Global Innovation Manager - The Balvenie - 6 Month FTC

As Global Innovation Manager for The Balvenie, you will lead the development of world‑class innovation propositions that reinforce the brand’s craftsmanship, create desirability, and deliver against long‑term financial and brand equity goals. You will help shape our innovation strategy as part of the 5‑year global plan, bringing forward innovative concepts rooted in consumer insight, industry trends, and The Balvenie’s signature storytelling. Working cross‑functionally, you’ll ensure each solution is executed to the highest creative, operational, and brand standards, supported by compelling campaign assets and rigorous post‑launch evaluation.

What We Can Offer You

• We offer a competitive salary and benefits which are designed to promote our employees financial wellbeing. Employees are also eligible to participate in a bonus plan.
• Our employees enjoy a generous holiday entitlement and an opportunity to ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ some holiday entitlement.
• Private Healthcare and Doctor@Hand (remote GP service).
• Our employees can join a defined contribution pension plan. Employees contribute either 4% or 5% of salary, the company contributes 8% or 10% depending on the employee contribution. Employee contributions can be made through salary sacrifice.
• Our Employee Assistance Programme offers practical, impartial support on everyday matters ranging from medical, financial and legal to home and family issues.
• Our Life Assurance cover is a multiple of eight times your annual basic salary.
• Product allocation so that you can enjoy our fantastic portfolio of brands.
• Our Cycle to Work scheme allows you to hire a bike for an agreed length of time, and then snap it up for a fraction of its original value. All while making savings (at least 25%) and spreading the cost.
• Every employee has the opportunity to claim up to £1,000 per year for a charity or charities for which they have raised money, volunteered their time or personally donated.
• Learning resources to help you be your best self.

Main Responsibilities

You will own the end‑to‑end innovation pipeline for The Balvenie, from early concept development through to final delivery. This includes identifying consumer‑led opportunities, reviewing global trends, and developing premium propositions that are distinctive, competitive, and aligned to brand strategy. Working closely with Marketing Excellence, Insight, Merchandising, PR and Communications, you’ll ensure campaigns drive awareness, desirability, and commercial growth across global markets.

You will coordinate the annual innovation development budget, oversee all creative approvals, and ensure all materials meet brand standards, comply with legal requirements and align with our long‑term business plans and sustainability commitments. Additionally, you will lead post‑campaign evaluation in partnership with our Insight and Marketing Excellence teams, translating results into actionable recommendations for continuous improvement. Throughout, you’ll champion the William Grant Way of Building Brands to ensure excellence across every execution.

Our Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for a strategic, innovative, and commercially astute marketer with a proven track record in Whisky or luxury spirits. You will bring experience in innovation management, NPD, packaging, or brand activation – ideally leading, or as part of a team, developing and delivering complex luxury spirits packaging projects or launches. You combine creativity with strong project management discipline and are confident navigating cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑impact solutions at pace.

You’re insight‑driven, passionate about craftsmanship and premium experiences, and skilled at turning consumer needs into compelling brand propositions. You’re equally comfortable shaping strategy, managing budgets, overseeing creative development and evaluating performance. Above all, you bring a deep understanding of what makes an ultra-premium brand resonate and the drive to ensure The Balvenie continues to set the benchmark for premium Whisky worldwide.

This will be a 6 month Fixed Term Contract.

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