Location: Homebased (Regular travel to London and Grimsby Office)
About the Role
We're looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Assistant Brand Manager to join our Soup Marketing team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in driving the growth of three much-loved soup brands, with a particular focus on New Covent Garden.
You'll take ownership of key areas of the marketing mix, innovation pipeline and brand performance, while helping shape the future direction of the brands. Working closely with cross-functional teams, customers and external agency partners, you'll be at the heart of delivering impactful marketing plans, successful product launches and sustainable business growth.
This role offers significant exposure across the business and provides an excellent platform for someone looking to develop their brand management career within a dynamic FMCG environment.
What You'll Be Doing
Brand Strategy & Performance
- Support the development and execution of long-term brand strategies and annual growth plans.
- Analyse market, shopper and consumer data (including Kantar, Circana/IRI and EPOS data) to identify opportunities and drive informed decision-making.
- Monitor brand performance and provide recommendations to maximise growth and profitability.
- Contribute to strategic planning projects and influence key stakeholders across the business.
Innovation & New Product Development
- Identify emerging consumer, category and flavour trends.
- Develop insights into consumer needs, motivations and barriers.
- Support the creation of a three-year innovation roadmap.
- Write compelling product development briefs and work closely with NPD teams to bring innovations to market.
Project Leadership
- Lead cross-functional projects from concept through to launch, ensuring delivery against objectives, timelines and budgets.
- Coordinate stakeholders across marketing, sales, operations, supply chain, finance and technical teams.
- Drive high-quality execution of product launches, packaging projects and brand initiatives.
- Chair internal meetings and collaborate with external partners and agencies.
Marketing Activation
- Help develop and deliver integrated marketing plans that support business growth objectives.
- Measure campaign effectiveness and demonstrate return on investment.
- Present plans and recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Support customer-facing initiatives and retailer engagement to secure brand support and visibility.
- Build strong relationships with agency partners to deliver outstanding marketing execution.
Commercial & Financial Management
- Manage marketing budgets responsibly and maximise return on investment.
- Monitor brand P&L performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on cost-saving and efficiency initiatives.
About You
We're looking for someone who combines strong commercial awareness with a passion for brands, consumers and food.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Degree educated (minimum 2:1 or equivalent).
- At least 2 years' experience in a marketing, brand management or related commercial role.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn data into actionable insights.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
- Self-motivated, proactive and comfortable working independently.
- Strong commercial acumen and attention to detail.
Desirable
- Experience within FMCG, grocery or food categories.
- Degree in Marketing or Business.
- CIM qualification or working towards one.
- Experience managing innovation or product launch projects.
Personal Attributes
- Agile learner with a growth mindset.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
- Strong relationship builder and influencer.
- Highly organised and results focused.
- Passionate about food, brands and consumer behaviour.
What's in it for You?
- Opportunity to work on iconic and growing food brands.
- Significant ownership and responsibility early in your career.
- Exposure to senior stakeholders and cross-functional leadership teams.
- A collaborative and supportive marketing environment.
- Excellent opportunity for career development within a leading FMCG business.
Location & Travel
This role is based in London with hybrid working (typically 2–3 days in the office and the remainder from home).
The role requires regular travel to our Lakeside factory in Grimsby (weekly or fortnightly depending on business needs), as well as occasional travel to customers across the UK and occasional overnight stays.
