Interim National Account Controller - Skincare -12 Month FTC

SHISEIDO; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading skincare brand in London is seeking an Interim National Account Controller. This pivotal role includes driving sales strategies, managing key accounts, and achieving sales targets. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in retail sales management within the cosmetics sector and strong leadership skills. This position offers competitive benefits and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

26 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday day off

Generous contributory pension scheme – match up to 8%

Private medical insurance

Flexible & hybrid working

Generous product allocation & discount

Qualifications

• Proven senior sales management experience delivering outstanding results.
• Experience in retail sales management within the National Account sector.
• Excellent negotiation skills with a strong understanding of market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead account team to achieve sales and profit targets.
• Develop strategic direction with Commercial Director.
• Manage account service levels and inventory effectively.

Skills

Senior sales management experience

Retail sales management

Strong negotiation skills

Financial acumen

Communication abilities

Team building skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Overview

Interim National Account Controller (Skincare) – Location: Reporting to: Commercial Director

Purpose of Role: As the National Account Controller (NAC) for the Skincare Brands within Shiseido, you will play a critical role as a leader and decision-maker within the sales team and as a key influencer in driving business success. You will be accountable for developing and executing strategic plans, fostering a positive team culture, and establishing strong relationships with key accounts to deliver sales and profit targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead an account team to achieve sales and profit targets for Skincare Brands in designated accounts.
• Co-develop the strategic direction for Shiseido in partnership with Commercial Director.
• Provide sales input in the annual Skincare business planning process.
• Meet business targets for sales and profit with effective account management.
• Manage account trade spend according to agreed standards.
• Deliver Retailer Joint Business Plans (JBP) and track ongoing performance, proposing contingencies as needed.
• Roll-up monthly forecast with the team for the Channel to deliver annual target and agreed phasing and find solutions when there are gaps.
• Be actively involved in the Cost to Serve P&L of key clients as support to the Commercial Director.
• Implement commercial terms and promotional plans to meet brand and sales objectives, working closely with the Activation Team to ensure we win the 4-week battle.
• Maintain successful senior relationships and facilitate broader contact strategy within retailers.
• Manage account service levels and inventory to meet targets and standards, ensuring accurate financial and volume forecasting for accounts.
• Present timely and accurate account performance to the wider business, alongside information and insights to inform commercial plans.
• Provide weekly updates to the Commercial Director on volume and retail sales performance.
• Participate in cross-functional business planning processes within Shiseido.
• Collaborate with the Commercial Director to cultivate a positive, professional, and respected culture within the sales team.
• Support the Commercial Director in driving team success and development.

Qualifications & Skills

Profile:

• Proven senior sales management experience (e.g. Head of Sales or extensive Senior NAM experience) delivering outstanding results in a retail environment.
• Experience in retail sales management within the National Account sector of the cosmetics industry.
• Proven track record of managing wholesale sales in both Brick & Mortar and Pure Player environments.
• Alignment with the group’s “Trust8” working principles: Think Big, Take Risks, Hands on, Collaborate, Be Open, Act with Integrity, Be Accountable, Applaud Success.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, including facilitation and presentations.
• Ability to build and sustain strong relationships at various levels both internally and externally.
• Proficiency in conveying complex topics to diverse audiences and adapting communication style suitably.
• Demonstrated capacity to persuade and influence actions.
• Excellent line management skills, including coaching and developing direct reports.
• Confidence to deputise for the Commercial Director when necessary.
• Skilled in team building and cross-functional collaboration.
• Numeric and financial acumen for trade support budget management and revenue maximization.
• Strong negotiation skills and market dynamics understanding.
• Successful track record in strategic and tactical sales activities management.
• Capability to solve complex business issues with creative solutions.
• In-depth understanding of Health & Beauty sector and retailing trends.

Benefits

• 26 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday day off
• Holiday buy – up to 5 days
• Day off when you get married or move house
• Generous contributory pension scheme – match up to 8%
• Private medical insurance with Vitality
• Enhanced parental allowance
• Generous product allocation & discount
• Life Assurance up to x4 your salary
• Flexible & hybrid working
• Wellbeing programmes
• Annual performance and development reviews so you know your career is going in the right direction

Diversity, Inclusion & Recruitment Note

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our creativity, innovation, and overall success.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or religion and are proud to promote a culture which supports and appreciates people from all backgrounds. We are always open to flexible working, part time arrangements and any adjustments which you might need to get the best experience whilst at work.

We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and ensuring that our hiring practices reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We are proud to be recognised as a disability confident employer and have a number of internal employee forums which promote advocacy for our teams. If you need any support or adjustments during your application, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to support you.

Note: If you do not have the right to work in the UK and would require sponsorship for this role then you must ensure you meet UKVI requirements for the position which may include having a degree level qualification. Please reach out if you need further information on this and whether we offer sponsorship.