EU Retail & Commercial Event Manager

Jellycat Toy Co. Ltd.; Ashton under Hill; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading toy company is seeking a Retail Operations and Event Manager to oversee retail partner activities across Europe. The role involves managing operations, training staff, and executing events to enhance brand engagement. Candidates should have 3-5 years in retail management or event planning, fluency in French and English, and strong leadership skills. The position is remote but requires regular travel to London and around Europe.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in retail management and/or event planning.
• Strong ability to manage budgets and analyze sales data.
• Proficiency in handling multiple tasks and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee partner projects and day-to-day operations.
• Train retail staff for excellent customer service.
• Manage event budgets and vendor negotiations.
• Plan and execute showroom pop-ups and seasonal events.

Skills

Fluency in French

Fluency in English

Leadership skills

Customer service skills

Project management skills

Analytical skills

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Social media tools

CRM tools

Job description

For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family has brought joy, wonder, and playful fun to people of all ages worldwide. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. Their whimsical expressions, soft fabrics, and charming design make each one magical and unmistakable.

The Retail Operations and Event Manager role oversees EU daily operations within our retail partner activities while planning and executing high-quality in-store activations that enhance customer engagement, brand awareness, and revenue growth. This role involves optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring exceptional customer service. The manager will collaborate with marketing, sales, and external vendors to deliver activations aligned with company goals. We seek a dynamic individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with success driven by attention to detail and a focus on luxury. The role requires working to strict deadlines, multitasking across projects, and occasional weekend or evening work depending on launch timings.

This is a remote role, but the successful candidate must be based in Paris. They will work collaboratively with our French team and integrate with the wider European business. Regular travel to our London HQ for team meetings and cross-functional collaboration, as well as travel across Europe, will be required.

You'll be:

• Overseeing partner projects, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of Jellycat activations, including inventory management, merchandising, and relationship management.
• Training retail staff to ensure excellent customer service and operational efficiency.
• Monitoring inventory levels, collaborating with suppliers, and ensuring timely restocking for activations.
• Maintaining high standards of customer service to ensure a positive in-store experience. Every detail matters.
• Managing budgets, project spend, and aftercare when applicable.
• Ensuring compliance with company policies, health and safety standards.
• Planning and executing showroom pop-ups for seasonal selling calendars and display piece roadshows across independent stores.
• Managing event budgets, negotiating with vendors, and ensuring cost-effectiveness while maintaining high event standards.
• Coordinating with vendors, external partners, and sponsors for successful event execution.
• Working with the marketing team to promote events via social media, email campaigns, and other channels. Internal promotion is also important.
• Overseeing all aspects of event logistics, setup, staffing, and breakdown to ensure seamless operations.
• Conducting post-event evaluations, including customer feedback, financial analysis, and recommendations for future improvements.

You'll have:

• Fluency in French and English
• Full driving license and access to your own car
• 3-5 years of experience in retail management and/or event planning, with leadership experience a plus
• Strong leadership and team management skills to motivate and guide staff
• Excellent project management skills, capable of handling multiple tasks and deadlines
• Exceptional customer service skills and a passion for delivering outstanding retail and event experiences in the luxury sector
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, comfortable with presentations and negotiations
• Ability to manage budgets, analyze sales data, and meet financial targets
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with adaptability and creativity under pressure
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with social media and CRM tools is a plus