VP, Channel Strategy & Planning

Who We Are

Suntory Beverage & Food strives to be the most locally beloved beverage company in every market we serve. Guided by our founding principles of "Growing for Good," "Yatte Minahare" (the spirit of bold ambition), and "Giving Back to Society", we pursue sustainable growth, bold innovation, and meaningful social impact. Across the Asia Pacific region, we proudly offer trusted brands including Ribena®, Lucozade Sport™, BRAND'S® Essence of Chicken, Tea+, BOSS Coffee, V Energy - delivering quality products that honor our commitment to harmony with people and nature.

About your role

As Vice President, Channel Strategy & Planning, you will define and lead the strategic channel growth agenda across Asia. This role is accountable for developing channel frameworks, planning methodologies, and execution governance that enable Business Units (BUs) to deliver sustainable growth and profitability.

You will act as a key integrator across Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain, translating corporate strategy into actionable channel and customer plans through insights-led planning, segmentation, and investment prioritisation.

This role will be based in Bangkok, Thailand. 

What You'll Do

Channel Segmentation & Prioritisation

Define and implement structured channel segmentation frameworks based on growth potential, shopper behaviour, and strategic importance
Leverage data and insights to identify channel dynamics, purchase drivers, and growth opportunities
Partner with RGM, RTM, and BU channel leaders to develop differentiated channel strategies
Establish prioritisation frameworks to optimise resource allocation and maximise ROI

Channel Strategy & Planning

Develop and deploy regional playbooks for Traditional Trade (TT) and Modern Trade (MT) channels
Lead integrated annual planning (MTP & AOP), ensuring alignment across Sales, Marketing, and Customer teams
Establish structured frameworks for situation assessments, trend analysis, and opportunity identification
Drive joint business planning with customers through clear tools, templates, and governance
Contribute commercial inputs into innovation pipelines and ensure strong business cases aligned with channel strategies
Define performance scorecards and governance mechanisms to track execution and outcomes

Shopper Marketing & Perfect Outlet Programme

Develop shopper marketing strategies leveraging channel and customer insights across TT and MT
Establish frameworks for the Perfect Store / Perfect Outlet Programme
Define channel-specific Picture of Success (PoS) and execution standards
Translate PoS into measurable KPIs (distribution, visibility, pricing, execution quality)
Integrate execution frameworks into CRM/SFA tools and field routines
Enable capability building through training, playbooks, and incentive alignment

Performance Tracking & Continuous Improvement

Define KPIs and dashboards to monitor channel performance across revenue, share, profitability, and execution
Establish real-time tracking systems in partnership with BU teams and IT
Identify performance gaps and root causes, and lead corrective actions
Implement structured governance and review cadences to drive continuous improvement

What's in it for you

• Opportunity to shape the regional commercial excellence agenda across Asia
• High visibility role partnering with senior leadership across multiple markets
• Drive impactful transformation through data-driven decision making and channel innovation
• Be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to sustainable growth

What You need to be successful

Experience & Qualifications

Solid experience in FMCG or beverage industry
Proven track record in multi-channel strategy, commercial planning, or sales transformation
Experience working across regional or international markets
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field

Core Capabilities

Strong strategic and commercial acumen with experience in channel segmentation and investment frameworks
Expertise in joint business planning, category growth, and Perfect Store programmes
Highly analytical with experience in KPI design, dashboards, and performance tracking
Strong stakeholder management with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
Familiarity with planning systems, CRM/SFA tools, and analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, Nielsen, IRI)

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.