Assistant Brand Manager

Manpower UK Limited; Kingston upon Thames; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A global recruitment agency is seeking an interim Assistant Brand Manager to support a major FMCG client. This full-time temporary role in Kingston upon Thames involves collaboration across marketing initiatives to drive growth for the Graze brand. The candidate should have experience in FMCG, strong analytical skills, and project management proficiency. The position offers a competitive salary up to £42,000 pro rata.

Benefits

Free parking

Gym access

Discounted Unilever products

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in food, health and consumer trends.
• Ability to turn data into insight and action.
• Experience supporting marketing campaigns and innovation projects.

Responsibilities

• Support the Brand Manager in delivering the Graze annual brand plan.
• Manage day-to-day delivery of initiatives across the marketing mix.
• Track brand performance and provide insights.

Skills

Experience in FMCG Brand or Marketing roles

Strong analytical skills

Excellent project management

Strong communication skills

Job description

Overview

Manpower are 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, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. This is a full-time temporary role to run until the end of August 2026, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £42,000 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.

In this role, you will support the Brand Manager in delivering the short and long-term growth ambitions of the Graze brand across the Snacking Nuts, Cereal Bars and OTG portfolios. You\'ll help bring the brand strategy to life through great execution, leading projects, launches and campaigns that drive penetration, brand power and market share. You\'ll be a key connector, turning insight into action and helping deliver best-in-class work that builds the Graze brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Brand and Strategy Support: Support the Brand Manager in delivering the Graze annual brand plan, helping to meet growth and profit targets.
• Day-to-day delivery: Manage day-to-day delivery of key initiatives across the marketing mix including communications, innovation, activation and pricing.
• Performance insights: Track brand performance, category trends and competitor activity, using insights to make clear recommendations.

Innovation and NPD

• Lead the execution of selected NPD projects from concept through to launch, including packaging design, artwork approvals and stakeholder coordination.
• Business cases and testing: Support the development of business cases, post-launch reviews and consumer testing.

Communications and Activation

• Campaign delivery: Work with agencies to deliver integrated campaigns that build awareness and drive conversion across key channels.
• Asset development: Support creation and rollout of assets across the full consumer journey, from brand storytelling to retail activation.
• Influencer partnerships: Help manage influencer and content partnerships to keep Graze relevant with our target audience.

Performance Tracking and Analysis

• Metrics and reporting: Track key performance metrics across brand, commercial and digital measures including penetration, share, ROS and brand equity.
• Insights: Own regular reporting and share clear insights with the wider team.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaboration: Partner with Finance, Supply Chain and Category teams to support forecasting, S&OP and delivery.
• Launch execution: Work closely with Innovation and Shopper teams to ensure strong execution of launches and activations.

Culture and Ways of Working

• Working style: Bring energy, curiosity and collaboration to everything you do.
• Team culture: Help create an inclusive, positive team culture and contribute to continuous learning and improvement.

Key Requirements

• Experience in FMCG Brand or Marketing roles, ideally in food
• Genuine interest in food, health and consumer trends
• Strong analytical skills and ability to turn data into insight and action
• Experience supporting marketing campaigns and innovation projects
• Excellent project management and attention to detail
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience of working with agencies or in digital marketing desirable
• Understanding of commercial performance drivers and basic P&L levers preferred

Additional Information

• Kingston working environment:
• Contractors who are based at Kingston will be eligible to get free parking at a local carpark
• Unilever Staff Shop located on the Ground Floor next to the main entrance, where Contingent Workers can buy discounted Unilever products
• A canteen
• A Gym is available for use on the Ground Floor (with subscription)
• Facilities in the gym include cardiovascular equipment, resistance machines, spin bikes, free weights area, boxing equipment and a stretch/matted area. Classes are also available and can be booked directly with the Gym. Shower facilities are available in the changing rooms, along with hairdryers.