Senior Brand Manager (x2)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Brand Manager (x2)

🔹 Company: AG Barr

🔹 Location: Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Temporary, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-16

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Cumbernauld/Middlebrook/Milton Keynes)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing short and long term brand strategies for Barr Soft Drinks portfolio.
• Leading cross-functional teams to execute brand initiatives across multiple channels.
• Conducting market research and analyzing consumer insights to inform brand strategy and positioning.
• Collaborating with Commercial, Innovation, R&D, and Shopper teams to ensure brand consistency and maximize impact/ROI.
• Mentoring and developing junior team members to build a high-performing brand/marketing team.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of consumer behavior and a passion for the brand and industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement short and long term brand strategies that align with Barr Soft Drinks vision and goals.

✅ Lead cross-functional teams to execute brand initiatives across multiple channels, including digital, social, traditional media, and retail.

✅ Conduct market research and analyze consumer insights to inform brand strategy and positioning.

✅ Collaborate with Commercial, Innovation, R&D, and Shopper teams to ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints and to maximize impact/ROI.

✅ Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of brand activities, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve business objectives.

✅ Manage external agencies and suppliers to ensure best in class deliverables and timely execution of brand initiatives.

✅ Mentor and develop junior team members to build a high-performing brand/marketing team.

✅ Collaborate with senior leadership to identify new business opportunities and drive revenue growth.

✅ Stay abreast of industry trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.

✅ Develop and manage the brand's budget, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support brand initiatives.

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and team leadership. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree preferable.

Experience: Extensive experience (5-10 years) in brand management or consumer-facing role with a proven track record of developing and executing successful brand strategies.

Required Skills:

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and inspire cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to inform decision-making.
• Creative and innovative mindset, with the ability to think outside the box and develop fresh and engaging branding initiatives.
• Passion for the brand and the industry, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior and trends.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with the soft drinks industry and its trends.
• Proficiency in using marketing analytics tools and software.

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is preferred, relevant experience and a strong portfolio may be considered in lieu of formal education.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits:

• Up to 33 days holiday (depending on shift pattern)
• Flexible holiday trading
• Living Wage Employer
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Flexible benefits (e.g., discounts & cashback, gym memberships, technology purchases)
• Life assurance
• Save as you earn scheme
• Staff sales discount
• Free AG Barr products throughout your working day
• Pension
• Annual salary review
• Ongoing professional development

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for the role.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior Brand Manager role with 5-10 years of experience. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: AG Barr operates in the competitive Food and Beverage Services industry, with a focus on soft drinks and owned brands.

Company Size: AG Barr employs around 900 people across three business units and four UK locations. This size allows for a mix of large-scale operations and personal connections within the company.

Founded: 1875, with a rich history and heritage in the soft drinks industry.

Company Description:

• AG Barr is home to some of the UK’s most loved drinks brands, including IRN-BRU, RUBICON, and BARR.
• The company has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, such as Boost, FUNKIN, and MOMA.
• AG Barr is committed to being a responsible business, taking care of its people, valuing diversity, giving back to communities, and working to minimize its environmental impact.

Company Specialties:

• Engineering
• Marketing
• Procurement
• Retail
• and Consumer

Company Website: http://www.agbarr.co.uk

ASSUMPTION: AG Barr's size and history provide a stable and established environment for employees, while its growth and acquisitions offer opportunities for innovation and career progression.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, offering significant responsibility and the opportunity to shape brand strategies.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand Manager reports directly to the Marketing Director and oversees junior team members.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a mix of remote work and on-site presence at one of AG Barr's UK locations (Cumbernauld, Middlebrook, or Milton Keynes).

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential progression to a Marketing Director or Head of Brand role within the company.
• Expansion of responsibilities to cover additional brands or categories as the business grows.
• Opportunities to work on special projects or initiatives, driving innovation and change within the company.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the Marketing department and the wider AG Barr organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: AG Barr's offices are modern, professional environments that foster collaboration and creativity.

