Country Manager

BENEFIT COSMETICS; Chelmsford; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

Benefit Cosmetics is seeking a strategic leader to drive the UK business across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce.

You will own P&L, shape multi-year plans, and partner with global teams to grow brand presence in Boots, department stores, and online. The role demands proven leadership, deep market knowledge, and a track record of revenue growth in the beauty sector.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field.
• 10+ years of proven success in sales and operations management in retail/wholesale.
• Deep understanding of the UK beauty market, consumer trends, and competition.
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth and managing full P&L.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical skills, and ability to translate insights into action.
• Experience coaching and mentoring senior managers and building high-performing teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Passion for beauty and Benefit Cosmetics brand values.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive multi-year UK business strategy.
• Identify growth opportunities, market trends, and competitive insights.
• Lead market strategies for new products, categories, and channels.
• Drive innovation and adapt to evolving consumer needs.
• Full P&L responsibility for the UK market, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Achieve sales, profit, and market share targets.
• Oversee sales channels: retail, e-commerce, and partnerships.
• Develop and implement effective sales promotions and retail programs.
• Ensure consistent brand representation and customer experience.
• Build strong relationships with key retail partners.
• Collaborate with global marketing to adapt UK campaigns.
• Drive brand awareness and loyalty through innovative initiatives.
• Manage media relations, PR, and influencer strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L management

Sales strategy

Team leadership

Brand management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, Marketing, or related field

MBA preferred

Job description

Overview

Benefit Cosmetics is a beloved global beauty brand known for its playful spirit, innovative products, and brow expertise. We are dedicated to bringing joy and confidence to our customers through high-quality makeup and exceptional service.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Business Development:
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive multi-year business strategy for the UK market, aligned with global brand objectives.
  • Identify new growth opportunities, market trends, and competitive landscapes to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Lead the market strategies for new products, categories, and channels.
  • Drive innovation and adaptation to meet evolving consumer needs and market dynamics.
• Financial Performance & P&L Management:
  • Full P&L responsibility for the UK market, including budgeting, forecasting, and expense management.
  • Achieve and exceed sales, profit, and market share targets.
  • Monitor financial performance closely, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
  • Optimize resource allocation to maximize ROI across all business functions.
• Sales & Retail Operations:
  • Oversee all sales channels, including retail (boutiques, department stores, Boots, Sephora, Selfridges etc.), e-commerce, and potential new ventures.
  • Develop and implement effective sales strategies, promotional activities, and retail excellence programs.
  • Ensure consistent brand representation and exceptional customer experience across all points of sale.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key retail partners.
• Marketing & Brand Building:
  • Collaborate with the global marketing team to adapt and execute impactful marketing campaigns relevant to the UK market.
  • Drive brand awareness, desirability, and customer loyalty through innovative marketing initiatives.
  • Manage media relations, PR, and influencer strategies.
  • Ensure all brand communications are consistent with Benefit's unique tone of voice and brand identity.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development:
  • Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team across sales, commercial, marketing, finance, and HR.
  • Foster a positive, collaborative, and empowering work environment that aligns with Benefit's culture.
  • Recruit, develop, and retain top talent, ensuring robust succession planning.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities.
• Operations & Supply Chain:
  • Oversee efficient inventory management, logistics, and supply chain operations to ensure product availability and optimal stock levels.
  • Ensure compliance with all local regulations and company policies.
• Stakeholder Management:
  • Act as the primary liaison between the UK team and regional / global headquarters.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including retail partners, vendors, and industry associations

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• A minimum of 10 years of proven success in sales and operations management, with a laser focus on retail and wholesale environments.
• Deep understanding of the UK beauty market, consumer trends, and competitive landscape.
• Proven track record of driving significant revenue growth and managing a full P&L.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate insights into actionable plans.
• A verifiable history of not just meeting but exceeding sales targets and profitability goals.
• A demonstrated talent for coaching and mentoring senior managers, nurturing leadership talent, and inspiring teams to achieve the impossible.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate, inspire, and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Masterful communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, capable of captivating audiences and forging lasting relationships.
• Unwavering analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to dissect complex challenges and devise innovative solutions.
• Passion for the beauty industry and Benefit Cosmetics' brand values.

Personal Attributes

• Relentlessly results-oriented, with an unwavering commitment to achieving excellence.
• A strategic thinker who can see the big picture and develop innovative plans to achieve our goals.
• A strong leader who inspires trust, motivates teams, and empowers individuals to reach their full potential.
• An excellent communicator who can convey complex ideas in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.
• A tenacious problem-solver who thrives on challenges and finds creative solutions.
• A collaborative team player who builds strong relationships and fosters a culture of shared success.