This role will lead and oversee various projects within the company's spirits portfolio, supporting with strategic insights and recommendations.
You will be working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, that requires the ability to navigate complex business challenges and manage external agency/ supplier/ partner relationships.
KEY RESPONSIBILITES Strategic Planning Support the strategic direction for the Spirits Special Projects, ensuring alignment with company goals and market trends, working transparently at all times with leadership.
Collaborate with senior leadership to assess market opportunities, determine project feasibility, and support the overall business strategy.
Provide insight and recommendations on brand positioning, market entry tactics, and future growth strategies for the company's spirits portfolio.
Project Leadership & Management Oversee and drive multiple workstreams across various projects, ensuring alignment and timely execution across: Market Insights: Bring deep product knowledge to build out market insights and provide strategic and practical recommendations for product positioning and strategic rationale to underpin commercial decision making.
Liquid Development : Manage the Liquid Development workstream, working collaboratively with The Lakes Distillery Master Distiller to guide the developmental process.
Manage the process and relationships with distillers, liquid innovation teams, and suppliers to deliver high quality liquids.
Brand & Design : Co-ordinate brand and design liaising with Brand Director and CEO to help deliver results.
Data & Insights : Leverage consumer data and market research to inform project decisions and refine strategy at critical milestones.
Provide recommendations on consumer and trade testing as relevant.
Logistics & Procurement : Project manage the supply chain, production schedules, and distribution, ensuring smooth operations from production to market.
Set and maintain project timelines, manage budgets, and ensure resource allocation across all workstreams.
External Relationship Management Act as the primary liaison with external suppliers, agencies, and partners, ensuring successful collaborations and maintaining strong relationships.
Negotiate and manage contracts with agencies and vendors involved in the project (including branding, packaging, market research, and logistics partners).
Monitor supplier performance and ensure quality standards and timelines are met, making adjustments as necessary.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, finance, and operations, to ensure all aspects of the projects are aligned with the overall business goals.
Provide regular project updates to senior leadership, highlighting key risks, opportunities, and progress.
Proactive Problem Solving Demonstrate strong decision-making skills by assessing project needs, identifying potential roadblocks, and resolving issues effectively.
Evaluate and refine project objectives to keep pace with market changes, consumer preferences, and business priorities.
Ability to prioritise and advise accordingly, managing the execution into commercial and project deliverables.
Key Skills & Qualifications: Proven experience in project management roles, preferably in the spirits industries.
Strong innovation experience, from conception to launch (for a spirit brand) Exceptional project management expertise with a track record of managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects from concept through to completion.
Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to discern business priorities, assess risks, and provide clear guidance on project direction.
Strong track record of delivering commercially successful projects within the spirits sector.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership, internal teams, and external partners.
Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams and manage relationships with external agencies and suppliers.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
Deep understanding of market research, consumer insights, and data-driven decision-making.
Experience managing budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.
Ambitious and driven personality with a can do attitude.