Key Account Manager

Confidential Global Company; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Global Company in the UK is seeking an experienced commercial professional to lead the development of a growing beauty and skincare business.

You will own the UK retail expansion, build retailer relationships with Boots, Superdrug, Sephora and online platforms, and partner with international teams to shape the market strategy.

Regular travel to retail partners and customer meetings will be expected in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK commercial strategy across modern trade, specialty beauty, and e-commerce.
• Identify and manage relationships with key retail accounts such as Boots, Superdrug, Sephora.
• Own end-to-end retailer processes from prospecting to launch and growth.
• Develop joint business plans to drive distribution, revenue and visibility.
• Negotiate pricing, trade terms, promotions and account profitability.
• Collaborate with marketing and international teams to translate global brand strategy into UK activation.
• Monitor performance, distribution, inventory and promotions to identify opportunities.

Job description

Build the next stage of growth for an international beauty brand in the UK.

We are supporting a confidential search for an experienced commercial professional to lead the development of a growing beauty and skincare business in the United Kingdom.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of UK retail expansion, develop strategic customer partnerships, and build a scalable commercial foundation across major beauty retailers and e-commerce platforms.

About the Opportunity

Our company is an international beauty group with a growing portfolio of skincare and beauty brands, including Skintific. As the business expands its presence in the UK, we are looking for a commercially minded individual who can combine retailer expertise, strong account management, and hands-on execution to establish and grow the brand across the market.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the UK commercial strategy, build retailer relationships, and work closely with international stakeholders in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the UK commercial strategy across modern trade, specialty beauty, and e-commerce channels.
• Identify, develop, and manage relationships with key retail accounts, including Boots, Superdrug, Sephora, and relevant online beauty retailers.
• Own the end-to-end commercial process, from retailer prospecting and buyer engagement through to negotiation, launch, and ongoing account growth.
• Develop joint business plans with retail partners to drive distribution, sell-through, revenue growth, and brand visibility.
• Manage commercial negotiations, including pricing, trade terms, promotional activity, and account profitability.
• Work closely with marketing and international teams to translate global brand strategy into locally relevant UK retail activation.
• Monitor sales performance, distribution, inventory, and promotional effectiveness, using data to identify opportunities and address challenges.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in commercial, sales, or national account management within beauty, skincare, cosmetics, FMCG, or a related consumer category.
• Demonstrated experience managing or developing relationships with UK retailers, preferably within beauty or personal care.
• Strong understanding of the UK retail landscape, including national accounts, specialty beauty, and e-commerce.
• Experience in retailer negotiations, commercial planning, pricing, and promotional management.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to interpret sales data and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Confident communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across different cultures and business functions.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach, comfortable operating with autonomy and taking ownership of outcomes.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a growing business.
• Working Style & Culture
• We are looking for someone who is comfortable working in a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and internationally connected environment.

The ideal candidate will

• Take ownership of their work and make informed decisions independently.
• Communicate clearly and constructively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Be comfortable challenging ideas, sharing perspectives, and contributing to open discussions.
• Work collaboratively across UK and international teams while respecting different working styles and cultural perspectives.
• Be commercially driven, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment.
• Build trusted, professional relationships with retail partners and internal stakeholders.
• What the Opportunity Offers
• The opportunity to shape the UK growth strategy of an international beauty business.
• Direct exposure to major UK retail and e-commerce channels.
• A role with meaningful ownership and the opportunity to build commercial infrastructure from an early stage.
• Collaboration with international teams across a growing beauty portfolio.
• A dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Regular travel to retail partners, customer meetings, and relevant commercial activities will be expected.

Confidential Search

This is a confidential discussion. Further information regarding the company, brand portfolio, and compensation package will be shared with shortlisted candidates.