Senior Experiential Sampling Manager

Responsibilities

• Drive the strategic direction, operational process, and execution of a best-in-class experiential sampling programme aligned with overall Customer strategy and brand positioning.
• Accountable for budget management, financial modeling, cost efficiency, and rigorous financial analysis to maximize ROI and profit return.
• Lead, mentor, and empower a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, continuous improvement, and Partner happiness.
• Build influential, trusting relationships with senior internal stakeholders up to Director level and manage key external partners, including marketing and staffing agencies.
• Establish robust operating models, supply chain integration, and ensure all sampling activities strictly adhere to legal, regulatory, and Health & Safety requirements.
• Define KPIs, track programme effectiveness (CSAT, sentiment, sales uplift), analyse market/competitor trends, and continuously optimise activations based on data insights.

Requirements

• Permanent role specific - Extensive experience developing and executing successful, multi-channel retail sampling programmes that deliver measurable sales uplift and enhanced customer sentiment.
• Temp/Secondment Specific - Proven track record of developing the commercial model and executing profitable live production experiences at scale that delight customers
• Strong financial astuteness with demonstrated capability in budget management, financial modeling, and optimising resource allocation to maximise efficiency, effectiveness and profitability.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of managing, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills with proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders up to Director level.
• Deep understanding of supply chain integration, operational execution, and Health & Safety / legal compliance requirements for sampling programmes.
• Degree holder or equivalent experience.

Preferred

• Previous experience working within retail environments (either Head Office or shop floor).
• Hands-on operational delivery experience with food and drink events and activations.
• Relevant professional marketing qualification (e.g., CIM).
• Food Hygiene & Safety Level 2 certification.
• Proven experience in executing change initiatives and continuous innovation in customer experience.