MS/1297 - CATEGORY MANAGER, IMPULSE CHANNEL - FIRST DRINKS - HOOK

Basic salary :  to £45k

Bonus : Up to 30%

Car :  Allowance £6,000

Private Medical : Individual cover

Pension : Yes

Life Assurance : Yes – 4 x basic salary

Product Allowance : £300

Holidays : 24 rising to 29 with each full year of service

THE COMPANY

Owned by independent distiller William Grant & Sons, who operate in 180 markets worldwide, First Drinks boasts a brand portfolio that includes the world’s number one single malt whisky Glenfiddich as well as Grant’s, Tullamore Dew, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry.  We also manage Rémy Martin, Tia Maria, Cointreau and Disaronno, to name just a few.  First Drinks is now the country’s leading supplier of premium spirit brands in the UK Off Trade*.  We’re investing heavily in building our brands in the UK this year and, with big plans for the future, this level of success is set to ramp up even more.

This is a company that blends a rich heritage with an exciting vision.  An environment that offers the freedom to explore fresh ideas and question accepted wisdom.  A place where you can be inspiring, be bold and be yourself.  So if you’re looking for true professional challenge and exceptional reward, this could be the perfect choice.

*Bottles that retail for £20+ per 70cl (or 70cl equivalent).  Nielsen MAT Data to 3^rd October 2011

VACANCY(S) DETAILS

With responsibility for the Impulse Channel, this role is truly cross-functional.  Reporting to the Head of Category Management you will work cross-functionally both internally and externally to drive category performance within a number of key customers including category captaincy leadership.  Key activities will be driven by consumer insight including ranging, merchandising, and price together with brand plan alignment to individual customer trading strategies.  You will also assume responsibility of becoming the internal UK market category brand champion for two of our major brands.

We’re looking for a graduate with Category Management or Customer Marketing experience at Executive or Manager level within an FMCG food, drink and non-food branded company.  Alternatively, you may be working in the Drinks sector in Off-Trade Impulse Channel National Account Management but now looking to develop your career in Category Management.  Either way, you have a deep understanding of the UK marketplace and the commercial challenges facing business.  You can influence at all levels and bring well-honed skills in data analysis, category range reviews, presentation, IT and project management.  The role is office based in Hook and you’ll need to live within one hour’s commute.