Brand & Activation Manager

About the Role

The Brand & Activation Manager is responsible for leading and executing all brand activations, events, and in-store experiences across the Gauteng region. This role sits at the intersection of brand, operations, and customer experience ensuring that every activation drives footfall, enhances brand perception, and delivers commercial impact.

While not directly owning a specific brand, this role requires a strong understanding of each brand within the portfolio to ensure all activations, partnerships, and experiences are strategically aligned to brand positioning and tailored to the nuances of each store’s market.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment and can confidently manage multiple moving parts across stores, teams, and external partners.

Role Objectives:

• Drive footfall through impactful events & activations
• Elevate in-store brand experience consistently
• Ensure seamless execution across all events
• Build strong regional partnerships and networks
• Translate brand strategy into on-the-ground delivery
• Ensure all activations are brand-aligned and locally relevant per store
• Continuously improve activation effectiveness through performance analysis and learnings

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute all regional events, and activations
• Collaborate with Brand Managers to ensure all activations align with brand strategy, while tailoring execution to the unique nuances of each store
• Act as the key bridge between Brand and Operations, ensuring strategic intent is translated into high-quality execution
• Partner closely with Ops to align on store-level priorities
• Manage activation calendars across all Gauteng stores
• Lead and brief internal teams and external suppliers
• Oversee budgets, supplier negotiations, and cost control
• Identify and secure relevant brand partnerships
• Track performance and report on activation impact
• Analyse event and activation success rates to inform future planning and improve ROI
• Ensure consistent brand standards across all executions
• Problem-solve in real-time during live activations
• Work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
• Manage and mentor the Events & Activations Coordinator, ensuring strong executional delivery and development

Requirements:

Experience

• 4–6+ years in events, activations, or experiential marketing
• Proven experience managing multiple events simultaneously
• Hospitality or entertainment industry experience advantageous

Skills

• Strong project management and organisational ability
• Excellent stakeholder and relationship management
• Commercial mindset with budget control experience
• Ability to work under pressure and think on your feet
• Highly proactive, solutions-driven mindset

Education

• Relevant degree or diploma in Marketing, Events, or similar

About Life & Brand Portfolio

Life & Brand Portfolio is a dynamic hospitality group home to some of South Africa’s most loved restaurant and lifestyle brands. We operate at the intersection of food, culture, and experience creating spaces where people come together to eat, drink, and celebrate life.

Our Culture

We operate in a world of vibrant energy, social connection, and entertainment but behind the scenes, it takes real grit.

We value:

• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Consistency
• Hustle, and
• Respect
• If you’re looking for a role where you can grow, learn fast, and be part of something dynamic, this is it.

PLEASE NOTE THAT PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO CANDIDATES FROM A PREVIOUSLY DISADVANTAGED BACKGROUND, IN TERMS OF OUR COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYMENT EQUITY.

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