How do you come up with new marketing ideas?
A mix of experience, consumer research and keeping our eyes and ears open.
What is the main marketing challenge you face?
Encouraging more people to enjoy soft drinks and understand that we have brands for every occasion and lifestyle.
What are the perks of the job?
A great choice of soft drinks, lots of interesting new products to sample and the opportunity to work on some of the best brands in the world.
Describe the marketing team in three words.
Creative, friendly, eager.
Is there a dress code?
Smart-casual for most of the week, then jeans on a Friday.
Does the marketing team socialise outside office hours?
We usually save our partying for big seasonal nights out and leaving parties. We have some mean karaoke singers.
What is the company like for training and career progression?
Very good. With constant NPD, there are always lots of opportunities. The company really encourages people to work in different departments, such as trading and managing our regional sales teams.
What are the hours like?
Generally 9-5, but people can work flexibly around those.
Are there any downsides?
Uxbridge is hardly central London, but it’s on the Tube and great if you live to the West or North of London.
What is interesting about your office?
We are right in the centre of Uxbridge in a beautiful office with a garden, perfect for summer alfresco lunches.
Is there anything else readers may find interesting about working there?
Friday is always iPod Day: colleagues are encouraged to play their iPods for the amusement of the wider department.
Company facts
- Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) is based at Charter Place, Uxbridge UB8 1EZ.
- It employs 4500 people; about 150 are marketers.
- CCE is responsible for the manufacture, distribution, sales and trade marketing of Coca-Cola GB’s brands in England, Scotland and Wales. Its market share is about 19% of all soft drinks.
- Key brands include Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Fanta, Dr Pepper, Schweppes, Appletiser and Abbey Well.
- Simon Baldry is vice-president and GB general manager; Craig Smith is vice-president, operational marketing.