Trade Activation Manager (12-Month Fixed Term Contract)
Location: Gloucestershire (2-3 days per week on site when not on the road) - this role will require high level of travel
Contract: 12-month FTC (maternity cover)
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 (depending on experience)
Love being out in market, bringing brands to life, and seeing your work land in high-energy, real-world environments?
About the Role
We're supporting a market-leading UK drinks business to appoint a Trade Activation Manager on a 12-month fixed term contract.
This is a highly visible, activation-led role focused on delivering impactful trade and consumer experiences across high-footfall environments in the UK and selected international locations. It's ideal for someone who thrives in live settings - festivals, events, on-trade, and experiential activations - and prefers action over desk-based brand planning.
You'll work closely with commercial, sales, and brand teams to ensure activations are on-brand, commercially effective, and flawlessly executed.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and deliver trade and consumer activation activity across the UK and overseas markets.
Execute brand presence at major events, festivals, and experiential environments.
Spend significant time on site at events, partner locations, and activation venues.
Manage activation agencies, event partners, and suppliers end to end.
Own activation budgets, timelines, and post-event evaluation and reporting.
Ensure all activity is delivered safely, compliantly, and in line with brand standards.
Work collaboratively with internal brand, sales, and commercial teams to align execution with strategy.
The role involves extensive travel, typically including 8-10 weeks per year away from home.
What You'll Bring
Proven experience in trade, experiential, or brand activation within FMCG, food, or drink.
Strong exposure to festivals, events, on-trade, or experiential marketing environments.
Excellent organisational and project management skills.
Confidence managing agencies and multiple stakeholders.
Commercial mindset with a practical, hands-on approach.
Flexibility and enthusiasm for travel and live activation work.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of high-profile activations within a fast-moving, creative, and collaborative business. You'll gain exposure to major events, international markets, and senior stakeholders - all within a clearly defined 12-month contract.
Interested?
If you're an activation specialist who loves being on the ground, in the action, and delivering standout brand experiences, apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion