📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Brand Manager UK
🔹 Company: Scandinavian Tobacco Group
🔹 Location: UK (with occasional travel to Herts HQ and UK field visits)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time (37 hours per week)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-16
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days per week at Herts HQ)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving category and brand performance across the UK market
- Leading the commercial strategy and managing NPD launches
- Budget planning and cost control
- Market analysis and consumer behavior analysis
- Cross-portfolio trade activation management
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, with a focus on driving growth and innovation within the UK market.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assist in leading the category, brand, and commercial strategy for STG UK's commercial agenda
✅ Proactive portfolio management, including NPD based on market trends and gap analysis
✅ Managing NPD launches and other relevant projects in coordination with internal and external stakeholders
✅ Developing channel-specific growth strategies for the category
✅ Planning, management, and implementation of brand activation and sales cycle measures
✅ Preparation, coordination, and implementation of the yearly business plans within Group Marketing and Commercial Excellence
✅ Cross-portfolio implementation and management of trade activation concepts and communications, including trade fairs and events
✅ Analysis of market, competitors, and consumer behavior, including recommended strategies
✅ Management of external agencies and service providers (research, creation, print, POS, BTL, promotion)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Degree in a relevant field
Experience: 5+ years in a brand marketing role
Required Skills:
- Strong capabilities in branding, campaign development, and project management
- Accountability for brand performance
- Strong commercial mindset and proven ability to contribute to category P&L performance
- International and data-driven mindset
- Proactive and growth-oriented individual who can transform ideas into action
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the tobacco industry
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the tobacco industry or additional language skills may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a Senior Brand Manager role in the UK)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package (details provided upon request)
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Dynamic and international work environment
Working Hours: 37 hours per week, with occasional travel to Herts HQ and UK field visits
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Tobacco Manufacturing
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1961 (as Scandinavian Tobacco Group)
Company Description:
- Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) is a global tobacco company with a rich heritage dating back 250 years
- STG offers a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Signature, Cohiba, Macanudo, CAO, Partagas, and XQS
- STG operates in over 100 countries and employs over 10,000 people worldwide
Company Specialties:
- Fine-cut Tobacco
- Pipe Tobacco
- Handmade Cigars
- Machine-made Cigars
- Nicotine Pouches
Company Website: http://www.st-group.com
ASSUMPTION: STG's extensive global presence and diverse product portfolio offer unique opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior level, with opportunities for growth and progression within the company
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Director UK
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 2 days per week at the Herts HQ and occasional travel to UK field visits
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career progression within the marketing department or other functions within STG
- Opportunities to work on international projects and gain global experience
- Chance to develop leadership skills and mentor junior team members
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with a clear path for career progression within STG.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (2 days per week at Herts HQ)
Office Location(s): Herts, UK
Geographic Context:
- The UK market is a key focus for STG, with significant growth opportunities
- The Herts HQ is located in a convenient and accessible location, with good transport links
- The UK offers a dynamic and competitive marketing landscape, with opportunities for innovation and growth
Work Schedule: 37 hours per week, with occasional travel to Herts HQ and UK field visits
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between flexibility and collaboration, allowing employees to work from home and the office as needed.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Recruiter screen
- Hiring manager interview
- Case study
Key Assessment Areas:
- Brand management skills
- Commercial mindset and P&L focus
- Project management and stakeholder coordination
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit with STG's values and work environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant brand management experience and achievements
- Prepare for the case study by demonstrating your ability to analyze market trends and develop strategic recommendations
- Research STG's brand portfolio and understand their products to showcase your enthusiasm and knowledge during the interview
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, NPD, Market Analysis, Trade Activation, Commercial Strategy, P&L, Project Management, Stakeholder Coordination, Consumer Behavior, Cross-Portfolio Management
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, commercial mindset, and cultural fit with STG's values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are standard for marketing professionals and can be easily adapted by candidates with relevant experience.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Craftsmanship: We take pride in our work and strive for excellence in everything we do
- Courage: We dare to light the way forward and raise the standards for everything we do
- Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork and support each other to achieve our goals
Work Style:
- Dynamic and international work environment
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Strong focus on results and high expectations
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of driving brand performance and contributing to category P&L?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and international work environment?
- Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with STG's values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines
- Working in a highly regulated industry and adhering to strict compliance guidelines
- Adapting to a dynamic and international work environment
- Balancing the demands of a hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome by strong project management skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other Senior Brand Manager positions in the tobacco industry, with a focus on driving brand performance and contributing to category P&L
- However, this role offers unique opportunities to work on international projects and gain global experience within STG
- Career progression opportunities may vary depending on the company and industry, with STG offering a clear path for growth and development
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of international experience and career progression opportunities within the tobacco industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a strategic plan to launch a new product line in the UK market
- Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities for brand growth
- Managing a cross-portfolio trade activation campaign to drive sales and increase market share
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and project management skills required for this role, with a focus on driving brand performance and contributing to category P&L.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for the UK market and how this role contributes to that vision?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments and functions within STG?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role?
- How does STG support work-life balance for employees working in a hybrid arrangement?
- Can you provide an example of a successful brand management initiative within STG and how it was executed?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help candidates better understand the role, the company, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant brand management experience and achievements
- Prepare for the case study by demonstrating your ability to analyze market trends and develop strategic recommendations
- Research STG's brand portfolio and understand their products to showcase your enthusiasm and knowledge during the interview
- Follow up with the recruiter one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
