Brand Manager - Challenger FMCG (Retail Launches)

I am working with a fast growing business that originally built its name incubating and scaling grab and go hospitality brands. After strong success on the food side, they are now expanding into FMCG retail, partnering with exciting challenger brands and building something genuinely special.

The retail and brand function is at an early stage and expected to triple in size, making this a rare opportunity to join at the right moment and grow with the business.

They are now looking for a Brand Manager to lead the full launch and growth of new FMCG brands entering retail, with a clear progression path to Head of Retail.

The role

You will:

• Own the end-to-end launch of a new challenger FMCG brand into retail
• Lead brand positioning, storytelling, and go-to-market strategy
• Manage social media and brand performance post-launch
• Track performance, learn quickly, and optimise
• Once the brand is established, move on to lead the next new brand
• Over time, progress into a Head of Retail role, managing other Brand Leads across the portfolio

This is a hands-on role with real responsibility and visibility.

The background they are looking for

They are specifically looking for someone who has:

• A strong corporate FMCG brand management background
  (e.g. Unilever, PepsiCo, P&G or similar)
• Plus experience working with challenger or scale-up FMCG brands
• Exposure to retail launches and performance-driven brand growth
• A mix of structure, commercial thinking, and comfort with ambiguity

This role suits someone who understands big-brand discipline but wants to build and scale brands in a faster, more entrepreneurial environment.

Why this is a standout opportunity

• Join the business at an early growth stage
• Clear progression to Head of Retail
• Work across multiple FMCG brands, not just one
• Be part of a team that is actively building and scaling something new

If this sounds like you, or someone in your network, feel free to message me directly for more details.