The search is underway for an experienced and strategic Brand Manager to oversee the Smirnoff trademark portfolio in Kenya. This position offers a chance to play a leading role in shaping one of the most iconic global brands within a competitive and dynamic market. The role is based in UDV, Kenya, and is a full-time appointment with applications open until October 6, 2025.
The role of Brand Manager for Smirnoff TM focuses on protecting, growing, and building the brand by managing demand, achieving budgeted volume, expanding market share, and ensuring profitability. The position is integral to the company’s marketing structure, with responsibilities that extend from strategy development and communication planning to execution and performance management.
This article outlines the job description in detail, including key responsibilities, role expectations, and the specific functional areas that the successful candidate will manage.
Job Description
Position: Brand Manager – Smirnoff TM
Location: UDV, Kenya
Time type: Full time
Application deadline: October 6, 2025
About the Function
The Marketing function is responsible for creating, developing, and nurturing globally recognized brands. It focuses on building strong consumer connections, preserving brand legacies, and reimagining brand presence for current and future markets. This team works with insights into consumer behaviors, emerging cultural trends, and technologies to deliver impactful brand strategies and campaigns.
For the Smirnoff brand, the mission is to ensure it remains relevant, profitable, and deeply connected to its consumers. The Brand Manager plays a crucial role in executing this mission by managing all aspects of brand development, market positioning, and performance monitoring.
Role Purpose
The Brand Manager’s primary responsibility is to safeguard the brand, stimulate growth, and expand market share through well-designed marketing initiatives. This involves developing and implementing business plans, overseeing brand communication, monitoring performance, and ensuring resources are effectively utilized to meet profitability goals.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy, Performance Management, and Brand Building
- Work closely with the Marketing Manager to develop and execute annual Marketing Business Plans.
- Collaborate with the sales team to align field activities with brand strategies.
- Partner with Consumer Planning & Research teams to obtain up-to-date insights and performance metrics.
- Build strong working relationships across support departments including:
- Procurement, to ensure timely availability of quality materials at competitive costs.
- Finance, for cost controls, budget monitoring, and profitability assessments.
- Supply, to monitor product availability and quality.
- Public Relations agencies, to drive accurate and positive brand messaging.
Financial Responsibility
- Take ownership of delivering annual profit and loss (P&L) targets for the brand.
- Drive both top-line revenue and bottom-line profit growth.
- Manage total Advertising and Promotion (A&P) budgets, covering both Above-the-Line (ATL) and Below-the-Line (BTL) marketing expenditures.
- Ensure efficient use of ATL spend while supporting shopper marketing initiatives to maximize the effectiveness of BTL spending.
- Work toward building brand equity while increasing operating profit through strategic investments in media buying, sponsorships, and events.
Brand Communication and Consumer Engagement
- Develop and implement comprehensive brand communication strategies aimed at strengthening brand equity and supporting sustainable growth.
- Oversee media strategies to maximize exposure, recency, and consumer engagement.
- Ensure the creation and distribution of promotional materials that enhance the brand’s presence in the market.
- Monitor market trends, conduct regular trade visits, and apply insights to strengthen brand positioning.
Market Intelligence and Research
- Identify and recommend market research initiatives that support brand strategy and positioning.
- Analyze market research findings to adjust brand strategies and maintain competitiveness.
- Monitor competitor activities and develop timely corrective actions to mitigate risks.
Brand Renovation and Extension
- Develop and implement renovation and brand extension strategies to meet evolving consumer needs.
- Ensure product updates and innovations remain aligned with changing market trends.
Performance Monitoring
- Track commercial brand scores, identify risks, and take corrective measures to maintain or improve performance.
- Monitor profitability and implement measures to deliver brand results according to set targets.
- Report and track brand expenditures while maintaining budget discipline.
Core Marketing Capabilities Required
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate key marketing competencies across four main areas:
Building Purposeful and Winning Brands
- Ability to develop and activate brand strategies that exceed volume and profitability targets.
- Craft compelling brand and strategic narratives that energize consumers and stakeholders.
- Adept in connection planning, ensuring brand content and experiences resonate with consumers across all touchpoints.
Driving Marketing Performance
- Conduct rigorous brand performance analysis to identify opportunities for brand recruitment and retention.
- Apply commercial acumen by leveraging insights into category profitability and competitor landscapes.
- Understand and manage brand P&L effectively to optimize profitability.
Delivering Integrated Execution
- Exercise strong creative judgment in evaluating ideas, providing effective feedback, and ensuring alignment with briefs.
- Collaborate across functions such as Communications and Experiences (C&E), digital, and commercial teams to execute impactful campaigns.
- Demonstrate agility in decision-making to adapt to evolving consumer and customer needs.
- Ensure consistent, high-quality execution of marketing programs.
Using Insights to Drive Sales
- Maintain curiosity about consumers and cultural trends, integrating these insights into brand strategies.
- Apply strong data analysis and media planning skills.
- Utilize knowledge of digital platforms and opportunities to maximize brand visibility.
Forging Productive Partnerships
- Build and manage effective relationships with internal teams, external agencies, and influencers.
- Oversee balanced multi-channel planning, ensuring the right mix of traditional and digital media.
- Deliver impactful campaigns that maximize return on investment (ROI).
Key Deliverables
- Development and execution of annual Marketing Business Plans.
- Achievement of brand P&L targets.
- Sustained brand equity and growth in line with consumer expectations.
- Effective utilization of marketing budgets with measurable ROI.
- Execution of renovation and extension strategies that ensure relevance in evolving markets.
- Delivery of integrated campaigns across multiple channels with consistency and quality.
Skills and Experience
The role requires a minimum of three to five years of marketing experience, preferably within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Candidates should demonstrate proven expertise in developing and executing marketing strategies, managing P&L responsibilities, and leading brand campaigns within competitive markets.
A Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Marketing), Business, or an equivalent qualification is required.
Application Information
This is a regular, full-time position based in UDV, Kenya. The application deadline is October 6, 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly to ensure their applications are reviewed within the stated timeframe.