Office Location(s): Cumbernauld, Middlebrook, Milton Keynes

Geographic Context:

• Cumbernauld is located in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, with a mix of urban and rural surroundings.
• Middlebrook is situated in Bolton, England, with easy access to Manchester and the surrounding areas.
• Milton Keynes is located in Buckinghamshire, England, offering a blend of urban and green spaces.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for the role. The working hours are typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, catering to different work styles and preferences.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and CV submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• First-round interview with the Marketing Director
• Second-round interview with the Senior Leadership Team
• Final-stage assessment or presentation

Key Assessment Areas:

• Brand strategy development and execution
• Leadership and team management skills
• Consumer insights and market research analysis
• Budget management and financial acumen

Application Tips:

• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your brand management experience and relevant achievements.
• Prepare examples of successful brand strategies you've developed and executed in previous roles.
• Research AG Barr's brand portfolio and be ready to discuss how you would approach each brand's strategy.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the soft drinks industry and its trends.

ATS Keywords: Brand strategy, consumer insights, market research, leadership, team management, budget management, soft drinks industry, AG Barr brands

ASSUMPTION: AG Barr's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit within the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Marketing analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics platforms)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma)

ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are standard in the marketing industry and can be easily adapted by candidates with relevant experience.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Brilliant: We strive to be brilliant in everything we do.
• Always Learning: We embrace continuous learning and improvement.
• Results Driven: We focus on delivering results that matter.
• Relationships Matter: We build strong, lasting relationships with our customers, employees, and partners.

Work Style:

• Collaborative: AG Barr values teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
• Fast-paced: The company operates in a dynamic and fast-changing environment.
• Results-focused: AG Barr prioritizes delivering tangible results and driving business growth.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How have you demonstrated AG Barr's values in your previous roles?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or strategy, and how did you approach it?
• How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment?

ASSUMPTION: AG Barr's company values and work style emphasize collaboration, continuous learning, and a focus on results, making it an attractive choice for candidates who thrive in dynamic, team-oriented environments.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple brands and projects simultaneously may require strong organizational skills and prioritization.
• Working in a fast-paced environment may necessitate adaptability and flexibility in response to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams may require strong communication and interpersonal skills to manage diverse perspectives and expectations.
• Balancing on-site and remote work may present challenges in maintaining productivity and work-life balance.

ASSUMPTION: These potential challenges can be mitigated by effective time management, strong communication, and a proactive approach to building and maintaining relationships with team members and stakeholders.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other Senior Brand Manager positions in its focus on the soft drinks industry and AG Barr's unique brand portfolio.
• Compared to other roles in the industry, this position offers a mix of strategic planning and hands-on execution, providing a well-rounded experience for the successful candidate.
• Career progression opportunities within AG Barr may differ from those in larger, more established organizations, offering a more personalized and entrepreneurial approach to professional development.

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other Senior Brand Manager positions, its unique focus on the soft drinks industry and AG Barr's brand portfolio sets it apart and offers a distinct opportunity for the right candidate.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive brand strategy for IRN-BRU, including market research, consumer insights, and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Launching a new product or flavor within the BARR brand, including market research, consumer testing, and promotional planning.
• Conducting a competitive analysis of the soft drinks market, identifying trends, and developing recommendations for AG Barr's brand portfolio.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Senior Brand Manager may undertake, showcasing the role's strategic and hands-on nature.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's approach to brand management and how this role fits into the overall marketing strategy?
• How does AG Barr support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
• Can you provide an example of a successful brand initiative led by AG Barr, and what made it successful?
• How does AG Barr approach collaboration and communication with external partners and agencies?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of brand initiatives, and how are they tracked and reported?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates better understand the role, the company's approach to brand management, and the expectations for success in the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your brand management experience and relevant achievements.
• Prepare examples of successful brand strategies you've developed and executed in previous roles.
• Research AG Barr's brand portfolio and be ready to discuss how you would approach each brand's strategy.
• Follow up with the AG Barr HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.