Brand Manager

Sofina Foods Europe; Cookstown; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sofina Foods in Cookstown is seeking a Brand Manager to drive growth, modernising how the brand connects with consumers across packaging, campaigns, social media and shopper marketing.

You will work with Commercial, Category, Innovation and agencies to turn insights into action and grow market share in a leading Northern Ireland food brand.

Qualifications

• Experience in Brand Manager or Assistant Brand Manager roles within FMCG, ideally food.
• Strong understanding of the Irish grocery retail market and shopper behaviour.
• Experience using consumer/market data such as Kantar, Bord Bia or EPOS.
• Proven ability to develop brand strategies and marketing campaigns.
• Strong analytical skills with a commercial mindset.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience working across cross-functional teams and with external agencies.
• Degree in Marketing, Business or related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver brand plans aligned to business objectives.
• Use insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Drive NPD and EPD projects with Innovation and Category teams.
• Deliver integrated marketing campaigns across digital, social and shopper channels.
• Manage agency partners to create engaging and effective brand activity.
• Lead packaging development and artwork approval processes.
• Analyze brand, category and retailer performance to support decision-making.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and campaign effectiveness.

Skills

Brand management

Retail market knowledge

Market data tools

Brand strategy

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Marketing degree

Education

Marketing or Business degree

Job description

Shape the future of one of Northern Ireland's most loved food brands.

Role Overview

With over 80% brand awareness and almost 90 years of heritage, Cookstown is a household name trusted by generations. As Brand Manager, you'll help drive the next stage of growth, modernising how the brand connects with consumers across packaging, innovation, campaigns, social media and shopper marketing.

Working closely with Commercial, Category, Innovation and agency partners, you'll turn insight into action, delivering initiatives that strengthen brand performance and grow market share.

Key Duties

You will:

• Develop and deliver brand plans aligned to business and commercial objectives
• Use consumer, shopper and market insights to identify growth opportunities
• Drive NPD and EPD projects with Innovation and Category teams
• Deliver integrated marketing campaigns across digital, social and shopper channels
• Manage agency partners to create engaging and effective brand activity
• Lead packaging development and artwork approval processes
• Analyse brand, category and retailer performance to support decision-making
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and campaign effectiveness

Ideal Candidate

You will have:

• Experience in a Brand Manager or Assistant Brand Manager role within FMCG, ideally food
• Strong understanding of the Irish grocery retail market and shopper behaviour
• Experience using consumer and market data such as Kantar, Bord Bia or EPOS
• Proven ability to develop brand strategies and marketing campaigns
• Strong analytical skills with a commercial mindset
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience working across cross-functional teams and with external agencies
• A degree in Marketing, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent experience

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a visible impact on an iconic local brand while developing your career within a global food business. You'll have the freedom to influence brand strategy, work with experienced colleagues and help shape the future of Cookstown.

About Sofina

Sofina Foods is more than just a food company. It’s a place where you can grow your career, learn new skills, and make a positive impact.

With a wide range of meat and seafood products that delight consumers worldwide, Sofina Foods is always looking for talented and passionate people to join its team of over 13,000 employees across 40 sites in Canada and Europe.

At Sofina Foods, you will be part of a culture that values innovation, quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. You will work with diverse and delicious products that are sourced responsibly and sustainably from over 50 different protein sources from 5 continents.

Our vision is to be the most successful food company in the world. If you are looking for a rewarding and exciting career in the food sector, Sofina Foods is the place for you.

Equal Opportunities

Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation