STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PROJECTS MANAGER

Job Title:

Strategic Planning and Projects Manager

 *Fixed term/ maternity cover role

Department: Commercial Growth

Location: Bucharest

Asahi Europe & International is part of Asahi Group Holdings, a global beer, spirits, soft drinks and food group with leading positions in European and Asia-Pacific markets, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan.

Asahi Europe & International runs 19 production facilities in 9 countries across Europe and North America and is the custodian of some of the best beer brands in the world, including Asahi Super Dry, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch and Kozel.

Within the Asahi Group, the remit of Asahi Europe and International is also to develop and manage all export markets globally, outside of East Asia, Japan and Oceania. Covering over 80+ markets and with over 10,000 passionate colleagues on board, the business is well positioned to inspire people around the world to drink better through our shared purpose of Creating Meaningful Connections.

Ursus Breweries is the largest beer producer in Romania and the market leader in the Romanian beer industry. The brands in the Ursus Breweries portfolio include: URSUS, Timișoreana, Ciucaș, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Kozel, Azuga, Pilsner Urquell, and Asahi Super Dry.

Currently, Ursus Breweries operates three breweries located in Brașov, Buzău, and Timișoara, as well as a mini production facility in Cluj‑Napoca. Ursus Breweries is part of Asahi Europe & International.

For more information about the company and its programs, please visit: www.ursus-breweries.ro & www.desprealcool.ro

Role Overview:

We are looking for a Strategic Planning and Projects Manager to drive data-backed decision-making and support long-term business growth. Reporting to the Head of Insight, this role plays a key part in shaping strategy by delivering actionable market insights, leading strategic projects, and ensuring alignment across commercial teams.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders, including the local EXCO and commercial leaders, contributing to the development of sustainable and profitable growth strategies aligned with the company’s long-term vision.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Business Support

• Support the annual 3-year Mid-Term Planning (MTP) and 1-year Integrated Activity Planning (IAP) processes
• Model market and category scenarios to inform strategic decisions
• Translate long-term strategy into actionable plans and ensure alignment across key business routines

Market & Competitor Insights

• Lead in-depth market, category, and competitor analysis (e.g., war-gaming, profit pool analysis)
• Own market size, share estimations, and high-level company performance forecasts
• Provide clear, data-driven insights to support commercial decision-making

Project Leadership

• Lead cross-functional strategic projects from concept to delivery
• Define project scope, structure teams, and ensure timely and efficient execution
• Optimize the use of resources and maintain focus on business impact

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with commercial teams, senior leadership, and regional stakeholders
• Foster collaboration across departments and contribute to communities of practice within AEI

Innovation & Business Case Development

• Support innovation initiatives through market sizing and robust business case preparation
• Ensure assumptions are grounded in consumer and market realities

Methodologies & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and implement best-practice market modelling tools and processes
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert in strategic initiatives led by commercial teams

Requirements:

Must have:

• Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic planning, business analysis, or consulting (ideally FMCG or management consulting)
• At least 2 years of experience managing complex, cross-functional projects
• Strong analytical skills, including experience in data analysis, forecasting, and market modelling
• Solid understanding of commercial processes and how different business functions interact
• Proven ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Nice to Have

• Experience working with market data providers and external insight partners
• Exposure to multi-market or regional roles
• Familiarity with advanced analytics tools or data visualization platforms
• Experience in innovation strategy or business case development
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments with multiple priorities

We are committed to nurturing a workplace where we celebrate and respect difference, and support everyone to be true to who they are! At Ursus Breweries, part of Asahi Europe and International, we believe you can SHINE AS YOU ARE - no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs.  We want to support you to be courageous in your individuality and to know that whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, you can belong with us without having to conform.