Innovation Assistant Brand Manager

Manpower; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency is seeking an interim Innovation Assistant Brand Manager for a well-known client in Kingston upon Thames. The ideal candidate should have a strong marketing background and a passion for beauty trends. This full-time temporary role offers an opportunity to lead cross-functional innovation projects with exciting growth potential. The position includes a mix of remote and onsite working. Salary is competitive, up to £48,000 pro rata.

Benefits

Free parking for contractors

Discounted products from Unilever Staff Shop

On-site gym and canteen

Qualifications

• Experience in Marketing; Global Brand Development experience preferred.
• Knowledge of leading cross-functional teams.
• Prior experience in a beauty category such as Skin/Hair is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to shaping the innovation funnel based on market data.
• Lead premium innovation projects end to end.
• Drive Science and Desire communications content.

Skills

Marketing experience

Project network management

Passion for skincare trends

Cross-functional teamwork

Job description

Overview

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Innovation Assistant Brand Manager to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple. This is a full-time temporary role based in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey.

The position is a 9-month interim assignment, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation up to £48,000 per annum, pro rata, depending on experience. The role offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to business requirements.

About Simple

We're the #1 face care brand in UK, and the original Clean Beauty brand since 1960 with our proposition of "no perfume, no colour, no harsh chemicals". We have evolved with a belief that skincare can be clean, kind AND effective. Simple is growing ahead of B&W, with double and triple digit growth in UK, Vietnam, and India. You will be joining at an exciting time as we launch our new brand purpose and begin a social-first transformation across all touchpoints.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced ABM to join our new fully integrated end-to-end brand team which covers both brand & mix design as well as in-market execution (BG-BU integrated team).

The Innovation Design Lead will drive our three-year innovation plan, crafting and deploying on-trend innovation mixes. The role reports to the Simple Innovation Lead and offers autonomous, end-to-end scope across innovation with opportunities to present to the Global Brand Lead and B&W CMO.

Responsibilities

• Directly contribute to shaping the innovation funnel, identifying key growth opportunities based on market data and trends.
• Own and lead premium innovation projects end to end, with emphasis on beauty craftsmanship and collaboration with R&D to highlight product science stories.
• Represent projects in key stakeholder engagements such as brand reviews and Investor Boards.
• Drive Science and Desire through communications, creating content that showcases the science, ingredients and beauty of products in 7OA, Amazon stores, and other channels.
• Lead a cross-functional project team and partner with demand-creation and social-first teams.

All About You

• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, and able to work with cross-functional partners and agencies.
• Curious, with a passion for skincare trends and how brands engage with audiences.
• Team player with strong listening and analytical skills; able to build a compelling plan and gain alignment.
• Demonstrable passion for beauty and the landscape, trends, innovations, and key players.

Must Have Experience

• Experience in Marketing; experience in a Global Brand Development role is preferred but not mandatory if you can demonstrate interest in Craft (product/pack, design, comms).
• Knowledge and experience of project network management; comfortable leading a cross-functional team and working with key partners.
• Prior experience in a beauty category such as Skin/Hair is preferred.

Kingston Working Environment

• Contractors based in Kingston may be eligible for free parking at a local car park.
• Unilever Staff Shop available on the Ground Floor for contingent workers to buy discounted products.
• A canteen and a gym on the Ground Floor (subscription). Gym facilities include cardio, resistance, spin bikes, free weights, boxing, and a stretch/matted area. Classes can be booked; showers and hairdryers are available.

Job Info

• Job Title: Innovation Assistant Brand Manager
• Company: Manpower
• Location: Kingston upon Thames
• Posted: Sep 10, 2025
• Closes: Oct 11, 2025
• Sector: Marketing
• Contract: Temporary
• Hours: Full Time

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