion for customer & innovation
- Experience managing complex projects from strategic concept through to cross-functional execution and evaluation
- Experience in a consumer-facing business or retail
- Ability to create a view of the future to motivate others & deal with ambiguity
- Ability to effectively influence across diverse teams
Preferred Skills:
- Food brand experience with track record in delivering commercial success
- CIM or degree level Brand/Marketing qualification
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in FMCG brands or a related field are strongly encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £53,100 - £70,000 (dependent on experience)
Benefits:
- Hybrid work arrangement (3 days in office)
- Competitive pension scheme
- Employee discount on John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners products
- Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience in the retail sector.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail, with a focus on food and home goods
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (largest employee-owned business in the UK)
Founded: 1864 (John Lewis), 1904 (Waitrose)
Company Description:
- John Lewis Partnership is the UK's largest employee-owned business, home to the cherished brands John Lewis and Waitrose
- Driven by the purpose to build a happier world, the Partnership is ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail
- Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality, and service in John Lewis, and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose
Company Specialties:
- Retail
- Online
- Distribution
- Finance
- Technology
- IT
- Digital
- Hotels
- Personnel
- Buying
- Marketing
Company Website: http://www.jlpjobs.com
ASSUMPTION: John Lewis Partnership is a well-established retailer with a strong brand presence and a commitment to employee ownership and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with potential for growth into leadership roles
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Own Brand or a similar role
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression into senior roles within the Own Brand team or other areas of the business
- Broadening of skills and experience through involvement in diverse projects and initiatives
- Development of leadership and management skills through team mentoring and coaching
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the John Lewis Partnership.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with on-site amenities
Office Location(s): Bracknell, United Kingdom (Headquarters)
Geographic Context:
- Bracknell is located in the county of Berkshire, approximately 30 miles west of London
- The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to major transportation links
- Bracknell is home to a diverse range of industries, including retail, technology, and finance
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (with a 30-minute lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The Bracknell office provides a modern, collaborative work environment with easy access to amenities and transportation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and CV screening
- Phone or video screening
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and a panel of stakeholders
- Final round interview with the Head of Own Brand or a similar role
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Project management skills and experience
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement
- Brand management and guardianship
- Data analysis and performance monitoring
Application Tips:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your ability to manage complex projects, engage stakeholders, and drive brand performance
- Research the John Lewis Partnership and the Waitrose Own Brand portfolio to demonstrate your understanding of the business and its competitive landscape
ATS Keywords: Own Brand Management, Strategic Planning, Market Analysis, Consumer Insights, Project Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Brand Building, Performance Monitoring, Stakeholder Engagement, Presentation Skills, Trend Forecasting, Compliance, Data Accuracy, Competitor Evaluation, Communication, Innovation
ASSUMPTION: The John Lewis Partnership uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage and review job applications. Including relevant keywords in your CV and cover letter can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI)
- Brand management software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketch)
- Collaboration and communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passionate about serving our customers
- Committed to working together as Partners
- Driven by our purpose to build a happier world
- Ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive
- Data-driven and insight-led
- Agile and adaptable
- Customer-centric
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with the John Lewis Partnership's commitment to customer service and excellence?
- How do you approach working collaboratively with diverse teams to drive brand performance?
- How do you balance strategic thinking with a focus on execution and delivery?
ASSUMPTION: The John Lewis Partnership values a customer-centric, collaborative, and data-driven work culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines
- Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day execution and delivery
- Adapting to a dynamic retail environment and evolving consumer preferences
- Working in a hybrid office environment, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and adaptability skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other Own Brand Manager roles, this position requires a strong focus on strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration
- Compared to similar roles in the FMCG industry, this role offers a unique opportunity to work for a large, employee-owned retailer with a strong brand presence
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into senior leadership positions within the Own Brand team or other areas of the business
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic, project management, and leadership opportunities within the retail sector.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic plan to launch a new Own Brand product line, from concept to post-launch evaluation
- Conducting a comprehensive competitor analysis and benchmarking initiative to inform Own Brand strategy and positioning
- Managing the Own Brand awards submission process to drive external recognition and validate brand excellence
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, cross-functional, and project management aspects of the Own Brand Manager role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current Own Brand portfolio and its performance?
- How does this role fit into the broader Own Brand team and the organization's structure?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the John Lewis Partnership support the professional development and growth of its Partners?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Own Brand team, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization, and helps you better understand the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your ability to manage complex projects, engage stakeholders, and drive brand performance
- Research the John Lewis Partnership and the Waitrose Own Brand portfolio to demonstrate your understanding of the business and its competitive landscape
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and 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.
