Role:Merchandising & Gifting Manager

Location:  Swansea HQ Onsite
Salary:  £45,000-£50,000
Department: Operations

About Au Vodka

Au Vodka isn’t just a drinks brand, it’s a movement.

Born in Wales and recognised globally, we’ve redefined what a modern FMCG brand can be. From our iconic gold bottles to boundary-pushing flavours, we’ve built a brand that stands out, scales fast, and connects with a new generation of consumers.

Our ambition is bold: to become the first FMCG business founded in Wales to reach a $1 billion valuation.
We think global, move fast, and build category-defining brands from unexpected places.

Already sold across multiple international markets, we’re not just part of the spirits industry,  we’re disrupting it.

About the Position

Role Purpose - The Merchandise & Gifting Manager is responsible for the end-to-end ownership of all branded merchandise and gifting, from concept and creative ideation through to sourcing, production, co-packing, delivery, and post-project review. This role ensures all merchandise and gifting is on-brand, commercially viable, delivered on time and within budget, and supports wider objectives across marketing, sales, activations, customers, partners, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy, Ideation & Planning

• Own the merchandise and gifting roadmap, aligned to brand, marketing, sales and activation plans

• Proactively generate creative merchandise and gifting concepts (e.g. retail promotions, corporate gifting)

• Translate briefs into clear, costed options with recommendations ( MOQs, lead times, COGS)

• Maintain awareness of market trends, materials, finishes, and innovative formats

• Source, onboard and manage global merchandise and packaging suppliers

• Obtain and compare quotes, ensuring best value, quality, lead time and reliability

• Lead commercial negotiations on unit costs, MOQs, tooling, freight and payment terms

• Build long-term supplier relationships while maintaining competitive tension

• Ensure all suppliers meet brand, ethical, quality and compliance standards

• Manage the sampling and prototyping process end-to-end

• Review samples against brand standards, functionality and quality

• Coordinate internal approvals with Marketing, Founders, Commercial and Ops

• Track and sign-off points to avoid delays or scope creep

• Place and manage purchase orders for merchandise and gifting items

• Track production timelines and proactively manage risks to delivery

• Support with inbound logistics, freight, customs (where required) and warehousing

• Maintain clear visibility of stock levels, lead times and future demand

• Plan and manage co-packing activities, including kitting, assembly and presentation

• Brief and coordinate with 3PLs, co-packers and internal operations teams

• Oversee full project delivery from concept to final dispatch

• Ensure gifting arrives on time, complete and presentation-ready

• Act as the central point of contact for merchandise and gifting across the business

• Work closely with Marketing, Sales, Ops and Finance

• Manage external relationships with suppliers, co-packers, logistics partners 

• Communicate progress clearly, flag risks early, and provide regular updates

• Own the merchandise and gifting budget, tracking spend vs forecast

• Report on costs, savings, timelines and performance by project

• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve lead times or simplify processes

• Build and maintain standardised SOPs, suppliers lists and templates

Key Deliverables

• Merchandise & gifting concepts and options decks

• Costed proposals with recommendations

• Approved samples and production specs

• Purchase orders and delivery schedules

• Co-packing plans and execution

• Budget tracking and post-project reviews

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Why Join Au Vodka

• High-growth FMCG business with global ambition

• Opportunity to help build a billion-dollar brand

• Fast-paced, creative environment with real ownership

• No corporate red tape — your impact matters

What you’ll get:

• Early Finish Fridays 4pm

• Fresh lunches prepared daily by our in-house chef

• State-of-the-art office with onsite parking

• Companywide “win together” bonus scheme

• Your birthday off

• Epic launch parties and team events

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

We move fast. We think big. We back our people.

If you’re ready to help take a brand from Wales to the world, Au Vodka is the place to be.