Sales & Marketing Manager - UK Grocery

This brand new position will oversee, manage and implement all activities supporting the development and preservation of Pukka Grocery products (Tea and culinery).

Key elements and required skills are:
(i) planning and management of the product sector marketing strategy and budget, reporting against target KPI’s & ROI
(ii) the co-ordination of the sector marketing plan, considering all customer groups and routes to market
(iii) sales account management and new business development of multiples, wholesale and food service
(iv) evaluating and planning the launch of new product lines within the market sector.

The Company:
Pukka Herbs Ltd is a dynamic entrepreneurial company manufacturing organic herbal teas, remedies and food supplements, which are sold through a diverse customer base: direct through the Pukka website and indirectly through independent health food stores, multiple retailers and wholesalers in the UK, and wider markets in Europe, Japan and North America.

Started at the end of 2001, Pukka has grown rapidly both in terms of sales revenue and brand reputation. Current turnover is around £3M. Significant growth is planned in the years ahead as a result of innovative new product development and expansion into international markets.

Pukka is dedicated to promoting healthy living through the underlying values of ‘Ayurveda’ – the ancient Indian philosophy of health and wellbeing and is committed to organic farming and fair-trade principles. Pukka aspires to be ethical in its working relationships with staff, customers and suppliers and operates an equal opportunities policy. Head office and warehouse are based in Bristol.

Key Responsibilities
1. In conjunction with the Managing Director, develop brand marketing strategy and activity planning to reflect long-term business sector objectives and review these on a regular basis. Work with Marketing manager to ensure that campaigns are integrated across the business and coordinated with outsourced activity.

2. Develop annual sales and marketing strategy profitability profiles and budget. Review targets/plans on a monthly basis.

3. Manage existing accounts and gain new business to agreed sales and margin targets. Ensuring an agreed net contribution after all sales and marketing costs

4. To assess the current position and make ongoing recommendations for change and development. Including development of other non tea portfolios product sectors in grocery.

5. In conjunction with the Managing Director and Marketing Manager, evaluate NPD projects and be responsible for their market launch and continued success. Oversee grocery product management generally ensuring that Pukka remains ‘best in market’ and co-ordinate existing product development with marketing manager.

6. Act as spokesperson regarding the market sector PR and co-ordinate in liaison with the Marketing manager and Managing Director, against objectives and budget.

7. Evaluate new markets, co-ordinate market research and develop a marketing and resource plan to support new business targets as required. In particular, feasibility to enter the Food Service sector.

8. Evaluate, plan and manage with Marketing manager trade/consumer exhibitions, donation and sponsorship opportunities.

9. Liaise with Marketing Manager to conceptualise and initiate marketing initiatives including promotions, shop education, POS materials.

10. Over the longer term there may be scope for the development of new International markets and accounts.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Knowledge
• Degree level or equivalent
• Additional marketing/business qualification preferable

Background and Experience
• Traditional grounding of sales & marketing/brand development in ‘multiples’ environment, working with tools to assess brand positioning, research, competitor analysis and new product direction.
• Experience within food or health sectors
• Some small business experience, utilising an integrated marketing approach to support multiple routes to market
• Budget holder, reporting at senior level

Skills
• Strong commercial acumen, focused on strategic positioning and both short and long term objectives
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Leadership and mentoring competence
• Assessment of customer potential and devising targeted account marketing strategy
• Strong commercial acumen
• Negotiation of customer pricing arrangements
• Good listening skills
• Well organised, focused on priorities and able to juggle tasks effectively
• Excellent presentation skills
• Hands-on project manager, responsible for planning, budget management and creative input and reporting on ROI
• Co-ordination (and management of) outsourced service contracts such as PR, creative agency, media buyers etc
• Experience of working at a senior reporting level to meet defined targets
• Flexible, creative approach to maximise effectiveness of limited resources

To be considered and for this position you will have good empathy towards Pukka's core values and an entrepreneurial spirit that will develop business and a rewarding career.

If you are NOT legally eligible to work in the UK; please DO NOT register with us at this time.

Please contact the Home Office to confirm your status and work permit/visa permissions. Proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required.

All applications are treated with equal fairness and will not be disclosed to a third party employer without your permission.