Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), part of East African Breweries Limited (EABL), is seeking a highly skilled professional to take up the role of Innovation Commercialisation Manager – IPS Reserve. EABL, the leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) business in Kenya, is part of Diageo, a global leader in premium drinks with a portfolio of iconic brands including Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Tanqueray, and Baileys.
The company’s purpose is centered on celebrating life every day and everywhere. Its operations span more than 180 countries, supported by over 30,000 employees globally. With ambitious growth plans, KBL is targeting significant expansion in market share, operational profits, and total beverage alcohol penetration by 2030.
The Sales function plays a central role in achieving these objectives. Through building strong customer relationships, creating consumer connections, and leveraging market insights, the Sales team ensures the success of existing brands while driving innovation in new products. This role sits at the heart of that innovation journey.
The Innovation Commercialisation Manager – IPS Reserve will be responsible for leading the development and commercialization of innovation strategies across the Reserve portfolio. The role provides a unique opportunity to transform consumer experiences by launching new products that resonate with changing market trends and demands.
This article provides detailed insights into the job description, responsibilities, and expectations associated with this role.
Job Title
Innovation Commercialisation Manager – IPS Reserve
Reporting Line
Reports to: Innovation Sales Manager
Level
Associate
Location
Nairobi, Kenya
Job Description
The Innovation Commercialisation Manager will be accountable for delivering successful commercialization of innovations within the IPS Reserve portfolio. The role will involve strategy development, execution of new product launches, portfolio management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure innovations contribute meaningfully to business growth.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the responsibilities and functions attached to this position.
Key Deliverables
- Innovation Strategy Development
- Formulate and own a comprehensive innovation strategy for the Reserve portfolio.
- Ensure alignment of innovation activities with overall business objectives, long-term growth targets, and evolving consumer trends.
- Identify and prioritize opportunities for new product development that build on market research and consumer insights.
- End-to-End Commercialisation Leadership
- Lead the commercialization process from idea to launch, ensuring efficient and timely execution.
- Drive value creation by integrating consumer, customer, and market insights into every stage of development.
- Guarantee that innovation projects are delivered within budget and aligned with organizational timelines.
- New Product Launch Execution
- Manage the rollout of new products, ensuring excellence in execution and adoption.
- Partner with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, operations, and supply chain to create and implement launch plans.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of new launches against brand and business targets.
- Commercial Performance Management
- Oversee post-launch performance of innovation brands within the Reserve portfolio.
- Track and report on commercialization execution metrics, identifying areas requiring improvement.
- Implement corrective actions to optimize commercial outcomes.
- Efficiency in Resource Management
- Manage resources effectively to ensure maximum impact from allocated budgets.
- Uphold business governance standards and ensure strict adherence to compliance and controls.
Functional Capabilities
The role requires an individual with strong functional capabilities to successfully deliver against the portfolio’s objectives:
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Develop competitive commercial and marketing strategies that differentiate the Reserve portfolio from competitors.
- Drive category growth through insights-led product development and market penetration strategies.
- Portfolio Management
- Continuously monitor portfolio performance and make timely interventions where necessary.
- Adjust portfolio strategies to align with consumer behavior and business needs.
- Financial Acumen
- Manage the portfolio profit and loss account effectively.
- Optimize value creation by balancing pricing strategies, cost efficiencies, and revenue growth.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work with different teams across the business to deliver integrated solutions.
- Ensure that product development, marketing, and commercialization efforts are well coordinated.
Organisational Leadership
Beyond functional responsibilities, the Innovation Commercialisation Manager will also play a leadership role within the organization.
- Inspiration and Engagement
- Motivate cross-functional teams to embrace innovation and deliver high-impact results.
- Champion a culture of creativity and excellence within the innovation function.
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Navigate ambiguity and proactively develop solutions to emerging challenges.
- Ensure business goals are achieved even under complex and uncertain conditions.
- Influencing and Stakeholder Alignment
- Build strong influencing skills to secure stakeholder buy-in for innovation initiatives.
- Align diverse internal and external partners towards common commercialization goals.
Experience and Skills
The role demands a seasoned professional with demonstrated expertise and competencies:
- A proven track record in managing innovation or sales projects, with particular experience in commercialization.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across diverse groups.
- Commercial astuteness with hands-on experience in profit and loss management.
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Demonstrated capability in fostering collaborative relationships.
- A growth-oriented mindset, with a passion for shaping the future of the business through innovation.
Flexible Working
KBL recognizes the importance of flexible working arrangements. Employees are supported to adopt working patterns that best suit their personal and professional needs. Flexibility may include part-time options, compressed work weeks, or varied work locations. The company emphasizes supporting its people from the first day of engagement.
Rewards and Benefits
Employees are rewarded with a competitive remuneration and benefits package that recognizes performance and commitment. The company values its workforce and ensures that its compensation framework is designed to motivate and retain top talent.
Diversity and Inclusion
The company embraces diversity in its broadest sense. Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, and inclusivity is woven into the organizational culture. The workplace welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including diverse genders, ethnicities, abilities, ages, sexual orientations, social classes, and educational experiences.
This commitment to diversity ensures a vibrant and innovative workforce where varied voices and perspectives create better ideas and solutions.
About the Employer
Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks company, operating across more than 180 countries and managing a portfolio of over 200 brands. Its mission is to become the most trusted, respected, and best-performing consumer products company worldwide.
Kenya Breweries Limited, as part of East African Breweries Limited, is central to Diageo’s East African operations. The company’s long-standing history, deep community ties, and ambitious growth plans make it an ideal workplace for professionals seeking to contribute to transformational growth in the FMCG sector.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications for consideration for the role of Innovation Commercialisation Manager – IPS Reserve.
