Head of Category Team Hot Drinks

Ecotone; Camberley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A sustainable food company based in Camberley seeks a Head of Category for Hot Drinks to lead innovation and brand growth. The role involves managing a team and developing strategic initiatives to ensure alignment across multiple markets. The ideal candidate should hold a marketing degree, possess extensive experience in brand management, and showcase strong project management and analytical skills. This position offers a chance to impact sustainability while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in developing and implementing innovation projects.
• Ability to manage a P&L for new projects effectively.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strong innovation and renovation pipeline for Hot Drinks.
• Lead implementation of global innovation projects.
• Collaborate with marketing teams for consistent brand communications.

Skills

Innovation pipeline development

Project management skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Marketing degree

8-10 years in marketing roles

Job description

At Ecotone, we are a purpose-driven company with a clear mission to propose an alternative food model that prioritizes organic and plant-based solutions, all with the aim of protecting Biodiversity. We believe that through sustainable practices and ethical decision-making, we can contribute to a healthier planet and a more equitable future. Our commitment to human rights, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, as we work to create a positive impact both in the workplace and in the world around us.

Location

Camberley (UK)

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Purpose

The European HOT DRINKS Head of Category is in charge of developing a strong innovation and renovation pipeline that will contribute to the brand and category growth. Also acting as a brand guardian across comms and communication roll out they will be passionate about brands as well as having a clear consumer/shopper point of view. They will be one of the key points of contact of the Hot Drinks category from the factory; 3rd party suppliers and the local marketing teams. Responsibilities include global innovation pipeline development & implementation of new big bet game changing innovation projects, working with the Global Communication Lead to roll out communications plans and measurement across all markets, maintaining brand consistency and simplification across all touch points especially global packaging, all which will positively impact brand growth and GM%.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Innovation: Leading development & Implementation of a strong 3 year Innovation and Renovation Pipeline. Identifying untapped consumer needs or market gaps & converting into clear range recommendations & new concepts
• Lead development and implementation of new Global ‘Big Bet’ Game Changing category Innovation Projects looking at new categories and formats to step change brand growth.
• Lead development and implementation of global tea category flavour strategy and define pipeline for next 3 years
• Management of 1 x direct report – global innovation project manager
• Strong experience of innovation P&L management & development to ensure all new projects are commercially viable and will positively impact brand growth and GM%
• Comms: Contributing to the development of effective global brand communications
• Working alongside the new Global Communications Lead to drive and champion consistent brand identity across Europe through comms & supporting with rollout of any new global communications assets
• Supporting Head of Hot Drinks on measurement of ROI across the global communications landscape to ensure consistency and identify ‘playbook’ of what media drives value for the business.
• Work with the global creative lead to develop & step change communications plans and toolkits to launch new innovation platforms
• Portfolio Management & Packaging
• Lead rollout and implementation of new Clipper / Cupper Brand Portfolio Architecture across markets to ensure delivery by Sept 2025 and consistency across all markets
• Working with the Global Insight manager to analyze multimarket data to bring latest insights and learnings into the global team
• Responsible for communicating and collaborating across a multi-functional/ cross country team whilst good at managing matrix structure and influencing key stakeholders
• Identifying and delivering ways to reduce complexity and minimize costs

Scope Of Responsibilities

Europe – Role will focus on 2/3 countries and with transversal projects across 6 markets & international.

Thinking Environment

Ability to innovate/bring fresh ideas, challenge/critique, optimize/adapt plans and forward plan whilst working within a complex matrix structure team and influencing key stakeholders to gain alignment on decisions.

Key Competencies & Background

Functional Skills

• Uses various sources of market data (quant, qual, social listening) to simplify/clearly articulate opportunities/threats on the category/brand and develop action plans
• Able to build strong relationships cross functionally and across markets to drive growth
• Lead the ideation, development & execution toolkit of innovation based on market data and trends to create innovation aligned with the brand values
• Able to build compelling brand stories to support innovation/ renovation/comms sell in’s internally & externally to the trade
• Understands the consumer value drivers to develop either cost out or value in projects
• Strong project management skills
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Effective written, verbal communication & presentation skills

Leadership & Influencing Skills

• Ability to engage positively & influence/persuade key stakeholders
• Critical thinking to simplify data/analysis to develop clear and concise brand / channel strategies

General Skills

• Strong analytical skills – agility with data from various sources to drive conclusions into action
• Strong narrative ability with clear communication
• Critical thinking
• Ability to build effective relationships
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to influence/persuade
• Problem solving

Background And Education

• Marketing degree and/or 8-10 years’ experience in various marketing roles - brand and communications.
• Multi-country and/or working in a matrix (preferred)
• Hot Drinks (tea, coffee) experience (preferred)

Job Requirement

• Fluent written and spoken English
• Frequent travelling
• Additional languages (ideal but not mandatory)

Critical Competencies

Co‑operation & Influencing

• Working together as one team
• Pulls networks and communities together in order to achieve the right outcome

Agility

• Adapting to new situations: quickly taking decisions
• Ability to act at pace: change direction when required

Responsibility

• Changing our world for the better through CSR: living our culture
• Does not shy away from tough decisions or conversations

Entrepreneurship

• Running the business as if it were your own
• Finds a better way

Our Ideal Person Will

• Love brands, understands the importance of brand positioning/ USP and how to build great campaigns / innovation concepts
• Demonstrate clear critical thinking and building strong narratives which influence and persuade
• Engage the business and generate buy in to the brand vision/innovation strategy
• Be able to work as part of a cross functional project team and bring team together
• Understand the relevance of customer marketing and how to use as part of the overall marketing mix
• Work with suppliers, engaging them as part of the brand team, to deliver on time, on brand
• Self‑starter with proactive approach and be able to work as a team player as well as work autonomously, with a ‘can‑do’ and ‘keep it simple’ attitude
• Organiser and influencer with the ability to build trust and credibility, delivering to short deadlines and across multiple projects all at once
• Ability to influence key stakeholders
• Interpret research and data
• Excellent communicator and inspiring, confident presenter

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on both people and the planet, we invite you to apply and help us build a sustainable, inclusive future.