Senior Strategy Manager - - FTC 12 months

Kerry; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy business in the UK is seeking a Senior Strategy Manager to define and drive their growth agenda. This role involves collaborating with the Head of Strategy, leading international market research, and expanding incubator brands. The ideal candidate possesses strong strategic thinking, adaptability, and analytical prowess. This position offers an opportunity to influence the company's future across multiple fronts.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to think strategically and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Comfortable with a role that shifts and evolves, thriving on variety and new challenges.
• Strong understanding of business drivers and market dynamics.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Head of Strategy on key initiatives and support evaluations of opportunities.
• Lead market research to identify and prioritize high-potential international markets.
• Drive the expansion of Smug Dairy into the food-to-go category and deliver marketing plans.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Adaptability

Commercial acumen

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Communication

Job description

Position

FT Fixed Term

About Kerry

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated Dairy Business that encompasses a number of divisions spanning from its Agribusiness (Kerry Dairy Farms) through to Dairy & Nutritional Ingredients & its Dairy Consumer Foods Business. With its strong Dairy heritage, world class sustainability credentials, a deep-rooted connection to its 3000 Farmers & milk suppliers, right through to its portfolio of household favourite Brands, Kerry Dairy are one of the Worlds Leading Dairy Businesses, with a Revenue in excess of €1.3bn annually.

The Dairy Consumer Foods division, is home to a number of the UK & Irelands favourite Dairy & Plant Based Brands (Strings & Things; PURE Dairy-Free; Dairygold, Charleville, Golden Cow, Coleraine, Low Low & Attack a Snak). On top of this, we are the largest supplier of Private Label Dairy spreads in the UK & supply all major Retailers in the UK, Ireland as well as parts of mainland Europe.

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Strategy Manager to join our team in a newly created role that will be central to defining and driving our ambitious growth agenda.

In this position, you’ll work closely with the Head of Strategy to design, shape, and mobilise our long‑term business strategy. You’ll play a pivotal role in identifying and pursuing international expansion opportunities, as well as supporting the development and launch of new incubation brands. Another key part of your remit will be to uncover and seize white‑space opportunities that will fuel our future growth.

This role is for someone who relishes a challenge, can pivot quickly, and is excited by the prospect of contributing to our growth across multiple critical fronts. We’re looking for an individual that can operate at a strategic 30,000‑foot level while also managing executional tasks and seamlessly flexing between the two.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

Collaborate with the Head of Strategy on key initiatives, including refreshing our long‑term business strategy. Develop aligned sub‑strategies, assess growth opportunities (e.g. white space, innovation, tech), and deliver business cases and recommendations. Support evaluations of partnerships, acquisitions, and investments.

International Expansion

Lead market research to identify and prioritise high‑potential international markets. Shape go‑to‑market strategies, partner with local teams for successful entry, and monitor performance to drive growth and global presence.

Incubator Brand Development

Drive the expansion of Smug Dairy into the food‑to‑go category. Deliver marketing plans to boost awareness and trial, explore new channels with GTM teams, and support the development of future incubator brands to sustain innovation.

Qualifications and skills

Strategic Agility

A proven ability to think strategically and translate insights into actionable plans.

Ambiguity is Your Friend

You’re comfortable with a role that shifts and evolves, thriving on variety and new challenges.

Commercial Acumen

A strong understanding of business drivers, market dynamics, and how to identify profitable growth opportunities.

Analytical Prowess

Excellent research and analytical skills, capable of synthesizing complex information into clear, concise insights.

Further qualifications and skills

Strong collaborator with cross‑functional teams and senior stakeholders.

Proactive self‑starter, able to manage multiple priorities.

Clear and persuasive communicator across diverse audiences

Background in strategy, business development, brand management, or international expansion is a plus.