Marketing Head - Beverages

Ad Talent Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in Johannesburg seeks an experienced Head of Marketing (Beverages) to lead marketing strategy and brand development. The ideal candidate will have 15–20 years of FMCG marketing experience, particularly in the beverage sector, demonstrating strong leadership and strategic vision. This role emphasizes brand management and ensuring effective trade marketing initiatives across all beverage categories.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15–20 years in FMCG marketing.
• Solid exposure to the beverage sector.
• Proven success in managing brand portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Develop integrated marketing strategies.
• Oversee brand management and product innovation.
• Manage trade spend and optimize budgets.
• Plan trade and consumer promotions.
• Track brand performance and consumer trends.
• Lead and mentor a team for marketing excellence.

Skills

FMCG marketing

Brand management

Trade marketing

Digital marketing

Team leadership

Education

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

Job description

Who We Are

We are a dynamic and fast-growing FMCG 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.

• 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, finance, 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.

Qualifications

• 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.