At Ecotone, we are a purpose-driven company with a clear mission to propose an alternative food model that prioritizes organic and plant-based solutions, all with the aim of protecting Biodiversity. We believe that through sustainable practices and ethical decision-making, we can contribute to a healthier planet and a more equitable future. Our commitment to human rights, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, as we work to create a positive impact both in the workplace and in the world around us.
As part of our CSR commitments, we conduct business in alignment with the Ecotone’s mission “Food for Biodiversity” and values, actively contributing to our commitment to sustainable and ethical practices.
Location: Camberley (UK)
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The European HOT DRINKS Head of Category is in charge of developing a strong innovation and renovation pipeline that will contribute to the brand and category growth. Also acting as a brand guardian across comms and communication roll out they will be passionate about brands as well as having a clear consumer/shopper point of view. They will be one of the key points of contact of the Hot Drinks category from the factory; 3rd party suppliers and the local marketing teams. Responsibilities include global innovation pipeline development & implementation of new big bet game changing innovation projects, working with the Global Communication Lead to roll out communications plans and measurement across all markets, maintaining brand consistency and simplification across all touch points especially global packaging, all which will positively impact brand growth and GM%
Key Tasks & Responsibilities :
1. Innovation: Leading development & Implementation of a strong 3 year Innovation and Renovation Pipeline. Identifying untapped consumer needs or market gaps & converting into clear range recommendations & new concepts
1) Lead development and implementation of new Global ‘Big Bet’ Game Changing category Innovation Projects looking at new categories and formats to step change brand growth.
2) Lead development and implementation of global tea category flavour strategy and define pipeline for next 3 years
3) Management of 1 x direct report – global innovation project manager
4) Strong experience of innovation P&L management & development to ensure all new projects are commercially viable and will positively impact brand growth and GM%
2. Comms: Contributing to the development of effective global brand communications
1) Working alongside the new Global Communications Lead to drive and champion consistent brand identity across Europe through comms & supporting with rollout of any new global communications assets
2) Supporting Head of Hot Drinks on measurement of ROI across the global communications landscape to ensure consistency and identify ‘playbook’ of what media drives value for the business.
3) Work with the global creative lead to develop & step change communications plans and toolkits to launch new innovation platforms
3. Portfolio Management & Packaging
1) Lead rollout and implementation of new Clipper / Cupper Brand Portfolio Architecture across markets to ensure delivery by Sept 2025 and consistency across all markets
2) Working with the Global Insight manager to analyze multimarket data to bring latest insights and learnings into the global team
4. Responsible for communicating and collaborating across a multi-functional/ cross country team whilst good at managing matrix structure and influencing key stakeholders
5. Identifying and delivering ways to reduce complexity and minimize costs
Scope of Responsibilities:
Europe – Role will focus on 2/3 countries and with transversal projects across 6 markets & international
Thinking Environnement:
Ability to innovate/bring fresh ideas, challenge/critique, optimize/adapt plans and forward plan whilst working within a complex matrix structure team and influencing key stakeholders to gain alignment on decisions
Key Competencies & Background:
Functional skills :
6. Uses various sources of market data (quant, qual, social listening) to simplify/clearly articulate opportunities/threats on the category/brand and develop action plans
7. Able to build strong relationships cross functionally and across markets to drive growth
8. Lead the ideation, development & execution toolkit of innovation based on market data and trends to create innovation aligned with the brand values
9. Able to build compelling brand stories to support innovation/ renovation/comms sell in’s internally & externally to the trade
10. Understands the consumer value drivers to develop either cost out or value in projects
11. Strong project management skills
12. Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
13. Effective written, verbal communication & presentation skills
Leadership / influencing skills :
14. Ability to engage positively & influence/persuade key stakeholders
15. Critical thinking to simplify data/analysis to develop clear and concise brand / channel strategies
General skills :
16. Strong analytical skills – agility with data from various sources to drive conclusions into action
17. Strong narrative ability with clear communication
18. Critical thinking
19. Ability to build effective relationships
20. Strong project management skills
21. Ability to influence/persuade
22. Problem solving
Background and Education :
23. Marketing degree and/or 8-10 years’ experience in various marketing roles - brand and communications.
24. Multi-country and/or working in a matrix (preferred)
25. Hot Drinks (tea, coffee) experience (preferred)
Job requirement:
26. Fluent written and spoken English
27. Frequent travelling
28. Additional languages (ideal but not mandatory)
Critical competencies :
Co-operation & Influencing
29. Working together as one team
30. Pulls networks and communities together in order to achieve the right outcome
Agility
31. Adapting to new situations: quickly taking decisions
32. Ability to act at pace: change direction when required
Responsibility
33. Changing our world for the better through CSR: living our culture
34. Does not shy away from tough decisions or conversations
Entrepreneurship
35. Running the business as if it were your own
36. Finds a better way
Our ideal person will :
37. Love brands, understands the importance of brand positioning/ USP and how to build great campaigns / innovation concepts
38. Demonstrate clear critical thinking and building strong narratives which influence and persuade
39. Engage the business and generate buy in to the brand vision/innovation strategy
40. Be able to work as part of a cross functional project team and bring team together
41. Understand the relevance of customer marketing and how to use as part of the overall marketing mix
42. Work with suppliers, engaging them as part of the brand team, to deliver on time, on brand
43. Self-starter with proactive approach and be able to work as a team player as well as work autonomously, with a ‘can-do’ and ‘keep it simple’ attitude
44. Organiser and influencer with the ability to build trust and credibility, delivering to short deadlines and across multiple projects all at once
45. Ability to influence key stakeholders
46. Interpret research and data
47. Excellent communicator and inspiring, confident presenter
If you are passionate about making a positive impact on both people and the planet, we invite you to apply and help us build a sustainable, inclusive future.