Brand Manager – Hartley’s

Location: Hybrid working from Histon, Cambridgeshire and/or London

About the role

We’re looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Brand Manager to join our Marketing team and help drive the growth of Hartley’s, one of the UK’s most iconic and best-loved brands.

Our portfolio strategy is all about brightening everyday moments with a touch of fruity fun, and this role will play a key part in bringing that ambition to life.

Hartley’s is a key growth brand for the business, with an exciting opportunity to step-change NSV delivery and optimise our jam, individual pot and make-at-home jelly ranges.

As Brand Manager, you’ll take ownership of the marketing mix, NPD pipeline and brand P&L, while playing a pivotal role in shaping the future strategy of the brand. You’ll work collaboratively across the business, build strong relationships with retailers and external agencies, and turn great ideas into commercially successful projects.

This is a highly visible role where you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact.

What you’ll be doing

• Help develop and deliver the strategic growth plan for Hartley’s, challenging thinking and identifying new opportunities for the brand.
• Use consumer, market and performance data, including Kantar, IRI and EPOS, to identify insights and shape growth plans.
• Develop and manage a three-year innovation pipeline, identifying consumer and flavour trends and translating them into exciting new product opportunities.
• Lead NPD and other key projects from concept through to delivery, ensuring they meet quality, commercial and strategic objectives.
• Bring cross-functional teams together and influence stakeholders across Marketing, Sales, NPD, Operations and Supply Chain.
• Develop compelling marketing plans that drive brand value, sales and profitability.
• Present plans internally and to retailers to build excitement, gain alignment and secure commitment.
• Build strong relationships with external agencies and partners to deliver excellent creative and marketing activity.
• Own and monitor marketing expenditure, ensuring we maximise the return on every pound spent.
• Take responsibility for elements of the brand P&L, identifying opportunities to improve profitability while protecting the value and equity of the brand.
• Lead monthly reporting and use data and insight to track performance and identify opportunities for action.
• Chair and participate in internal meetings, customer meetings and external agency relationships.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who combines commercial thinking, creativity and pace with the ability to make things happen.

You’ll ideally have:

• 2+ years’ brand or marketing management experience within FMCG.
• A degree at 2:1 or above; a degree in Marketing or Business would be desirable.
• Strong commercial acumen and an understanding of what drives brand growth and profitability.
• Experience of managing projects and working cross-functionally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• The ability to work comfortably with ambiguity and adapt quickly to change.
• A self-starting approach, with the ability to work independently and take ownership.
• The resilience and determination to keep projects moving and overcome challenges.
• The ability to motivate and influence others.
• A genuine passion and drive to succeed, with a strong focus on delivering results.
• A collaborative and responsible approach, always acting with integrity.
• A “cut to the heart of the problem” mindset - bringing creativity, pace and practical solutions to challenges.

A CIM qualification and project management experience would be advantageous.