Country Manager

Benefit Cosmetics UK; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Benefit Cosmetics UK is seeking a dynamic Country Manager to lead its UK operations with a strong focus on retail and wholesale growth, brand building, and financial performance.

You will drive a multi-year strategy, oversee sales channels, partner with marketing, and develop a high-performing team to sustain Benefit's leading market position in the UK.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• Proven track record in sales and operations management with a focus on retail and wholesale.
• Deep understanding of the UK beauty market, consumer trends, and competitive landscape.
• Proven ability to drive revenue growth and manage full P&L.
• Strong strategic thinking with analytical skills and implementation capability.
• History of exceeding sales targets and profitability goals.
• Ability to coach and mentor senior managers and lead diverse teams.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable with high pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive multi-year UK market strategy aligned with global goals.
• Identify growth opportunities, market trends, and competitive landscapes.
• Lead market strategies for new products, categories, and channels.
• Drive innovation and adaptation to evolving consumer needs.
• Own UK P&L including budgeting, forecasting and costs.
• Achieve sales, profit and market share targets.
• Oversee retail, e-commerce and new ventures; build retailer relationships.
• Collaborate with marketing to adapt campaigns for the UK and manage PR/influencer activity.
• Lead and develop a high-performing UK team across functions.
• Ensure compliant operations and strong stakeholder management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L management

Retail & wholesale expertise

Brand building

Financial forecasting

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Market analysis

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/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.

The Country Manager for the UK will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational management, and financial performance of Benefit Cosmetics in the United Kingdom. This role requires a dynamic and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the UK beauty market, a passion for brand building, and a proven track record of driving significant business growth. The Country Manager will lead a diverse team, foster a strong company culture, and ensure Benefit maintains its position as a leading beauty brand in the market. This pivotal role entrusts you with the responsibility of igniting passion within our teams, maximizing profitability through innovative strategies, and ensuring operational excellence across our retail and wholesale channels. Your guidance will be instrumental in shaping the careers of future leaders and driving our brand.

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.