Jobs at Whyte & Mackay (Now Hiring) — 2 open

Job Title:  Category & Channel Activation Manager - 12 Month FTC

Function: Commercial

Location: Head Office, St Vincent Street, Glasgow - Hybrid 2 days in office per week.

Job Level: (Internal Reference Only) 4

Contract: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract / Secondment

Role Reports to: Head of Category & Customer Marketing (UK)

Date vacancy will close: Friday, 3rd July 2026. Where we receive high numbers of applications we may close vacancies early.  If you think this is the right opportunity for you please don't delay in applying!

Who we are:

Born in Glasgow, made in Scotland and enjoyed around the world. Whyte and Mackay is home to a collection of multi-award-winning global whisky brands led by The Dalmore, Fettercairn, Jura and Tamnavulin. Our mission is to be a driving force in whisky, renowned for building brands that stand-out.  Enabled by our brilliant community of 675 colleagues, reaching across 17 countries and counting.  We're led by our values, continuing to grow and invest and looking for great talent to join our brilliant community.  Ready to hear more?

What the opportunity looks like:

The Category & Channel Activation Manager will work closely with the Head of Customer Marketing, the UK & Global brand team and the off trade commercial team to deliver best in class shopper insight and marketing plans across our key retailers & priority brands. This role will ensure there is a continuous improvement approach to the W&M retail shopper marketing plans supporting the delivery of increased distribution, visibility, and activation both in store and online.

• Deliver Best in Class Category insight to make positive change in accounts that drives mutual growth.

• Work with the Head of Customer Marketing, Brand Team and Commercial Team to develop stand out brand activation for chain retail both instore and online, supporting a shared agenda for excellence in execution and measurement across all activities.

• Ensure “shopper first thinking” across all solutions/presentations.

• Create, develop & drive key activations as outlined in the channel marketing plans.

• Identify opportunities within the channel/customer mix that we can own or exploit that enhances our standing with customers and drives future profitable growth.

• Deliver outstanding in outlet communications that positively influences shopper behaviour & product position on shelf.

• Through rigorous measure and evaluation identify best practice in promotional mechanics and activations and ensure W&M is at the cutting edge in terms of new thinking and fresh ideas around mechanics – in store and online.

Skills and experience that will help you be a success:

For this role we're looking for:

• Proven experience in a similar Customer Marketing, Category, or Channel Activation role, ideally within FMCG and preferably the drinks category.

• A strong ability to translate data into clear, compelling shopper and category insights that influence customer decisions and drive growth.

• Solid understanding of the off-trade retail landscape, including both grocery multiples and convenience, with the ability to identify “what works” and turn this into commercially compelling propositions.

• Experience working across e-commerce and digital channels, with confidence to challenge and enhance online execution (including digital shelf and activation insights).

• A track record of delivering impactful, insight-led in-store and online activations that drive visibility, conversion, and brand performance.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across commercial, brand, and customer teams to align on shared objectives.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to bring ideas to life in a way that engages and inspires both internal teams and external customers.

• A proactive, growth mindset, always seeking out new opportunities, testing new approaches, and continuously improving execution through measurement and learning.

We believe that everyone has the potential for growth in our roles!  You may feel you don't tick every box for this role, but if you believe you have relevant experiences that could help you succeed we'd much rather you apply rather than rule yourself out based on any self-limiting beliefs!  

Why join us:

We offer a competitive salary, bonus package, life assurance, competitive pension, excellent product allowance, 35 days annual leave, plus enhanced family friendly policies. Our Rewards & Benefits page has further information.

Our application process:

If you like what you’ve read and want to explore this opportunity further, please apply before the closing date listed at the top of the advert.  

Our team read each and every application, therefore you'll hear back from us in due course.

Candidate guidance on the use of AI in the application and screening process can be found on our career site.

Should you require any adjustments to our recruitment process to help you be at your best then please contact us at [email protected] and we'll do what we can to support.