Assistant Brand Manager

Unilever; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A global FMCG leader is seeking an interim Assistant Brand Manager to join their innovative team in London. This role involves developing groundbreaking products for the male personal care category. The ideal candidate has a degree, innovation experience, and strong analytical skills. The position offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment, blending remote and onsite opportunities.

Benefits

Iconic location

Staff shop discounts

Free tea & coffee

Onsite deli for meals

Gym access with subscription

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a global innovation role.
• Experience in a beauty role preferred.
• Data-driven approach and comfort with ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead development of Axe/Lynx product range.
• Drive projects through the innovation journey.
• Support creation of go-to-market strategies.

Skills

Innovation mindset

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication

Project management

Understanding of Gen Z culture

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Manpower is currently seeking an interim Assistant Brand Manager, to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast‑paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at Blackfriars on London’s Victoria Embankment, just a short walk from Blackfriars tube. This is a full‑time temporary role until end of May 2026, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £48,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

Reporting to the Axe Disruptive Innovation Brand Manager, this role sits at the heart of our disruptive innovation agenda—creating products, experiences, and campaigns that break category conventions and set new standards for relevance and desirability among consumers. You’ll be part of a team that’s obsessed with making Axe/Lynx the most talked‑about brand in the world.

Who you are & what you’ll do

You’ll be working on the development and launch of breakthrough product innovation that disrupt the male personal care category and set new trends, with a passion for challenging norms and inventing new ways to engage our audience. This is a highly creative and strategic role for someone looking for a good mix of learning in innovation, project management, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Global Brand Manager to co‑lead the development of Axe/Lynx Whole Body range and Eau de Parfum collection across key elements of the mix, including working on the creation of concept, product and pack design.
• Act as a project leader, driving projects through the Innovation journey and partnering with cross functional team (CMI, R&D, Supply Chain, Artwork Excellence, Fragrance Team), key local teams (UK, MX), and world‑class external creative agencies.
• Explore and experiment with different innovation processes, bringing autonomy and fresh thinking to the role.
• Support the creation on disruptive go‑to‑market strategies, including launch plans, communication, and brand activations.
• Champion the voice of the male Gen Z consumer, uncovering amazing insights and trends that will help shape the innovation roadmap for white space opportunities.
• Develop a deep understanding of male Gen Z personal care through analysis of category competitive environment in key markets.
• While based in London (100ve), this scope requires working in close collaboration with our global team and our key markets, giving you the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of different consumer trends and unique market dynamics.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Previous experience in a global innovation role.
• Previous experience in a beauty role would be preferred.
• Passion for innovation, creativity, and challenging the status quo.
• Entrepreneurial mindset—comfortable working autonomously and driving projects forward.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and cultures.
• Understanding of Gen Z and Gen Alpha culture, digital trends, and new mediums.
• Experience in marketing to similar target audience to Axe/Lynx is a plus.
• Data‑driven approach and comfort with ambiguity.

Additional Information

Blackfriars working environment

• Iconic location on the Victoria embankment, modern working environment
• Short walk from Blackfriars station
• Staff shop discounted products
• Free tea & coffee facilities
• Onsite Deli and a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch
• Gym is available for use subscription required.