Marketing Head - Beverages

Ad Talent; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage company is seeking an experienced Head of Marketing to drive brand development and marketing strategy across the region. The ideal candidate will have 15–20 years in FMCG marketing with strong experience in the beverage sector, excellent leadership skills, and a strategic vision for growth. This position involves overseeing trade marketing initiatives, managing brand portfolios, and leading a team of marketing professionals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15–20 years in FMCG marketing, preferably in the beverage sector.
• Proven success in managing brand portfolios and developing strategies.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing A&P budgets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic marketing plans for brand awareness and revenue growth.
• Oversee brand management, product innovation, and digital communication.
• Lead and mentor a team including brand managers and digital specialists.

Skills

FMCG marketing

Brand management

Digital marketing

Trade marketing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marketing or Business Administration

Job description

SUMMARY

POSITION INFO :

Who We Are

We are a dynamic and fast-growing company based in Lusaka, Zambia, operating across multiple beverage categories. Our business is built on innovation, agility, and a deep understanding of consumer needs. We take pride in building powerful brands that resonate with customers and deliver strong commercial performance across Africa.

We’re now looking for an experienced Head of Marketing (Beverages) to lead our marketing strategy, brand development, and trade marketing initiatives across the region.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

In this leadership role, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing plans that drive brand awareness, market share, and revenue growth across all beverage categories. You will oversee brand management, product innovation, trade marketing, and digital communication, ensuring consistent brand positioning and commercial impact.

Your key focus areas will include :

Strategy & Planning: Develop integrated marketing strategies that align with business goals and consumer insights.

Brand & Product Management: Lead brand development, innovation, and lifecycle management across beverage portfolios.

Trade & Channel Marketing: Manage trade spend, optimize A&P budgets, and implement effective channel strategies to maximize ROI.

Promotions & Activation: Plan and execute impactful trade and consumer promotions, launches, and events to drive visibility and sales.

Collaboration & Leadership: Work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders (sales, , production) and external partners (agencies, suppliers, and PR).

Performance & Analysis: Track brand performance, consumer trends, and competitor activities to continuously refine marketing execution.

Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team including brand managers, creatives, analysts, and digital specialists to deliver marketing excellence.

You will also support new business initiatives and brand protection strategies, ensuring all marketing activities strengthen the company’s position in the Zambian and regional beverage markets.

WHAT YOU NEED

Education : Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience : Minimum of 15–20 years in FMCG marketing, with solid exposure to the beverage sector (carbonated drinks, juices, energy drinks, or alcoholic beverages).

Proven success in managing brand portfolios, developing go-to-market strategies, and leading cross-functional teams.

Strong commercial acumen with experience managing A&P budgets and optimizing marketing ROI.

Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced, high-growth environments, ideally within Africa or other emerging markets.

Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

A balance of strategic vision and hands‑on execution, with strong digital and trade marketing experience.