Busie Ndabandaba

Manage full innovation lifecycle from idea generation through feasibility, validation, launch, and post-launch review across mainstream spirits. Lead cross-functional project teams (R&D, supply chain, finance, insights, marketing, sales) ensuring milestones, budgets, and timelines are delivered. Conduct opportunity assessments using consumer insight, market sizing, competitive mapping, and commercial modelling.

Innovation Project Manager (End-to-End) – Standard Spirits - Diageo – South West and Central Africa

(2025-09)

• Manage full innovation lifecycle from idea generation through feasibility, validation, launch, and post-launch review across mainstream spirits.
• Lead cross-functional project teams (R&D, supply chain, finance, insights, marketing, sales) ensuring milestones, budgets, and timelines are delivered.
• Conduct opportunity assessments using consumer insight, market sizing, competitive mapping, and commercial modelling.
• Build business cases for innovation projects, including volume, revenue, margin, and investment requirements.
• Oversee packaging development, regulatory compliance, and technical specifications in partnership with R&D and manufacturing.
• Ensure route-to-market readiness through demand planning, sales toolkit development, pricing strategy, and trade execution standards.
• Monitor performance metrics post-launch (penetration, rate of sale, distribution, repeat purchase) to optimise ongoing commercialization plans.

Innovation Commercialisation Manager – Reserve Portfolio - Diageo

(2025-07 - 2025-09)

• Led commercialization of super-premium spirits innovations from concept through launch, ensuring strategic fit within portfolio priorities and long-term brand growth plans.
• Translated consumer insight and market data into clear product value propositions and launch strategies.
• Partnered with supply, finance, marketing, and sales teams to align forecasting, pricing, packaging, and route-to-market execution.
• Developed go-to-market plans including volume build, distribution targets, and trade execution standards to ensure successful market entry.
• Tracked post-launch performance and consumer uptake, implementing corrective actions to optimise velocity, availability, and brand equity delivery.
• Balanced innovation ambition with commercial discipline, ensuring projects were viable, scalable, and aligned to revenue and margin objectives.

Trade Marketing Manager - Robertson Winery - KZN Region

(2022 - 2025)

• Led trade relationships with key customers, ensuring partnerships drove business growth and brand loyalty.
• Developed and executed trade marketing campaigns to support sales and brand awareness.
• Managed regional trade marketing budget effectively.
• Analysed market data to identify gaps and opportunities, improving market penetration.
• Executed go-to-market strategies and trade-specific campaigns for successful product launches.
• Monitored market trends and competitor activity to maintain leadership and commercial success.

Liquor Category Manager (Wine) - PB Liquor Merchants

(2019 - 2021)

• Achieved and exceeded sales and profit targets for the wine category.
• Led regional wine category strategy, optimizing assortment and driving sales.
• Developed and executed category plans for premium wines, aligning with national promotions.
• Generated and analysed category performance reports to optimise future campaigns.
• Managed planograms and shelf placements to maximize consumer impact.

Account Manager - Liquid Logic (Nestlé)

(2017 - 2018)

• Managed key accounts across hospitality and retail sectors, achieving sales targets.
• Coordinated product installations and after-sales support.
• Conducted product demonstrations for customer onboarding.
• Monitored market trends and competitor activities to drive expansion.

Sales Representative - Heineken SA

(2016 - 2016)

• Managed and grew customer accounts, driving sales and brand presence.
• Identified growth opportunities and executed market strategies.
• Maintained call strike-rate targets and collaborated on sales initiatives.

Business Development Representative - Brandhouse Beverages

(2015 - 2016)

• Managed and achieved sales volume, value, and KPI targets.
• Strengthened customer relationships and ensured trading term compliance.
• Led in-store execution for optimal brand visibility and availability.

Sales Representative (Wine) - Distell

(2012 - 2014)

• Managed regional key accounts, achieving profitable growth and sustained partnerships.
• Executed promotions to increase consumer engagement and sales.

Account Manager - Amalgamated Beverage Industries (ABI)

(2009 - 2011)

• Developed and maintained strong business relationships, driving customer loyalty.
• Managed vending operations and negotiated trading permits.
• Oversaw asset management and ensured merchandising standards compliance.

National Diploma - Consumer Science – Food & Nutrition - Durban University of Technology (2003 - 2007)

Senior Certificate - Durban Girls' College (1998 - 2002)