Department: Marketing

Location: Africa

We are looking for a seasoned and strategic Brand & Category Lead - Soft Drinks to head our beverage portfolio with a strong focus on cane-based products. This leadership role is critical in driving category growth, enhancing brand value, and delivering profitability across African and other international markets.

The role involves full ownership of the marketing mix-Product, Price, Place, Promotion, Packaging, Positioning, and People-ensuring the development and execution of strategies that resonate with consumers and trade partners. The incumbent will also be responsible for managing the category's P&L and contributing to long-term forecasting and strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and manage brand architecture and category equity for the beverage portfolio.

- Conduct deep-dive analysis of market trends and consumer insights to build robust, data-backed strategies.

- Formulate long-term plans for product development, launch, growth, and rationalization.

- Coordinate demand and inventory planning to ensure availability across distribution points.

- Align with Trade Marketing to ensure effective rollout of product and promotional strategies.

- Work closely with sales teams to establish competitive pricing and trade promotions.

- Guide and support Key Account Management by staying connected with key buyers and understanding in-store requirements.

- Forecast demand to maintain optimal stock levels and operational efficiency.

- Drive budget planning and revenue accountability for the beverage category.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education:

- Master's degree preferred in Marketing, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.

Experience:

- Minimum 10 years in the beverage industry, with cross-functional experience in brand, product, and commercial management.

-Working experience in African or similar international markets is essential.

Core Competencies

- Strong business acumen and commercial awareness across marketing, sales, and production.

- Confident leadership with a collaborative and culturally sensitive approach.

- Strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making.

- High ethical standards and adaptability in dynamic environments.

- Skilled in negotiation, team leadership, and managing change.

- Attention to detail and commitment to delivering results.

- In-depth knowledge of beverage branding, innovation, and portfolio strategy.

- Experience in executing go-to-market plans and promotional campaigns.

- P&L ownership and financial planning expertise.

- Strong understanding of modern trade, general trade, and export channels.

- Hands-on experience in consumer engagement and activation initiatives.

Applicants are encouraged to apply if they have prior experience in the Soft drink industry and have led a specific beverage category.