The Senior Brand Manager (Contract) will be responsible for hands-on delivery of a new brand launch across the UK, France and Germany. This role acts as the day-to-day marketing execution lead, ensuring all brand marketing, packaging, regulatory, retailer and activation elements are launch-ready on time and to premium standards.
This is a highly execution-focused role, designed to remove friction, drive decisions and coordinate delivery across multiple workstreams during a compressed and complex launch phase.
What Success Looks Like
- UK, France and Germany are fully launch-ready (artwork approved, packs produced, retailer materials aligned, agencies briefed)
- Critical launch risks are identified early and resolved quickly
- Global guidance is translated into workable European execution, without unnecessary delays
- Local teams are supported and enabled, not overloaded
Core Responsibilities (Execution-First)
1. End-to-End Launch Readiness UK, France & Germany
- Own the launch readiness checklist across priority markets
- Drive the launch critical path, ensuring timelines are tight and visible
- Ensure dependencies across functions are coordinated, not siloed
2. Packaging, Artwork & Regulatory Execution
- Own multilingual pack decisions and front-of-pack strategy
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to finalise copy, translations and artwork
- Prevent delays and last-minute rework
3. Selective Retail Launch Support
- Support local teams with retailer-specific requirements
- Ensure all assets are approved and delivered on time
- Resolve conflicts between brand standards and retailer needs
4. Marketing Activation & Agency Execution
- Deliver focused activation including PR, influencer and retail moments
- Manage agencies against tight timelines and clear deliverables
5. Global Local Coordination
- Translate global guidance into clear local execution
- Escalate issues with proposed solutions
6. Stakeholder & Risk Management
- Maintain visibility on key risks and timelines
- Provide clear updates and drive decision-making
Ideal Contractor Profile
Must-Have
- Senior brand/marketing leader with prestige beauty or fragrance experience
- Proven multi-market European launch experience
- Strong packaging and executional expertise
- Highly organised and delivery-focused
Strong Advantage
- Experience with major European beauty retailers
- Prior interim/contract roles
- French or German language capability
Working Style
- Action-oriented and pragmatic
- Comfortable making decisions with imperfect information
- Collaborative, calm and assertive
- Execution-focused
Why This Role Exists
This role is critical to ensure a successful European launch within a tight timeframe maintaining momentum, supporting local teams and delivering a premium market entry.
